Boreham Wood have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of St Albans City captain Ben Martin.

Martin, 32, joins Ian Allinson's side from Conference South rivals St Albans and lists Welling United, Chelmsford City, Staines Town, Leighton Town, Wealdstone, Swindon Town and Lincoln City amongst his former employers.

The Wood only have two senior centre-halves - Josh Hill and Callum Reynolds - and manager Allinson was quick to acknowledge the importance of boosting that number.

He told the club's website: “Ben was great for Welling when they won promotion from the Conference South 18 months ago and he was very good for St Albans City when they came to Meadow Park earlier this season. 

Allinson continued: “It's not ideal to play both of my central defenders in pretty much every minute of every league game and that was a massive worry to both myself and my assistant Luke Garrard.

"That lack of strength was finally exposed after I put an on loan youngster (Harry Hickford) in at centre-half against Concord Rangers in the FA Trophy. I knew if I did not correct this problem, it could well undo much of our good work."

Martin only joined the Saints from Welling United in the summer, having won the 2013/14 Conference South title with the Wings last season.

Chairman Danny Hunter added: “Getting Ben’s signature is exciting for our club and I know the manager is very pleased. We’re all hoping that Ben’s experience and leadership skills can help us further advance our ambitions.

"We are a young squad and Ben has twice won promotion out of this division and can add strength to our ranks. Ian feels Ben’s experience will not only enhance’s our squad but will ease the pressure on our existing two centre halves, who have been exceptional but it’s a fact they have both had to play every minute of every league game."