Walker, widely acclaimed as one of the best players in the Evo-stik NPL over the last couple of seasons, has joined National League Halifax Town to test his talents in non-league football’s top tier.
Flanagan is sad to see him go but sees no cause for despair.
“We’re fortunate to have some good players at this club, and we’ve had a highly successful season, so we’re lucky that we’ve only lost two so far - Sam, and Darren Thornton who’s gone to Nantwich,” said the Blues boss.
“I’m very sad that Sam has decided to leave but it’s not the end of the world. He’s only one man. We’ve managed without him before and we’ll manage without him again.
“My job is to replace him, and that could be with somebody already at the club or by making a new signing.
“I can fully understand the appeal Halifax would have for Sam. It’s the top level and practically full time. It’s the biggest step you can take in non-league in terms of the wages, the calibre of club, everything.”
Flanagan has already started to bring in new talent but insists there will be no wholesale dismantling of the squad. After two consecutive promotions he has faith in his players and believes they deserve the opportunity to prove themselves at National League level.
He has signed former Ashton United defender Alex Frost, ex-Stalybridge centre-back Tom Buckley, and Northwich Victoria striker Gary Burnett, a man he says has tried to get each year since becoming Curzon manager in 2011.
The intention is to take on the challenge of Vanarama North by playing the style of football that served so well in the Evo-stik League. Flanagan is fully aware that the Blues are going to find themselves up against clubs that are bigger and better resourced but says that whatever happens, he will never use the size of his wage bill as an excuse.
He commented: “It’s a higher level and I’m sure we’ve surprised some people by getting there. All right, it’s unlikely we’ll win a third promotion but at this point I see no reason why we shouldn’t give a good account of ourselves.
“After seven or eight games we’ll know whether we can hack it and if I’ll need to swap things around.”