Danny Cowley insists that the deal which saw Alex Woodyard head south down the A1 to Peterborough United represents good value for the Imps.
Alex Woodyard joined the Posh on Wednesday afternoon for an undisclosed fee following a two-year stay at Sincil Bank.
The 25-year-old made over 100 appearances during his time with the Imps, and while Cowley is sad to see him go, believes City will continue to make positive strides.
"Of course he'll be a loss, he was a key player for us, he's been brilliant for us in the two years he's been at Lincoln, but also before that with myself and Nicky.
"Our relationship with Alex goes well beyond Lincoln, he's been a mainstay in our teams and someone who's been incredibly consistent game in game out.
"Last year we lost Sean Raggett who was a key part of our team, and we still managed to go on to have a successful season.
This year we're losing Alex, and while it's a disappointment because he's been a key player for us, we have to be realistic. The deal represents good value for us, but of course he is going to be difficult to replace.
The fee for Woodyard's move remains undisclosed, but Cowley feels that the revenue generated from the sale can be used wisely to improve the team as a whole.
"When we're offered a deal that represents really good money, then if we think we can reinvest that money to help the team going forward, then we have to make those business decisions, and that's what we've done here," he added.
Woodyard leaves Sincil Bank having scored four times, and the Imps boss hopes that the supporters will remember the former Braintree man for his commitment and efforts during a successful era for City.
"We wouldn't be in the position that we're in without Alex's contribution," Cowley said.
"He's been a key figure in all of the successes that we've had over the last two years and I'm sure that Lincoln City supporters are disappointed to see him go, but will remember him for all of his wholehearted performances."