St Albans City make David Longe-King their first summer signing

He is no stranger to the Saints after making eight appearances in 2015.

But since departing he has grown as a player and excelled in the Southern League Premier Division Central after arriving at Lee Allinson's Biggleswade Town 12 months ago.

And he feels that personal growth means City fans will see a very different player this time around.

He said: "I was really young during my first period here and wasn't ready for that level of football.

"But I didn't let anyone down and it was an important introduction for me at the time.

"I've developed so much as a player, especially under Lee at Biggleswade and felt this was the right time to make that step-up.

"I'm also a much stronger player now both physically and mentally to cope with the National League South and to be honest I can't wait to get started for pre-season."

The centre-half has been on the radar of City boss Ian Allinson for most of the season but with National League South rivals also circling, he admitted that there was only one move he wanted to make.

He said: "Ian has come down to see me play a few times in the last few months and although I had other options available to me, Clarence Park was the only place I wanted to make my home for the new season.

"We have a manager who I believe can improve me as a player and provide me with the perfect opportunity to perform at the highest possible level."

The City boss himself believes Longe-King has all the tools to become a success at the club.

"He's a great lad and he's progressed magnificently at Biggleswade," said Allinson. "I have to thank Lee and everyone else at Biggleswade for their help in getting this over the line.

"We watched him a few times and he more than held his own when he came up against the likes of Gloucester City and AFC Fylde.

"He knows the level expected of him and I have absolutely no doubt that he'll be a key signing for us."