Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler understood captain Sam Wood’s decision to leave the club last week.

The 35-year-old left-back quit Crabble to rejoin Isthmian Premier Cray Wanderers, the club where he started his career – a drop of two divisions.

Hessenthaler wanted Wood to stay but knew Cray’s offer was too good to turn down.

“It was Woody’s decision,” said Hessenthaler. “He works for the Cray Wanderers chairman (Gary Hillman) on a building site, that’s his day job.

“They are in a sticky position in the league and were looking for a bit more experience. They approached him and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse going forward.

“He is 36 in the summer - he didn’t want to go but it was a decision he had to make for him and his family. He’s got a mortgage and this gives him a bit more security.”

Former Brentford and Wycombe defender Wood has certainly made an immediate impact, helping Cray to two victories in his first two games since returning to the club.

It’s lifted them out of the Isthmian Premier bottom three, despite a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in August.

Hessenthaler disclosed that Wood’s presence has already been missed at Dover.

“He has been a brilliant person for us, the boys loved him and he was great in the dressing room – we’ve already missed having him around,” said the Dover boss.

“He’s an ex-professional and had a good career but I can’t blame him for leaving.

“He did the zoom sessions with the boys during the lockdowns and kept people ticking over.

“I think he’ll be a coach one day, he might not like me for saying it, but he’s got that knowledge of the game.

“It would be nice to have the opportunity to work with him again in the future.”

Wood made 36 appearances for Dover over the past two seasons, scoring twice.