St Albans City have completed the signing of former Shrewsbury and Aldershot Town defender Ben Herd.

The Saints fan has linked up again with manager Ian Allinson after working with him during his time at Boreham Wood.

Allinson told the club website: “He’s a St Albans supporter and he told me he always wanted to play for this club.

“That’s the sort of commitment and romance we’re after. It’s always nice when quality players want to play for City.”

The Saints boss added: “We thought we’d have to fight a few clubs all the way with this one but the player has made the decision quickly and that’s a refreshing feeling. Ben is a fantastic lad and I have no doubt he will improve the team with his ability and experience.

“It’s another declaration that the club are moving forward and the supporters should be very excited with this, our latest addition.”

The experienced defender signed his first professional deal with Watford after coming through the club’s academy. Herd spent two years at Vicarage Road before joining Shrewsbury Town in 2005.

He made over 140 appearances in four seasons including featuring at Wembley in the League Two play-off final.

Herd moved to Aldershot Town where he made more than 150 appearances over four years. During this spell he won the player of the season and the players’ player of the year.

Since then he has played for Dunstable Town, Boreham Wood and Hemel Hempstead.

In other news, Lee Chappell has again been named club captain for the 2016/17 season.

Chappell who had a spell as skipper during the last campaign, has been given the role by Allinson.

The Saints boss said: “Lee was the first one to sign a contract and I want to reward those players who believe in what we trying to achieve here.

“He knows the club, he loves the club and he was the perfect candidate to have the armband.”