Peter Simpson

In spite of the splendid league run gates at Stag Meadow have remained frustratingly consistent around the 150 mark.

Lewes (224) and Staines Town (202) are the best league crowds and even the glamour FA Trophy tie against Canvey Island in December drew just 302.

"It is very disappointing that that we are not appealing to the people of Windsor," said the chairman. "Slough Town fans have to travel four or five miles to our ground but they are still managing to sustain similar levels of support to last season.

"We are targeting a figure of 400 for home games next season. If you can get another 200 people in paying about £6 each then that is an extra £1,"00 a game in gate money alone, multiply it by more than "0 and it would be a huge boost to the finances.

"The costs would go up if we are promoted. There would be new players needed and the question of travel, we would probably go into the western section in a new league. It would mean trips to places like Gloucester, Bath and Weston-Super Mare."

At present Windsor only use coaches to go to three or four away games a season. Players tend to share car journeys from the ground or go straight to the games if it is more direct. It is predicted the travel costs alone will be around £5,000 to £6,000 next season.

Simpson has allowed manager Dennis Greene a strong playing budget this season. It was underlined when, after missing out on a money-spinning FA run at the first hurdle this season, he allowed the manager funds to bring in Keith Scott.

"I don¹t think Dennis was expecting to get the money for Keith," added Mr Simpson. "He came to me more in hope than anything and was surprised when we decided to open the till!

"To be honest I was a little worried at first because he wasn¹t scoring too many but he¹s come into his own now. It is a great combination with Craig O¹Connor. Craig¹s a little terrier and Keith the strong man."

The chairman admitted he hoped the recent situation, which has seen the striker transfer-listed for an impromptu trip to Tenerife, would blow over.

"I would like Craig to stay at the club this season and next as well," he added.

"But I also supported Dennis because he needed to show that contracted players just cannot take off like that. I hope this is the end of it."

Many Slough Town fans share the belief that the club¹s rent to share Stag Meadow (£25,000) has funded signings like Scott and Jason Cousins but Mr Simpson insisted that was not the case.

"We owed it to both sides to have a decent pitch and so invested in getting a groundsman and renovating the stadium to make it an OEA¹ grading," he said.

"We spent £8,000 on the pitch alone (and paying rent to Flackwell Heath for reserve games). Any money for transfers has had to be raised separately . None of the Slough money has gone into the playing fund.

"However next season we will not be needing improvement work on the ground and if the same deal exists then it could go to strengthening the squad."