St Albans City new boy Rhys Hoenes is looking forward to lighting up Clarence Park with his electric pace – as he makes the step up to the Vanarama National League South.

The 23-year-old arrives from Southern League Division One Central side Royston Town, having played for Barton Rovers before that.

He scored 16 goals in 48 appearances for the Crows, and helped win over 20 penalties, but the season ended in heartbreak following a play-off semi-final defeat to Rushden & Diamonds.

He was all set to sign on again at Garden Walk before being persuaded by Lee Allinson to join City.

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

“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.”

Manager Ian Allinson called Hoenes’ pace “frightening” and the attacking wide man hopes his style of play will be a hit with the Saints supporters.

He said: “I was playing on the left-hand side of a front three last season. I can play either side but I prefer the left.

“I had a good season last year. I scored a few goals and won a few penalties. Defenders don’t like playing against pace and I guess that’s what most fans like to see.”

For now though Hoenes just wants to get cracking and meet his new team mates.

He continued: “I’m good mates with Joe Welch but obviously he’s now at Chelmsford. I don’t know many [of the players] but it’s like any club, once I’ve been there a few weeks it will be like we have known each other forever.

“For me I want to play as many games as possible and have a good season.

“Hopefully we can have a good year.

“This is a well-supported club, a big club. There’s no reason why we cannot be up around the play-offs.”