DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes is facing up to the prospect of losing influential defender Neil Durkin to Nationwide Conference new-boys Leigh RMI.

And three more of his squad have also severed their ties with the Anchormen since the end of last season.

Lee Slater, Michael Douglas and Mark Bennett are likely to be missing when Darwen kick off their First North Western Trains League Second Division campaign next month.

But the loss of classy central defender Durkin is the biggest blow.

The cultured 24-year-old has trained with both Bamber Bridge and Rossendale United already this summer.

But now he looks destined to link up with UniBond Premier Division champions Leigh after joining their pre-season trip to the Isle of Man. "I've got to say I'm a bit annoyed with Neil," said Wilkes. "I know he's not under contract to us but he could have given me a ring out of courtesy.

"When I spoke to him this week he was on the car-park outside Leigh where he told me he was going to the Isle of Man."

Meanwhile, Great Harwood and Clitheroe are both battling over Slater's signature while Douglas has joined the RAF. And Bennett is currently looking for a club at a higher level.

On the plus side, Phil Rose and Andy Bright have returned from Ramsbottom and Great Harwood respectively.

And Wilkes is hoping to tie up a couple of other players over the coming weeks. But the Anchor chief is anticipating a testing season.

"I think it's going to be a difficult year, I really do," said Wilkes. "The four players we've lost our definitely among our stronger."

Darwen start their friendly programme at Bamber Bridge next Saturday. And they have also pencilled in games at Lancaster City (Jul 25 or 27), Longridge Town (August 1), Springfields (Aug 5), and a Burnley XI at The Anchor (Aug 7).