Kingstonian boss Alan Dowson has revealed former centre-back Jon Boardman left a parting gift by recommending former team-mate Gary MacDonald as his replacement.
Boardman, who captained Ks during pre-season, quit the club this week to join Southern League Division One Hungerford Town leaving Ks short of resources at the back.
Dowson moved swiftly to add former Peterborough United, Woking and Havant & Waterlooville defender MacDonald, 30, to his ranks following a tip-off from the Berkshire-bound player he had hoped would lead his back line.
"It was important to move quickly to replace Jon, whilst we're still preparing for the season and he himself mentioned his former teammate might be available," added the manager.
"Gary has lots of experience and reads the game well so will be an important part of our defence.
"It's a disappointment to lose Jon as he's a good, experienced player, but he's had a change in circumstances which meant he could no longer fully commit to our schedules.
"He enjoyed his time with us and we were pleased to have him, but it wouldn't have been in our interests to keep a player in those circumstances."
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