ST Albans City manager Steve Castle is chasing a deal to sign midfield star Jonathan Hunt for next season. Hunt, aged 36, made four starts and five substitute appearances in 2008 and Castle feels the former Premier League footballer is a key man

ST Albans City manager Steve Castle is chasing a deal to sign midfield star Jonathan Hunt for next season.

Hunt, aged 36, made four starts and five substitute appearances in 2008 and Castle feels the former Premier League footballer is a key man in the squad. He said: "He has that vital experience at Premiership and Championship level to pass on to fellow players and the youngsters. He has got a lot of ability and probably needs a bit more strength at this level than he is used to but he would be a great acquisition. It is a question of what we can afford."

Castle also hopes to tie fellow midfield star Paul Bruce to a deal for next season and is continuing discussions with former Arsenal trainee Hassan Sulaiman and Nigerian striker Akanni-Sunday Wasiu. Castle said: "There are quite a lot of negotiations still ongoing. We are quite hopeful of keeping the majority of the lads together. One defeat in 15 games is obviously very good and that is what we would like to continue next season. Paul Bruce is one I would love to keep and we have ongoing negotiations with him. I am hoping that we can sign up a few more to announce before the start of the season.