Hayes & Yeading player-coach Gary MacDonald has joined Slough Town, the Southern League outfit have announced.

The experienced defender was a key figure on the pitch and in the dressing room at York Road last season in his second spell with the club.

Former United manager Phil Babb installed him as part of the backroom staff and Tristan Lewis had hoped to persuade MacDonald to continue in the Conference South next term.

However, it is believed Lewis saw the veteran playing a role that would increasingly see him spending time in the dugout but the player was keen to kick on with matters on the field.

Trophy tussle: Shaun Lucien is tracked by Gary MacDonald

MacDonald made 20 starting appearances and nine from the bench last season, scoring once, before injury saw his season end early.

Meanwhile, last week saw the announcement of United’s fixture list and the Beaconsfield Road club will start at home to Whitehawk on August 8.

They get their longest trip of the campaign out of the way on August 11 with a midweek journey to Truro City.

Hayes & Yeading sign off for 2015-16 at Gosport Borough.