City boss wants the club to act quickly this summer to address off the field issues

ST ALBANS CITY boss Steve Castle is hoping the summer break can be used to get the club back on track following their relegation from Blue Square Bet South.

The Saints’ season came to an end on Saturday at Dover Athletic where they lost 4-1 and could only name a squad of 13 players following the departure of a number of experienced players in the weeks previous leaving Castle glad to see the back of a turbulent season.

“It hasn’t been good, there’s been so much turmoil and hopefully with this break everything can settle down and the football club can move forward,” Castle said after the Dover defeat.

“It’s been a real tough time. It’s been the toughest time I’ve experienced both in my playing and coaching career.

“But I’d like to put it to bed. It’s all been done and dusted five or six weeks ago and we move on because this football club deserves to be at the top of a league lower than the Conference South and then hopefully competing back there in a year or so’s time.

Rumours continue to circuclate regarding a possible takeover of the club but Castle says whoever is in charge needs to start making decisions sooner rather than later.

He said: “Whoever the personnel may be, whether in the boardroom, at management level or playing level, it’s got to be sorted out and sorted out sharp in my opinion for us to make a consolidated effort to get back up and be a winning team and hope that it is one step backwards and two forwards.”

Castle revealed his admiration for the players that have stuck with him this season and says preparations for next season will begin this week.

“I’ve got so much respect for everybody that has been coming down and turning up,” explained Castle.

“That’s the players and the supporters and the directors. Even myself if you like, we’ve stuck with it and it hasn’t been easy.

“I’ve just said to the boys in there ‘thank you for staying with me.’ I’ve got nothing but accolades for the players. It’s been as tough as I’ve ever known it.

“I’m going to have the lads in on Wednesday (May 4) and obviously there are contracts to be discussed for the ones that are on contract.

“There are other lads who may or may not get opportunities elsewhere. It’s up in the air and it shouldn’t be.

“I think there are just so many things with myself and the assistant manager and if we are going to get ourselves back there has to be a combined effort. All the nonsense that has gone before has to be forgotten and we have to carry on and move on.”

The Saints Reserves went down 4-2 to Dunstable Town in the Division One Cup Final on Bank Holiday Monday.

Mickey Fiori and Alexis Nicolas scored for Saints who had Dan Bishops sent off for an alleged stamp.