St Albans City joint manager James Gray insists Ben Martin's move to Boreham Wood is best for both parties after the captain left Clarence Park.

Conference South leaders Boreham Wood issued a seven-day approach for the defender and made a lucrative offer which was accepted by Martin who played 212 games for City.

Gray believes the Saints have plenty of cover at centre-back and with his history of injuries felt the move suited both clubs.

Gray said: “Boreham Wood put in the seven day approach and felt it was the right move. It’s never good to lose your skipper some teams have the means and budget which we can’t compete with.

“It’s a great move for him and I felt it was the right time for him and us. It’s been well documented he’s struggled with injuries and this is probably best for both parties.

The manager added: “We sat down with him and the offer he got was a very good one which we were never able to match. We felt it was the right time for him to move on.

“We have cover at the minute and have Darren Locke and Omar Beckles here while we’re hoping to secure Ian Gayle for another month. I feel we have adequate cover at the moment but if we need to we can always look to bring someone in.”

James Comley will step up to replace Martin as the new captain and Gray believes the midfielder has all the credentials to succeed in this role.

The manager said: “James will step up from vice captain. It’s a good time for him to take on that responsibility and he can excel even more. It is a great experience and he has all the attributes as a natural leader.”

The Saints face a difficult trip to second-placed Bromley this weekend as the start of their busy festive schedule gets underway.

Gray said: “They were in my top three teams to get automatic promotion this season because of their resources and financial pulling power. They are a force to be reckoned with and have won six of their last seven matches.

“This will be one of the toughest tests this season. But if we can play to our potential then we’re capable of giving anybody a game.”

The Saints did not play last weekend but head into the match with momentum after a 2-0 victory at Kings Langley last Tuesday in the Herts Senior Cup second round.

A brace from John Frendo took his tally to five goals in just two cup appearances this season. The win earned the Saints a home tie against Hadley next month.

Gray said: “The game was quite tough due to the horrendous weather conditions. But there were plenty of positives as we managed to get the win and keep a clean sheet.

“It was all about getting through the match and we’ve managed to get into the next round so that was the main thing.”

The Saints defeated Hitchin Town 2-0 in a friendly on Monday night after goals from Frendo and Sam Corcoran.

After City’s match at Bromley, the Saints host Hemel Hempstead Town on Boxing Day before visiting Sutton United on Sunday, December 28.