Former Queens Park Rangers forward Charlie Austin has signed for Hungerford Town, joining the Southern League Premier South side a week after leaving Basingstoke Town.
The 36-year-old forward, a modern Swindon Town favourite and ex-Queens Park Rangers top scorer, moves back to his hometown club as he continues part-time football alongside media work. The switch keeps Austin in the same division after an injury-affected spell at Basingstoke, and follows previous non-league stints with AFC Totton and Poole Town.
Hungerford move made for fitness, family and familiarity
Hungerford Town confirmed the signing after the striker opted to step away from Basingstoke for a club closer to home. The veteran cited proximity, existing relationships and the desire to play regularly as key factors, with the Crusaders providing a practical platform as he manages his workload following a calf issue sustained at Taunton Town.
🚨 NEW SIGNING ALERT 🚨
He’s back where it all began…We’re buzzing to welcome @chazaustin10 home to Hungerford Town! From the Bulpit to the Premier League and back, Charlie brings experience, leadership, & passion
Let’s make more memories, Charlie!@SkySportsNews @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/3Bfl8XspMg
— Hungerford Town FC (@HungerfordTown) November 5, 2025
“It is nice to be back and I am looking forward to it, but I just needed to get back playing. At Basingstoke I played 4 games, picked up a kick and couldn’t shake off the calf for about 10 days.
“There is no getting away from it, this is 5 minutes from my house, I know the manager, I know a couple of the lads, and I still have the hunger to play.”
The striker added a dose of realism about his role at Hungerford: “What everyone needs to be aware of is that I am 36. I am an experienced pro, but someone with the hunger to play, or else I would not be here.”
Ex-QPR headline acts and career context
Austin is best known nationally for his prolific spell with Queens Park Rangers, where he scored 61 goals across 2 stints and won the Championship play-offs in 2014. He also hit 18 Premier League goals in 2014/15, earning an England call-up during a top-flight run that included moves to Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.
🗣️ “A young, hungry manager that will have you off your seat…”
Danny Rohl was assistant manager at Southampton when Charlie Austin was a player – he says Rangers fans should be “excited” about the prospect of him taking charge ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/olER6YseuU
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 20, 2025
Across two spells with Swindon Town he netted 60 in 132, while more recently he helped AFC Totton to promotion before brief time at Basingstoke.
For Hungerford Town, the signing adds proven finishing, leadership and profile to a squad competing in a tight Southern League race. For Austin, it is a pragmatic step that balances fitness, family and the competitive edge that has underpinned a career spanning the National League, the EFL and the Premier League.
The ex-QPR forward now targets game time and momentum in Berkshire, with the Crusaders hopeful his experience can translate quickly into goals.
