FORMER Reading FC favourite James Harper has joined Hungerford Town, managed by his long-time friend Bobby Wilkinson.

Having signed him from Hayes & Yeading, Wilkinson said the 35-year-old midfielder “will bring quality and experience to the evolving Crusaders squad”.

Ex-Arsenal youngster Harper, who played more than 300 league games for the Royals and spent two seasons in the Premier League, is set to make his Hungerford debut in their home National League South game against Poole on Saturday.

  • SPECTATORS were a little surprised when Woodley United pair Josh Drew and Jake Nicholls failed to reappear for the second half of the Hellenic League Division One East game against Finchampstead last Saturday, especially as they had both performed well for the first 45 minutes.

When asked the reason why, the fans were told the players had gone off to see Justin Bieber at the O2 Arena in London.

On that basis, there must be a good chance of several players not being available this Sunday, as I notice Little Mix are appearing at Wembley’s SEE Arena.

  • READING Athletic Club will shortly be saying goodbye to popular secretary Christine Bradfield, as she is planning to move closer to her son who lives in South Wales.

Christine, whose husband Derek was club president up to his death early last year, has held the role for 10 years, having first joined the club in 1980.

  • WHILE a new cricket bat was the top one, raffle prizes at Reading Midweek Cricket League’s awards dinner last weekend also included a Cornish pasty and a pineapple.

Yes, a bit bizarre, but perhaps a shade more attractive than one of the goodies in the raffle at Peppard Stoke Row CCs presentation dinner.

Asked to provide a prize, one of the players donated a signed photograph – of himself!