Frater & Fisher the latest to head out the Clarence Park door

THE end of the season can’t come quick enough for St Albans City.

With the club’s relegation from Blue Square Bet South all but confirmed following the Football Association’s decision to reject the club’s appeal, the Saints have been dealt a blow on the playing side too with captain Ryan Frater and midfielder James Fisher, two of the club’s most experienced players with over 100 appearances each, leaving the club.

Fisher has decided to take a break from football after coming in for a lot of criticism from certain sections this season while Frater has agreed a move to Zamaretto Central Division promotion hopefuls Arlesey Town.

“James has decided to have a sabbatical from football,” manager Steve Castle revealed after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Dartford.

“The whole situation’s just got on top of him. I don’t look at websites personally but I was aware that he was getting a fair bit of criticism.

“He hasn’t been playing his best, people who have been coming over here for those 100 games will have seen him play some outstanding games. He’s played some outstanding games very recently but he’s also had some very poor games.

“He’s a great lad, I wish him all the best, there’s no animosity with any of these boys. It’s been very, very difficult with certain situations and if people have had enough they’ve had enough.

“I just hope and pray that those are left – and there aren’t many - will stay until the end of the season and we’ll go out with a bit of dignity.”

Frater meanwhile has linked up with former Saint Dave Deeney at Arlesey until the end of the season with the club expecting their former skipper to return to Clarence Park for pre-season training.