Woodham expecting more departures at Windsor after Hicks signs for Marlow

He says the club will miss the 23-year-old defender after he made the step up to play for Marlow in the Southern League Division One Central.

"He's done well for us and we've done well for him.

"It's a good opportunity for him.

"He's got enough to play at a higher level than where he's gone and I hope he does."

Woodham still has four other central defenders at his disposal so he is no rush to bring in new blood.

On the other hand, if gaps do appear in the squad he is prepared to scout for some fresh faces.

"Two or three more will definitely leave and if we've got nothing to replace them we'll put some feelers out," he said.

"We knew Dan was leaving so we made provisions.

"We've got some good footballers and we will try to keep them but if they want to go and get paid we won't stand in their way."

Woodham added that it was all very quiet at Stag Meadow as staff and players enjoy a brief break before pre-season starts again next month.

"We are really quiet here I do not expect anything to happen pre-season. Anyone who wants to come will turn up to training on June 26.

"We are fairly settled, we have had two or three (players) that are leaving, other then that we are all good."

Windsor FC make link with East Berkshire Football League

The new side, which will be managed by John Brennan and compete in the EBFL Premier Division, will train with the first team and increase competition for places.

It will contain a mixture of youth team players and local footballers committed to helping Windsor push for promotion from the Combined Counties Premier, where they finished sixth last year.

Windsor boss Mick Woodham says the move will strengthen the structure of the club and is looking forward to working with Brennan, the former player-manager of East Berkshire club Huntercombe FC.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Woodham said: "John will run a team on a Saturday under the umbrella of Windsor FC. It will include local people, youth team members and players who can't get a game in the first team.

"It gives us strength in depth and make the first team stronger. We can groom the youth team into men's football, give them experience and toughen them up a bit.

"It's about introducing more local people to the club and gives them the chance to play in the Combined Counties League, if they are committed and good enough.

"We're putting ourselves out there a little bit but John understands the discipline side of things and the structure of the club. The structure needs to improve and this is another step in the right direction."

Brennan, who is also a professional boxer, added: "This is something I've been chasing since the start of last season, to move grassroots football forward at a local level in Slough and Windsor.

"It's a move in the right direction and we're buzzing for pre-season with lots of players."