City boss hoping Trophy run can make up for FA Cup disappointment

ST ALBANS City boss David Howell is hoping his players can use their FA Cup disappointment to spur them on to a good run in the FA Trophy.

The Saints welcome Ashford Town (Middlesex) to Clarence Park in the First Qualifying Round this Saturday and they will be hoping their Trophy adventure will last longer than the two rounds they played in the FA Cup before exiting to East Thurrock United.

“We went out of the FA Cup without much of a whimper so I think the lads are just looking forward and grateful to be involved in such a big cup competition and to try and get something out of it which we didn’t really in the FA Cup,” said Howell.

“We had one win in the FA Cup but it was a bit disappointing but that disappointment... can harness the team together and help us to move forward – I’m not saying it was worth the exit but at least we can ease the pain of it.”

Ross Dedman made his debut for Potters Bar Town this week after signing dual registration terms with the Ryman Division One North side and Howell says some more his squad may have to follow Dedman’s lead in a bid to get games.

“The squad’s still taking shape and I’m still trying to make the squad as strong as I can,” he explained.

“That might mean players having to go away and get matches on a dual registration or playing elsewhere.

“Some of the lads went and played for the reserves at London Colney at the weekend – Marvin (Alebiosu), Adam Fry and I’ve got to look at Joakim (Ehui). I’m just looking to get the squad a bit fitter and a bit tighter and if that means trimming it down then I’ll have to do that as well.”

City got back to winning ways against Frome Town on Saturday as two Sakho Bakare goals sealed a 2-1 win. Despite Bakare’s goalscoring heroics it was defender Ryan Moran who impressed Howell most.

“He (Moran) was my Man of the Match today because Ryan has been guilty, at times, of letting his frustration get the better of him in a game situation but we’ve worked on it with the help of the chairman I might add with a bit of psychology. He’s done really well.

“Ryan was really our first port of call [which Frome] had to break down. Ryan was there with his head, his body and tackling and for me it was his best game.”

* The club is looking to appoint a commercial manager to help develop commercial revenues through advertising, hospitality and sponsorship initiatives.

The successful applicant will have proven sales and marketing capabilities in the leisure and/or sports sectors. Remuneration will be negotiable, based on a weekly retainer and commission on sales individually generated.

Applicants are asked to contact and send a cv to the club’s vice-chairman Nick Archer at nick.archer@gsp-stalbans.co.uk

* The Saints are running a team and supporters’ coach to the Saints’ game at Bashley on Saturday, October 29. The coach will depart at 10.30am from the Clarence Park entrance to the ground. Since the coach has a limited number of seats available, booking early is advisable.

To book a seat call Ian Rogers on 07714 145862 or visit the club shop this Saturday. The cost is �19 for adults and �12 for juniors.