Saints preparing for run-in with current squad

St Albans City fans shouldn’t expect any more new signings this season following joint manager James Gray’s admission that he is preparing for the 12-game run-in to the end of the season with the current squad.

The Saints are currently 10th in the Vanarama Conference South with 36 points from 27 games.

Joint managers Gray and Graham Golds secured four signings in recent weeks – Michael Malcolm, Jamal Lowe, Manny Soetan and Connor Roberts – and, after a win against Concord Rangers and a Saturday’s draw 1-1 with Maidenhead United, are content with the players at their disposal.

“The boys have a zest for [football], a new lease of life and I’m really happy with the boys we’ve got so we’ll probably run with this [squad] for the rest of the season,” he said.

“We’ve got 12 games left and we’ll try to pick up as many points as possible but we’ll have a keen eye on next season. We want to see where we can strengthen.

“We’re not giving up on anything, though. If we get on a run then we can push into the play-offs. Without that hope football can become stale.”

While safety seems assured – City are 13 points clear of the relegation zone – St Albans have a hellish April, with a trip to Gosport Borough sandwiched between home ties against Eastbourne Borough and Ebbsfleet.

Still, Gray believes his side are “too good” to be drawn into a dog fight at the bottom, leaving him to focus on identifying key players for the 2015/16 campaign.

One of those is Omar Beckles. The former Hornchurch defender is line for a deal with the club.

“We’ll try to secure the boys we feel will do a job next season, Omar will definitely be one of them,” he said. “He is a rare footballer. He can play anywhere, he’s quick, good with both feet and good in the air.”

He added that Beckles is a “ready-made” replacement for Ian Gayle when he returns to Dagenham and Redbridge on February 16. That remains in doubt for now, though, as Gray is still trying to secure him until the end of the season.