St Albans City joint manager James Gray has insisted that recent squad changes were imperative if the team is to challenge for promotion this season.

The Saints jettisoned striker Peter Dean and last year’s supporters’ players of the year, Richard Graham – the latter being met with criticism from the fans. In their place the management brought in George Sykes on loan from Barnet and Steve Wales from Chesham United while picking up Warren Whitely, who had just been released by Margate.

Speaking at Saturday’s 5-2 win over Burnham, Gray was adamant the changes had to be made.

“We identified what we thought was our weak point, which was goals from midfield,” he explained.

“We managed to boss a few games but didn’t scoring. [Steve] Wales and [Chris] Watters give us a balance with Wales out on the right and Watters is a natural left footer. The pair of them did well today.”

He added: “I really felt that if we kept stumbling along without making these changes we wouldn’t be where we are now. After two defeats [against Truro City and Corby Town] you always look at yourself – you don’t learn anything from wins but learn from defeats and we needed to change things.

“They were difficult directions but I feel we got them right and the lads we brought in have enhanced us.”