WORCESTER City have confirmed the departures of forward Sean Brain and midfielder Ryan Winwood.

The pair follow the likes of Andy Nicol, Nat Kelly and Ben Birch in leaving the club ahead of the 2021/22 non-league football season.

Brain has been a standout performer for City since joining in 2019 from Coleshill Town. His tricky runs and pace always provided a threat for Worcester going forward and often contributed with goals and assists, which will be sorely missed.

Winwood only made the move to City last summer and after a very stop start 2020/21 campaign due to Covid, he has not had the chance, like so many, to really show what he can produce.

Both players have previously played at a higher level than City's Step Five and no doubt they will be quickly snapped up.

The announcement came a day after City confirmed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Billy Shaw from Halesowen Town on loan.

Shaw has risen through the ranks at the Northern Premier League side for a number of years and has signed on loan until 1st January 2022 with a view to a possible extension and has permission to play in the FA Cup.

On completion of the signing, manager Tim Harris said:

"Billy played against us in a training game a couple of months ago and I have since watched him play for Halesowen," he said.

"I have been impressed with his ability, so I am absolutely delighted to be working with Billy for the season ahead. He could certainly be one for the future if he works hard and shows the right application. I would like to thank all at Halesowen Town and Manager Paul Smith for allowing Billy out on loan to gain some valuable experience which we hope will be a win, win situation for everyone."

City will be back in action this weekend when their pre-season schedule gets underway at Cheltenham Saracens (3pm kick-off).