DLK pegged for bigger role at St Albans City this season

St Albans City’s management team is sizing up defender David Longe-King for an extended role this season.

The 19-year-old defender made one substitute appearance for the Saints last season. He spent the majority of the year on dual registration with Dunstable Town.

Longe-King has featured in all four pre-season friendlies and was the surprise of the match in the loss to Watford. He won most of his headers, tackled well and his distribution was simple. He did give away a penalty with a brash challenge, but it came late in the game when most of the team were struggling to keep up with their League Two opponents.

“I’m really hopeful for him this season,” said joint manager James Gray.

“He had offers from teams in the leagues below, which he wanted to take up, but I want to keep him here. With the coaching we do, and if I can keep having a word in his ear, he’ll get better and better.”

Gray added: “He’s a big, strong lad who is young and going to learn. I want him to progress like I think he can because I’ve got big hopes for him.”

James Comley is also a believer in Longe-King, pegging him for a big future in the game.

“Look at the size of him, with a big of experience he could be playing at this level or higher. It’s up to him really,” he said.

“If he gets in and around the first team this year and a couple of loan spells, he could be ready for the next couple of seasons.”