City boss wants changes following relegation

ST ALBANS City manager Steve Castle says he is not prepared to go through another season like the current one.

This campaign has been played out against a backdrop of off-the-field issues, most notably the Football Association’s decision to dock the club 10 points for financial irregularities which resulted in the Saints being relegated from Blue Square Bet South on Saturday following a 4-0 defeat to Ebbsfleet and Castle says he is not willing to suffer the same frustrations again.

“I’m not going through another year like this, no way,” he said following Saturday’s relegation.

“I think everything’s got to be sorted out, not just my position but the players’ position, the board’s position and hopefully the sooner the better because it’s not just going the club any good.

“I think I’ve called all my favours in from people who are in and around football. We’ve had lads from Charlton, we’ve had them from Leyton Orient, we’ve had them from Peterborough, we’ve had them from Brentford. They’re all coming for nothing, they’re all in my opinion putting the effort in but what you need is lads that are under contract, that know they are secure.

“I’m talking about Conference South players and next year Ryman Premier players that know they are secure rather than just college lads that you’re putting on a contract thinking he may or may not do it. That’s not going to work.”

The Saints were dealt a blow on Saturday with Conor Gough recalled by Charlton and Inih Effiong getting stuck on the M25.

“It just seems to get worse and worse,” said Castle.

“We had Inih Effiong who was stuck on the M25 which ruled him out of starting. Now we’re relegated I don’t know what we’re going to field.”