Ian Allinson has left Boreham Wood to become St Albans City manager with Wood chairman Danny Hunter likening it to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson joining Liverpool.

Allinson, 58, will succeed interim boss Harry Wheeler who has been in charge since December after Graham Golds and Jimmy Gray stepped down.

The former Wood boss only returned to Meadow Park in November to become director of football.

He had left the National League new-boys after their switch to daytime training with his former assistant, Luke Garrard, taking up the reins.

The Saints are currently bottom of the National League South and three points from safety.

Speaking to the club's website, Wood Chairman Danny Hunter said: “I was taken back initially when Ian first told me he was leaving, especially as it was St Albans, but on reflection I shouldn’t ever be shocked when it relates to football. 

“The director of football role wasn’t working for Ian and he told me he just didn’t enjoy it.

"I could understand that because I understand him. By accepting this new managerial challenge he is doing what he wants to do and I’m pleased for him.

“He wants to look forward to being a committed, hard-working manager once again on a Saturday afternoon and wants to shape a team in his image.

"He’s taken on a pressure situation, that’s for sure, and he knows he’s got to hit the ground running.

"Only time though will tell if Lawrence Levy, the St Albans board and the Saints supporters give Ian the time to turn St Albans City’s fortunes around.

“That will certainly not be easy in the short term. They’re sitting bottom of the Conference South for a reason and that’s a similar predicament to the one we’re experiencing ourselves at the moment, as league tables rarely lie at this stage of a season."

The Saints are Wood's local rivals and the two teams were both in the National League South until Wood's Play-Off Final triumph.

But Hunter insists that won't be an issue. He said: "Of course it will be strange to think that Ian will be leading them. That said, both sets of fans and players now seem to enjoy what has become a healthy rivalry. 

“I will though not patronise Ian, the Saints fans or any of our supporters. Rivalry in local football is healthy if managed correctly but it’s still rivalry nonetheless. 

"Ian has, no matter how I paint it, decided to join the other side and as such I already know what the Wood Army’s reaction will be.

"That reaction, though, is perfectly understandable as it's a bit like Sir Alex Ferguson joining Liverpool."

Hunter added: “Ian will always be my friend and will always be very welcome at our place whenever he visits.

"What we have achieved together cannot be erased. It was done over a number of years and it was achieved with a committed staff, with committed players, with a vision to progress, but importantly, with trust and patience.

"As such Ian’s relationship with me and his legacy at the club is assured and will always transcend any local rivalry."