Departed winger Rhys Hoenes revealed he loved his time at Royston Town but felt a move to Vanarama National League South side St Albans City was too good an offer to refuse.

The 23-year-old was a pivotal part in the Crows’ run to the Southern League Division One Central play-off semi-finals last season, banging in 16 goals in 48 appearances and helping to win over 20 spot-kicks via his electric pace.

Hoenes said he was close to re-signing with Steve Castle’s Royston but was persuaded by City assistant-manager Lee Allinson.

Hoenes said: “Lee got hold of me and asked if I wanted to meet.

“I decided I would and I think this is the right time for me to step up.

“I loved it at Royston and a lot of the players wanted to go up with the club. Unfortunately we got beat in the play-offs but that’s football.

“It was a hard decision as they were really good to me but this is a smart move. [St Albans] are a good club. This is a good chance for me to see whether I can do it at that level.”