IT STARTS HERE SEASON OPENER AT CLARENCE PARK SET TO SHINE

SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 2019 I 3.00PM KICK OFF I V CHIPPENHAM TOWN I NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF ST ALBANS CITY FOOTBALL CLUB £2.50

DIRECTORS Lawrence Levy, John McGowan,

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS WELCOME Rex Winn & GeoV Brown

CLUB SECRETARY Leigh Page

PRESIDENT Malcolm Macmillan

AMBASSADOR Clive Walters

MATCH SECRETARY Nick Crowther

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Felix Treanor

STADIUM MANAGER Leigh Page

MANAGER Ian Allinson

GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO CLARENCE PARK FOR THE KIT MANAGERS: FIRST GAME OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH AGAINST John Feneley & Graham Allinson CHIPPENHAM TOWN FOR WHAT IS THE 40TH SEASON OF THE MEDIA TEAM NATIONAL LEAGUE. Lee Wood, Jake Ellacott, Ian Hall & Michael Hill

STADIUM ANNOUNCERS: A warm welcome to the Directors and officials of Chippenham, and Jonny Seabrook & Danny Smith wish Mark Collier his staff and the players all the best for next season in the National, and hope that you have a safe journey home back to SUPPORTERS TRUST REPRESENTATIVE Wiltshire. This is the first time we have played Chippenham since Zane Ian Rogers Banton suffered a broken leg, it is good to see Zane on the road to COMMUNITY MANAGER recovery as should be available for selection in the next 4 to 6 weeks if all Phill Coates goes well. I would like to thank the medical team and Chippenham for CLUB HISTORIANS all the support they gave Zane on the day. You can read more about David Tavener & Peter Taylor Zane’s story in an exclusive interview in today’s programme. OWNERSHIP The legal name of St Albans City Football Club For those of you that are member we will soon be running our first draw is St Albans City Football & Athletic Club Ltd, for pairs of EFL tickets in September curtiousy of Mitre, it is not to late to Company No 01922742. join the membership scheme just visit our website and click on the The ultimate owners are Lawrence Levy tickets tab and go to membership. The benefits include, Promotional and John McGowan. offers in the club shop and bar, 10% discounts in the club shop, 50% discount on Football Manager 19 [upon release,\ Priority orders and 10% PROGRAMME DESIGNED BY Ember Designs discount for the new away kit and invite to a launch event, free entry to [email protected] a brand new Saints’ fantasy football league [with prizes\, match day 07879 496 220 admission discounts, access to exclusive interviews with the manager and players throughout the season, 30% discount on our ‘Player Sponsorship’ packages along with a 20% discount on Mascot packages, Quarterly draws for an evening with the manager, Exclusive draws throughout the season to win tickets to EFL games courtesy of Mitre, Free admission to all St Albans City academy and Watford U23’s games at Clarence Park along with a Personalised Membership card.

Our player sponsorship packages are know available, if you would like to sponsor your favourite player pop into the shop today for details.

Enjoy todays game

Leigh Page

St Albans City Football Club Page Three PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING THE SAINTS FOR THE 2018/19 SEASON

OFFICE 01923 853855 MOBILE 07801 265321

EMAIL [email protected] WWW.CONKERNATION.CO.UK LAWRENCE LEVY BOARDROOM GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO CLARENCE PARK FOR THE START OF THE 2019/20 SEASON. Today’s opponents are We recently announced the new tickets for EFL fixtures, courtesy of Chippenham Town FC and we relationship with Watford FC our partnership with Mitre. extend a warm welcome to the where we’ll host a number of U23 players, officials and supporters for fixtures at Clarence Park On the pitch, we have added a this National League South fixture. throughout the season. number of players to our squad and I, for one, look forward to The closed season has been busy It’ll be great to see a number of seeing the team in a competitive at the club. I am pleased to tomorrow's premiership stars environment after having a solid formally welcome Ian to his fullZ playing in St Albans and I’m preZseason. time role at the club. particularly excited about the emerging relationship between Enjoy the game today and I wish We had a number of discussions the two clubs. Ian and the lads a successful over many months concerning season. the club's vision for the short and We have also announced our new medium terms, both on and off membership scheme. The benefits COYS! the field, and I feel that this vision include free entrance to the and our way of working matched Watford U23 games, as well as Lawrence Levy Ian’s own ideas perfectly. members having access to free

v BARNET MATCH ACTION IMAGES FROM OUR 1-0 WIN OVER BARNET HERE AT CLARENCE PARK LAST WEEKEND.

Photos courtesy of Danielle Machin daniellemachinphotography.com

St Albans City Football Club Page Five IAN ALLINSON MANAGER A very warm welcome back to I’m not going to stick my neck out Clarence Park for our opening and make any predictions. We’ve fixture of this new 2019/20 fallen short of the playZoffs from National League South season. challenging positions for a couple of years now, so our primary aims It’s always good to get underway at have to be to make a decent start, to home, but we’re aware that our get into ` and stay in ` the play off opponents today will be as mix, and then keep the challenge determined as we are to get off to a going when we get to the sharp end winning start, and will provide stiff of the season and the pressure is on. opposition. We’ll need to build on what I feel was a positive and Getting the likes of David Noble and constructive preZseason if we’re to Scott Shulton back into contention start with a victory here this has been like making a couple of afternoon, but confidence is high, new signings after losing them at and we feel that we are ready for the end of last year, and I think our what the division has to throw at us. style of play has already benefitted as a result of their influences. We It’s always a tough first month, with have Zane ready to get back the games coming thick and fast. involved as well, and have already We’ve taken that into consideration shown that we can be more of a in maintaining a slightly larger threat down the flanks this season, squad than we’ll perhaps be so the signs are promising. It’s now carrying through most of the up to the lads to deliver when it campaign, once we’re back to a matters. game a week or so. We all know how difficult and challenging it can Today we’re without Tom Bender, be to bounce back from a poor start, who’s out suspended, and Joe so it seemed prudent to make sure Howe, who had prior commitments we had sufficient cover across the that were made clear to us when positions to carry us through this we signed him. Scott has also picked initial twoZgamesZaZweek period, up a niggling injury and we’ll be and to keep as many options open assessing him ahead of picking the as possible as we look to get those side for today’s game. Otherwise we early points on the board. have a strong squad to select from this afternoon. I thought that we had a good mix of friendlies that have helped us to get We’ve done what we needed to, and up towards the levels of match prepared well, for today’s big kick off, fitness required while at the same with a couple of training sessions to time pushing and stretching us as follow the preZseason games. I do these games need to do. And all of believe we are in the right place which has given me a pretty good mentally for what is a very intense idea of where we need to focus our August. We have eight games this efforts, including any remaining month, including tough trips to recruitment efforts. Dartford and Dulwich directly after this one. We benefitted from We played some really attractive fantastic support last season and football at times, and were largely look forward to the same this time solid at the back when we needed around. I hope you enjoy today’s to be, and the calibre of some of the game and look forward to inviting goals we scored, against Watford you back here for the visit of and Barnet in particular, really Braintree on Tuesday 13th. impressed me. Ian

LEAGUE NEWS All the latest news from around the National League South

DORKING WANDERERS Dorking Wanderers Ready For Biggest Challenge Yet says White

Marc White is relishing the opportunity of leading Dorking Wanderers into the Vanarama National League South for the first time this season.

After securing an eleventh promotion in April, the Owner/First-Team Manager admits the test of sixth-tier football will be the toughest since forming the Club twenty years ago. The Wanderers travel to Slough Town on the opening day of the campaign this afternoon “It’s going to be a big step up “The boys that want to get compared to what we’ve ever been themselves into the first choice team Speaking to the Club’s YouTube used to. We’ll just have to take it one didn’t do themselves many favours”, channel, White said: “I’m pretty game at a time”. he admitted after the game. confident we’ll go in our numbers to Slough for our first ever match at this Dorking’s sole defeat in pre-season “It is about performances at this stage came in yesterday’s match at level. of pre-season. Today’s wasn’t very Hastings United. Despite picking up good. “What’s starting to become “The team that will be picked will be four wins during their preparation for clear is the best 13/14 players are players well accustomed to the level the campaign, White is keen to see better than the rest of the squad. It’s of football. We’ll look to give a good improvements from the squad ahead account of ourselves. of next Saturday’s start. down to those players to work harder.

BILLERICAY TOWN pen to paper after the expiration of his ST ALBANS CITY Billericay Town Make Statement of contract at Shrewsbury Town. The Saints To Study To See If Full-Time Intent with Trio of Signings third signing is Craig Robson, a player Switch Is Possible who featured heavily in Barnet’s run to Billericay Town have bolstered their the FA Cup Fourth Round last season, One of Ian Allinson’s new tasks at St squad ahead of the new Vanarama captaining the side in the process. Albans City will be to investigate the National League South season with the possibility of the club going full-time. announcement of three new additions. “I am really pleased to have signed He will become more hands-on at Doug, Craig and Gavin,” said boss Clarence Park with some important The trio all have experience at a higher Harry Wheeler, in an interview with the new roles. As well as working on the level than the sixth tier, and will be Essex Echo. Saints development commercially, he hoping to make their mark early as is also to study the possibility of ‘Ricay look to contest a hotly “Doug has been with us for a few moving the club forward to eventually anticipated South division title race. weeks, whereas the other two signings turn professional. came around quickly. Defender Gavin Gunning, previously of St Albans City’s vice chairman John Birmingham City and Dundee United, “I knew we needed more depth in that McGowan told the club’s website: “I arrives at the Steel Team Stadium area of the pitch and Glenn (Tamplin) was so impressed when I first met Ian, having helped guide Forest Green came up to me with Gavin and Craig. and knew that he was the right man Rovers to the League Two play-oVs last “All three players will strengthen our for our club, and I have not been season. options and it’s fantastic to have them disappointed with what he has done on board. with ourselves since becoming Doug Loft featured in the Essex side’s manager. match versus an All-Star XI, made up of Billericay Town host a match with former Premier League players, during Eastbourne Borough on the opening Allinson added: “I’m very privileged and pre-season. The midfielder soon put day of the 2019/20 on August 3rd. honoured to be here at St Albans City.”

St Albans City Football Club Page Nine ALL THE LATEST FROM AROUND CLARENCE PARK CLUB NEWS

TICKETS AND MEMBERSHIP Match tickets for all fixtures will be available online and the best prices [no more than £16.50 for a league game\ can be gained by preZ purchasing before 12pm for a Saturday game or 5pm for a weekday game:

If you want to access even better prices as well as many other benefits throughout the season, you can also sign up to a new membership DAVE DIEDHIOU INSISTS ST ALBANS CITY HAVE ENOUGH QUALITY TO GET scheme . The full range of PROMOTED THIS YEAR membership benefits can be found by logging onto Dave Diedhiou believes the playing in midfield I'll be there to do a job. www.stalbanscityfc.com standard at St Albans City this season Same goes for if it's rightZback or can get them promoted. centreZhalf or anywhere else. But I'm FIXTURE CARDS naturally a central midfielder and that's The ever popular fixture cards are The big defensive midfield player where I love to play." now available fpr all supporters to impressed last season after joining collect from the club shop. from Hendon and he believes that this RightZback was the position he come year's summer business will take the on into against Watford U23s on PARTNERSHIP WITH WATFORD club up a notch. Wednesday night in a match that ANNOUNCED finished in an entertaining 2Z2 draw St Albans City is pleased to And that is a belief forged even though after goals from Sam Merson and Joe announce a new partnership with the incoming players like Taylor Miles, Iaciofano. Premier League neighbours and FA Bobson Bawling and Rhys MurrellZ Cup finalists Watford Football Club Williamson are all attack minded, Diedhiou said: "We nullified the way for the 2019/20 season. This means something that could make the they play and then hit them on the that the Hornets’ UnderZ23 side will defensive job at Clarence Park a little counter and put in a few crosses that play the majority of their league and harder. had them on the back foot. Premier League Cup fixtures at Clarence Park, as well as a number "Yeah, it does put a lot of pressure on "They had to defend a bit but they are of FA Youth Cup games. us," he said with a knowing smile. "But very good players and if you let them we're working on it. play, they'll hurt you. The league and Premier League Cup fixtures are scheduled to take place "We're also doing a lot of work on And before that preZseason match on either Friday or Monday finishing though and we're all capable Diedhiou was involved with leading afternoons with a 1pm kickZoff with of scoring goals, from the strikers the warmZup, as he turns one eye to a specific details of each match through to us defenders. We're aiming potential career change further down announced once they have been to win promotion this year, or at least the line. confirmed by all parties. make the playZoffs. "It's something I'm keen to do and Admission for these fixtures will be "Getting there will be tough but that's something I'm keen to integrate myself £3 on the gate although entrance the aim. We tried it last year and just into," he admitted. I'm trying to get into will be free for all St Albans City FC missed out on the final day but this coaching and leading the warmZup membership scheme holders and year we've got enough quality in the will give me that little bit of experience Watford season ticket holders. team to be promoted." for if and when I do decide to be a coach. Club chairman, Lawrence Levy, Where he plays is yet to be decided, commented: with manager Ian Allinson fielding him "I've been doing it since last year and I “One of our key objectives is to in numerous positions during the enjoy it. And the boys buy into it too develop talent locally, so working course of last season. and help me. I will have to get the with Watford U23’s is an opportunity coaching badges done, I haven't done that both clubs will benefit from. Diedhiou is just happy to play but them yet, but at the moment I'm just knows where he would opt for if he focussing on being a player. The first game at Clarence Park will had a choice. be against Sheffield Wednesday on "Once I've decided to stop playing then Friday 23rd August He said: "I'm available for every I'll concentrate on the coaching." position if I'm honest. If Ian needs me Neil Metcalfe, The Herts Advertiser

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RULE CHANGES AS WITH MOST SEASON, THERE ARE ALWAYS A NUMBER OF LAW CHANGES, SOME OF THE ONES THIS YEAR ARE QUITE SIGNIFICANT, SO I WILL TRY AN RUN THROUGH THEM ALL.

I The first is a relatively simple and goalkeeper only needs one foot change, that at the kick off the captain touching or in line with the goal line that wins the toss has the choice of at a penalty kick either to take the kick or choice of ends. I A handball offence occurs when a player gains possession/control of To speed up the game at substitutions the ball after it has touched their the player leaving the pitch must hand/arm and then scores in the leaves at nearest point at which point opponents’ goal or creates a goal8 the substitute can enter the field of scoring opportunity, scores in the play, there are a few exceptions to the ball touches a match official, and: opponents’ goal directly from their this obviously if a player is being it starts a promising attack, goes hand/arm, even if accidental, arm is stretchered off or the referee believes directly into goal or changes deliberately extended to make the it is unsafe to do so. Referees will possession. All other players must be ‘body bigger’, arm is clearly raised show team officials on the bench a 4m 94.5yds: away when the ball is above the head. yellow card for a warning or a red dropped by the Referee. Restarting card for misconduct. Similar to play from a goal kick or a defensive A handball will not be penalise players there will be a toting up free kick, the ball will be in play once it when the ball is kicked at a player process which could lead to is kicked and clearly moves 9no longer from close range and strikes arm, a suspension. In the event that the a requirement for ball to leave the protective reaction of the hand in match officials are unable to identify penalty area:. front of the face from a ball kicked the individual on the bench the most from close range, arms are clearly senior person on the bench will be Opponents in the penalty area when a used for balance and/or protection shown the card. So far i think we can goal kick or defensive free kick is 9expected position given player’s all agree some relatively easy changes taken, must not touch or challenge for action:, ball strikes arm directly from to understand, know for some of the the ball, the goal kick or free kick is player’s own head/body, or more complex and ones that may retaken if they do. The restart of play head/body of an opponent who is take time to remember. from a free kick if three or more close and the ball strikes an arm of defending team players are in a player who is falling to ground and I When restarting play through a defensive wall attacking team players arm is used for support 9expected drop ball if the ball was in the penalty must remain at least 1m 91yd: away an position given player’s action:. are or the last touch of the ball was in encroachment by an attacker will be the penalty area an uncontested penalised with an indirect free kick. I Finally a bit of good common sense dropped ball will go to the goalkeeper, the referee will not stop a quick free for other situations an uncontested I For Penalties, the penalty taker can kick from taking place if necessary dropped ball to one of the players be treated and remain on the field to issuing card at the next stoppage. from the team that last touched the take a penalty ball. A dropped ball will also occur if

St Albans City Football Club Page Fifteen NON-LEAGUE PAPER HERE WE GO! NINE MONTHS OF TWISTS AND TURNS, SHOCKS AND SURPRISES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN IS ABOUT TO START ALL OVER AGAIN!

It seems preZseason has raced by 24, with four teams being relegated There will be 76 clubs from Step 6 during this sweltering summer and from each division. promoted to Step 5 ` two clubs from we’re now set for the big season each of the two South West Peninsula opener. Relegation from Step 3 this season will divisions and the top four from all see two teams go down from each other Step 6 divisions. The bottom two There is a few changes for the 2019Z20 division along with two third bottom clubs in each of the 20 divisions are season as part of The FA’s National clubs with the worst pointsZperZgame liable to relegation. League System restructuring, working ratio. towards a ‘Pure Pyramid’ for the 2020Z From 2020Z21, Step 5 will increase 21 season of 1Z2Z4Z8Z16Z17. This means, at Step 4, the seven from 14 divisions to 16 and Step 6 will champions and seven playZoff winners reduce from 20 to 17. The United One interesting law being introduced will all be promoted. There is an eighth Counties League and Combined across all levels of grassroots football is Step 4 division being introduced for the Counties Leagues have been awarded temporary dismissals also known as 2020Z21 season and that will be run by an additional Step 5 division each. 'sin bins'. Players dissent will result in the Northern Premier League ` 10Zminute temporary dismissals from addressing some of the travelling The West Midlands Regional and East the pitch. challenges in the north of the country. Midlands Counties are due to lose their Step 6 status. The clubs within those The mandatory rule change will be There will be 24 clubs promoted from divisions will remain at Step 6 subject implemented up to Step 5 and Tier 3 Step 5 to 4. The 14 champions across to promotion and relegation on and below in women's football. Step 5 will go up, with second and completion of the 2019Z20 season. The third place in the North West Counties, Hellenic League will have its current Perhaps the main headline in terms of Northern League and Northern two Step 6 divisions reduced to one promotion and relegation this season Counties East also automatically which avoids operating with two is there won’t be Super PlayZoffs at promoted. divisions that are undersubscribed. Step 3. Last season the four playZoff Step 7 is also being aligned with winners faced off in two oneZoff finals The remaining 11 secondZplace clubs County FAs to become the “pinnacle of for a place at Step 2. will then be ranked on pointsZperZ county football”. game and the four highest will be This year, only the bottom two in the promoted. So there you have it! Plenty of change National League North and South with for this season and beyond as the FA be relegated which allows for the four With the remaining seven secondZ works towards a better NonZLeague champions and four playZoff winners placed clubs ` a oneZseason scenario structure. at Step 3 to be promoted. This is ` will playZoff with the seven bottomZ because from the 2020Z21 season, Step placed clubs at Step 4 for a All the best for the season ahead and 2 will be increasing from 22 clubs to winnerZtakesZall game. enjoy! SAINTS IN THE COMMUNITY St Albans City have been out and “Men’s lives are worth saving” phone, contact details below. The about in the Community during campaign and will be marching a club are always looking for help at the summer break. marathon with Jeff Stelling and the ground either on match days or many others on the London leg of during the week. We had a stall outside the St Albans his 4 Nations marathon walks in Museum for the Alban Festival and September If you re are a young supporter this Sammy the Saint was at the Sopwell could take the form of being a ball & Cottonmill Community Hub Larkus We are pleased to say that Young boy for home matches or clearing in the Parkus in June. Saints membership will be continue litter after a game or a number of with new, exciting offers. This will other tasks. This could help with the We have been talking with two of the involve local schools and youth service section of the Duke of charity’s the club supports, Prostate teams. Ian Allinson has promised that Edinburgh award Cancer UK and Youth Talk regarding where possible team members will Enjoy the game today. new initiatives to raise awareness of attend school assemblies and club the support both charity’s offer as days Phill Coates well as fundraising. Community Manager The club are keen to encourage Also, in June 25 St Albans City FC teams to be the Guard of Honour for Email: riders took part in a very wet and home games. Once again, we are phill.coates_stalbanscityfc.com windy Prostate Cancer UK’s Football also offering mascot packages and Mobile: 07711 082039 to Amsterdam Cycle ride raising player sponsorship. £41,000 and bringing the total raised NEW SAMMY REQUIRED over the last4 years to £146,000. The Details can be found on the club If you fancy being Sammy the Saint club were represented in London at website. If you have any question contact Phill Coates on 07711 082039 the launch of Prostate Cancer UK’s please contact the club via email or or phill.coates_stalbanscityfc.com

St Albans City Football Club Page Seventeen FOR THE RECORD AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ALL THE FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THE 2019/20 SEASON.

DATE OPPOSITION COMP F/A ATT POS 12345 67 89 1 AUGUST 2019 Sat 3 Chippenham Town Tue 6 Dartford Sat 10 Dulwich Hamlet Tue 13 Braintree Town Sat 7 Dorking Wanderers Sat 24 Billericay Town Mon 26 Concord Rangers Sat 31 Slough Town

SEPTEMBER 2019 Tue 3 Wealdstone Sat 7 Hungerford Town Sat 14 Weymouth Sat 21 Emirates FA Cup 2Q Sat 28 Maidstone United

OCTOBER 2019 Sat 5 Emirates FA Cup 3Q Sat 12 Eastbourne Borough Sat 19 Bath City Sat 26 Welling United

NOVEMBER 2019 Sat 2 Havant & Waterlooville Sat 9 Oxford City Sat 16 Tonbridge Angels Sat 23 Buildbase FA Trophy 3Q Sat 30 Chelmsford City

DECEMBER 2019 Sat 7 Hampton & Richmond Borough Sat 14 Buildbase FA Trophy 1 Sat 21 Weymouth Thu 26 Hemel Hempstead Town Sat 28 Wealdstone

JANUARY 2020 Wed 1 Hemel Hempstead Town Sat 4 Hungerford Town Sat 11 Eastbourne Borough Sat 18 Maidstone United Sat 25 Hampton & Richmond Borough

FEBRUARY 2020 Sat 1 Welling United Sat 8 Bath City Sat 15 Oxford City Sat 22 Havant & Waterlooville Sat 29 Chippenham Town

MARCH 2020 Sat 7 Dartford Sat 14 Braintree Town Sat 21 Dulwich Hamlet Sat 28 Chelmsford City

APRIL 2020 Sat 4 Tonbridge Angels Fri 10 Billericay Town Mon 13 Concord Rangers Sat 18 Slough Town Sat 25 Dorking Wanderers

Home games in Bold PLAYER NEWS EXTRA ONE IN AND ONE OUT AS SEASON STARTS

With the 2019/20 Season about to begin, we have 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 news that forward Albert Adu has signed forms to become a Saint for the new campaign.

Adu has impressed during the pre-season period and Ian Allinson has wasted no time in tying the pacy striker down to a deal. We welcome Albert and hope he enjoys his time in the yellow & blue.

On the way out of Clarence Park however is defender Michael Clark who has left to sign for fellow National League South outfit Braintree Town.

We thank Michael for his eVorts and wish him all the every best for the future.

THE FIXTURES

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 2019 Bath City v Braintree Town Billericay Town v Eastbourne Borough Chelmsford City v Hampton & Richmond Havant & Waterlooville v Welling United Hemel Hempstead Town v Hungerford Town Maidstone United v Weymouth Oxford City v Concord Rangers Slough Town v Dorking Wanderers St Albans City v Chippenham Town Tonbridge Angels v Dulwich Hamlet Wealdstone v Dartford

TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2019 Braintree Town v Billericay Town Chippenham Town v Oxford City Concord Rangers v Chelmsford City Dartford v St Albans City Dorking Wanderers v Hemel Hempstead Dulwich Hamlet v Wealdstone Eastbourne Borough v Tonbridge Angels Hampton & Richmond v Havant & Waterlooville Hungerford Town v Slough Town Welling United v Maidstone United Weymouth v Bath City

SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2019 Braintree Town v Wealdstone Chippenham Town v Billericay Town Concord Rangers v Slough Town Dartford v Havant & Waterlooville Dorking Wanderers v Tonbridge Angels Dulwich Hamlet v St Albans City Eastbourne Borough v Oxford City Hampton & Richmond v Hemel Hempstead Hungerford Town v Maidstone United Welling United v Bath City Weymouth v Chelmsford City

JAKE ELLACOTT MATCH PREVIEW FOOTBALL IS BACK. AFTER A LONG SUMMER WE CAN FINALLY GET BACK TO WHAT MATTERS, WATCHING 20 ODD PLAYERS KICK A BALL AROUND A PITCH FOR 90(ISH) MINUTES. Chippenham Town Preview The Saints completed their pre-season campaign Football is back. After a long summer with a 1-0 victory over Barnet last weekend we can finally get back to what matters, watching 20 odd players kick a ball around a pitch for 90[ish\ minutes.

Having completed preZseason with a 1Z0 win over Barnet last Saturday, our 2019/20 campaign kick starts with the visit of Chippenham Town to Clarence Park.

It’s been a busy summer for Ian Allinson and his staV, bringing in no less than nine new faces following the departures of a number of the squad that secured a ninth placed finish last season. The City boss has not been afraid to make changes Wealdstone and was an integral part three absentees. Zane Banton, who during the break, as he looks to build of their Southern League promotion suVered a serious injury in the a side that will be competitive in season, helping fire them into the meeting with Chippenham back in what could be a very tough division. National League South with twentyZ March, is still working his way back two goals. Having now returned to to fitness. Tom Bender, meanwhile, Some of the more notable arrivals Hardenhuish Park, the former Bath misses today’s and Tuesday night’s include the returns to Clarence Park City man will be looking to recreate game away at Dartford through of David LongeZKing, Rhys MurrellZ Williamson and Taylor Miles, all three the sort of form that made him a suspension following his red card of whom have previously lined up in favourite with the supporters. against East Thurrock at the back the yellow and blue of St Albans City. end of last season. They have been supplemented by This will be the eleventh meeting the additions of Joe Iaciofano, between the two clubs and it is the The final player is Joe Howe, who is Solomon Nwabuokei, Darren Foxley, visitors that have the upper hand, currently abroad but will be back in Oli Sprague, Bobson Bawling and having won five games compared to contention for the midZweek trip to Joe Howe, meaning we could see a City’s two. Kent. number of debuts for the club this afternoon. The Bluebirds picked up their fifth Let’s hope that today’s clash lives up victory against the Saints back in the preZseason excitement and the Chippenham Town, meanwhile, November here at Clarence Park and lads can get oV to a winning start! have had a slightly quieter few it was a dramatic one, with Mark months acquisition wise, with Collier’s side eventually coming out On a separate note, myself, Ian manager Mark Collier retaining on top with a 3Z2 win courtesy of Rogers and Dave Tavener have much of the team that finished in a Nic McCootie’s dramatic late winner. started a supporter’s podcast comfortable thirteen place. There The corresponding fixture at dedicated to discussing St Albans has, however, been one notable Hardenhuish Park in March of this City FC. It’s called ‘A Podful of Saints’ arrival in the form of experienced year ended 0Z0 in very windy and is part of the St Albans Podcast forward David Pratt, who returns to conditions, although City had network. the club following the conclusion of chances to win the game themselves his deal at Wealdstone. towards the end. You can subscribe on all major podcast platforms and can also listen Pratt, who turned 32 this week, was Despite the summer recruitment, Ian to it by visiting stalbanspodcast.com. with the Bluebirds before he joined Allinson goes into this game with Come On You Saints! St Albans City Football Club Page Twenty One

CHRIS WILLIAMS OFF THE BALL CHRIS WILLIAMS IS BACK WITH ANOTHER OFF BEAT COLUMN AS THE SAINTS TAKE ON CHIPPENHAM TOWN IN THE SEASON OPENER AT CLARENCE PARK THIS AFTERNOON. Many years ago I bought a record: ‘Out of the Blue’ by the ELO. Don’t judge me: it’s my first proper Off the Ball for St Albans City this season and I’m nervous, OK?

It was on blue vinyl and on the album sleeve the ELO main man Jeff Lynne wrote ‘there is nothing more exciting for me than to sit with a blank music sheet, start writing dots and see what music comes out’.

I feel the same today. I sit here with a blank doc open and the whole season in front of me. We may be one game in, but who knows what awaits?

Don’t get me wrong, I quite like a few weeks off during the summer although that break gets shorter and shorter each year. With no World Cup or Euros I filled my time with the . . . I WAS QUIETLY CHECKING MY PHONE TO SEE WHO unexpected joy of following the HAD SIGNED, WHAT THE RETAINED LIST WAS, WHAT THE England Women’s team until they NEW KIT LOOKED LIKE, WHEN THE FIXTURES CAME OUT, remembered their history and HOW THE PITCH WAS LOOKING. THESE ARE STAPLES OF A crashed out in the semi finals. FOOTBALL FAN’S SUMMER AND HELP EAT AWAY THE TIME I went to a couple of World Cup UNTIL PRE-SEASON BEGINS AND THE CLOCK STARTS TRULY Cricket matches and thoroughly TICKING DOWN UNTIL TODAY. enjoyed them. I had two trips to hospital AND broke my nose. None first home fixture and right now we Deep in your heart you possibly of it was quite as good as going to all have the same dreams. What IS know that the result today isn’t football. football if it’s not a chance to dream? actually all that important. Marathon not a sprint, league table means Throughout all of those events I was There will be drama at every club, nothing for ten games, teams need quietly checking my phone to see guaranteed. There will be great goals, time to gel and so on. But forget who had signed, what the retained contentious decisions and drama. realism. list was, what the new kit looked like, New heroes will emerge. Right now when the fixtures came out, how the all these things are possible. It doesn’t First game is all about smelling the pitch was looking. These are staples matter if you won promotion or freshly cut newly renovated pitch, of a football fan’s summer and help were relegated. Until a ball is kicked admiring the lick of paint around the eat away the time until preZseason you have every outcome possible ground, staring in wonder at the begins and the clock starts truly and your dreams intact. splendid new match programme ticking down until today. with its waffling, overZexcited writer, Well, maybe if you are a fan of Bury and daring to dream. It doesn’t For me today is the BEST one of the or Bolton you may have the odd grey matter if you are a home or away fan. entire season. It is the start of a new cloud spoiling your sunny outlook, Until that first whistle blows today we adventure and all things are possible. but the rest of us will kick off glass all share the same hope. This is going Every Board, Manager, coach, player half full and sharing a slight buzz to be OUR season. Sun is shining in and fan has been building up to the when the first whistle blows… the sky. There ain’t a cloud in sight… St Albans City Football Club Page Twenty Five

Club News CITY STRIKER MOVES NORTH David Moyo ready for challenge after signing for Hamilton Academical

David Moyo has followed in the footsteps of another former St Albans City man by signing for Hamilton Academical.

Kieran Monlouis was the first to make that trip last season and although his time north of the border didn't last too long, the striker who scored 14 times in 49 appearances for the Saints, is confident he can be a success at the Premiership club.

Speaking to Accies TV, Moyo said: "I've exactly what I will bring to the table number. He said: "Brian Rice ]the just got to adjust. I'm back in fullZtime and hopefully I can help the team." manager^ came to a game and saw me football and hopefully training every out of nowhere and now I'm here. day improves me as a player. The move came as a surprise to most and Moyo, who has also had a trial at "The boys have taken me in and I've "You have to believe in yourself and National League Yeovil Town this been around the town a bit. I like it believe in what you're about. That's summer, included himself in that here and can see me settling."

St Albans City Football Club Page Twenty Seven THE OPPOSITION CHIPPENHAM TOWN

MANAGEMENT He has reZsigned on contract terms He was previously with Highworth Mark Collier: for season 2019/20. Town and has reZsigned for the Manager. ExZSwindon Supermarine 2019/20 season. manager. Mark has been managing Dean Evans: for 9 years and previously coached Midfielder [dob 14 Apr 87\. Signed in Luke Haines: at Swindon Town Academy for 7 May 2017 from Weymouth. His Defender [dob 15 Oct 00\. Joined years. He took Chippenham Town previous clubs include Plymouth Chippenham Town close season on to the National League South as Argyle, Paulton Rovers, Welton a sixZmonth Youth Loan from Southern League Premier Division Rovers and Frome Town and has reZ Swindon Town. Champions in Season 2016/17 with signed for the 2019/20 season. a record 103 points total. Jay Foulston: Defender [dob 27 Nov Luke Hopper: 00\. Joined Chippenham Town Midfielder [dob 16 Mar 89\. His Gary Horgan: close season on a long loan from signing for season 2019/20 sees his Head Coach. Gary joined Newport County AFC. A third spell with the Club. Last with Chippenham Town for a second professional, previous clubs include Salisbury, he’s also had past time spell from Hungerford Town in Merthyr Town. with Australian sides, South September 2016. He joined the Melbourne and Dandenong coaching staff for the 2017/18 Adriel George: Thunder. season and was appointed Head Midfield/striker [dob 6 Dec 06\. Coach in January 2018. Joined Chippenham Town in Jan Natt Jarvis: 19. Previous clubs include Mansfield Forward [dob 20 Oct 91\. Joined SQUAD Town and has reZsigned for the Chippenham Town for season Caine Bradbury: 2019/20 season. 2018/19 and has reZsigned on Midfielder [dob 23 Feb 01\. An contract terms for 2019/20. His last academy product, Caine originally Callum Gunner: club was Bath City and has signed for Chippenham Town in Midfielder [dob 27 Mar 99\. Joined previously played for Hungerford season 2018/19 and has reZsigned Chippenham Town in November Town, Brackley Town, Cardiff City, for 2019/20. 2018 on loan from Bradford City. He Southend United and Forest Green has reZsigned on nonZcontract Rovers. He has also been capped by Karnell Chambers: terms for the 2019/20 season. Antigua and Barbuda. Forward [dob 26 Sep 97\. Originally signed for Chippenham Town in James Guthrie: Yan Klukowski: March 2018 from Gloucester City. Midfielder [dob 14 Jan 91\. Signed Forward [dob 1 Jan 87\. Joined He had a previous spell in Sweden. for Chippenham January 2011. Chippenham Town for season

Page Twenty Eight St Albans City Football Club 2018/19 on contract terms. Previous regular in the side since joining the clubs include Torquay Utd, Forest Club, he has been reZengaged on ONE TO WATCH Green Rovers, Newport and York. contract terms for the 2019/20 season. DAVID PRATT

Harrison Lea: George Rigg: CHIPPENHAM Town have re- Midfielder [dob 2 Nov 00\. An Defender [dob 15 Oct 93\. Originally signed striker David Pratt for the academy product, Harrison originally signed for Chippenham Town in 2019-20 season. Pratt was a key signed for Chippenham Town in 2018/19, he has been reZengaged on member of the Bluebirds side season 2018/19 and has reZsigned for contract terms for season 2018/19. who were crowned Southern 2019/20. Previous club was Bath City. League Premier Division champions in 2017.

Curtis McDonald: Harry Rutty: However, just four months into Defender [dob 24 Mar 88\. Originally Midfielder [dob 17 Nov 99\. An Chippenham’s maiden National signed for Chippenham Town in academy product, Harry made his League South campaign, Pratt December 2017 previously with debut for Chippenham Town late in departed for league rivals Merthyr Town. He has reZsigned on season 2018/19 impressing in defence. Wealdstone. contract terms for season 2019/20. He has been reZengaged on contract Tariq Ossai: Midfielder [dob 14 Oct 99\. terms for 2019/20. The 31-year-old will be back at Previously with Crystal Palace, signed Hardenhuish Park this summer, for Chippenham Town in season Conor Thompson: though, with manager Mark 2018/19 and has reZjoined for season Goalkeeper [dob 24 Feb 95\. Originally Collier persuading him to return 2019/20. signed for Chippenham Town in ahead of the coming campaign. September 2018 dual registered with Kieran Parselle: Royal Wootton Bassett Town. Has reZ Collier said: “David was top of our priority list when we discussed Defender [dob 1 Dec 96\. Joined signed for season 2019/20. recruitment. Chippenham Town for season 2018/19. Previously with Gloucester Rhys Tyler: “He finished as Wealdstone's top City and prior to that Newport Defender [dob 18 Jun 92\. Joined goal scorer last season and will County, he has reZsigned on contract Chippenham Town on contract terms add undoubted firepower to our terms for season 2019/20. for season 2109/20. Previously with oVensive options. His work-rate Wealdstone, he’s also spent time with and desire ensures his signature Will Puddy: German sides RottZWeissZErfurt and will prove very popular with the Goalkeeper [dob 4 Oct 87\. Previous RotZWeissZOberhausen. fans.” club was Hereford FC but has also played for Bristol Rovers, Salisbury City Aaron Witchell: and Sutton United. ReZjoining Defender [dob 15 Dec 99\. An Chippenham Town on contract for academy signing for Chippenham season 2018/19, he also played for the Town for season 2019/20. Club in the 2011/12 season prior to then joining Salisbury City. Elias Youssef: Midfielder [dob 2 Jan 00\. Signed for Will Richards: Chippenham Town for season Defender [dob 18 Dec 91\. Originally 2019/20. Previously with Forest Green signed for Chippenham Town in July Rovers, he’s also played for Cardiff. 2016 previously with Redditch Utd. A

PAST ENCOUNTERS

16.03.2019 Varnarama National League South A 0 - 0 Hardenhuish Park 439 10.11.2018 Varnarama National League South H 2 - 3 Clarence Park 584 24.02.2018 Varnarama National League South H 2 - 0 Clarence Park 661 11.11.2017 Varnarama National League South A 3 - 3 Hardenhuish Park 570 17.02.2014 Calor League Premier Division H 1 - 0 Clarence Park 352 11.01.2014 Calor League Premier Division A 1 - 1 Hardenhuish Park 405 13.04.2013 Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division A 3 - 4 Hardenhuish Park 342 24.11.2012 Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division H 0 - 2 Clarence Park 312 21.04.2012 Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division H 1 - 4 Clarence Park 457 22.11.2011 Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division A 0 - 4 Hardenhuish Park 287

St Albans City Football Club Page Twenty Nine INTERVIEW ZANE BANTON Whilst most of of us may have Along with Saints Physio Paul spent this summer on a beach McInnes, Banton managed the and enjoying the sunshine, pain and through a regime of attacking midfielder Zane Banton tough tests and soul searching, was undergoing an intense the forward is now within rehabilitation process as he touching distance of a return to continues on the path back to full full training. fitness following a truly horrific leg injury which he suffered “You know, with all the help I had earlier this year against today’s from St George’s, it really does visitors Chippenham Town. put your faith back into the modern game.” The Saints matchday programme caught up with Zane as he “They were absolutely fantastic discusses how the last few with me and with Paul pushing months have challenged him me every week, it’s looking good both physically and mentally. for me to return to full training within a month or so.” “The rehab has gone remarkably well and obviously it’s important Despite his injury Banton has not to rush back from an injury enjoyed watching the pre8season like this but the progress has games and strongly believes City been very pleasing and the light are going to do well this season. at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter and brighter.” ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this team. Of course I’d like to “It’s no surprise that I was at a be out there but it’s given me an very low ebb following the opportunity to watch the lads incident but I have to say that Ian and I’m impressed with the 9Allinson: and everyone at the performances.” club have been amazing. “Pre8Season has never really “It was more frustrating than been about results so to play as anything as I genuinely believed I well as we have and win games is was playing the best football always a bonus.” since I left Luton and making a real impact in games.” “You look at the quality the club has bought in and I just know Banton’s season ended with a that it’s exactly the kind of squad fractured leg and the young star that I’d thrive in and exactly the knew the road back was going to type of football that I like to play.” be long and rife with pain. The days have been dark and the “Ian was amazing. One of the first path has been long but finally things he said to me was not to Zane Banton is just weeks away worry and that he was going to from fitness. It’s going to be a guarantee my contract was going tough season so the Saints are to be renewed for this season hoping the player can come back which of course gave me a huge better than before. injection of confidence.” “I would like to thank St Albans The midfielder subsequently City for sticking by me and I endured weeks of physiotherapy promise that when the in the national football centre at opportunity arises, I’m going to St George’s Park to take full give everything for this club once advantage of the facilities there. again.”

SAINTS AWAY ON THE ROAD TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2019 V DARTFORD PRINCES PARK NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 7.45PM

PRINCES PARK Grassbanks Darenth Road Dartford Kent DA1 1RT Telephone: 01322 299991 Email: [email protected]

DIRECTIONS From M25: Anticlockwise 1. Leave the M25 at junction 2 for Canterbury/M2/Dartford/A225 – 0.2 To Ebbsfleet International: Exit the check for any local parking mi station and take the Fastrack B service restrictions. 2. At the junction take the third exit towards Bluewater/Dartford and for Dartford (A225) – 1.0 mi alight at the Princes Park stop. By train: The nearest stations are East 3. At the roundabout take the second Buses run every 10 mins during the Dulwich, which is a five minute walk; exit for Dartford (Princes Road) – 0.6 day, with a slightly longer interval in or Denmark Hill; which is a ten mi the evenings. minute stroll, or a short bus ride. 4. Turn left at Darenth Rd traYc lights From East Dulwich station: Turn left, – 384 ft past the pizza shop and then chip 5. Turn second left at Grassbanks – BY BUS The Fastrack B route provides a direct shop. 200ft service to the ground, ask for the Princes Park stop. Buses run every 10 Go through the park at the bottom of Clockwise mins during the day, with a slightly the hill and you will see the ground. 1. Clockwise: At junction 1b, exit longer interval in the evenings. For midweek games, when the gates toward Dartford/A225 – 0.2 mi On Foot It is a 10-15 minute walk are closed, walk halfway up the hill 2. At the roundabout, take the 2nd from Dartford town centre largely and turn left at the lights. exit toward Dartford/A225 – 0.1 mi alongside the Fastrack busway. From Denmark Hill station: Turn left, 3. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit this is Champion Park. You will see a onto A296/Princes Rd heading to bus stop opposite the Salvation Army Dartford/Crayford/A225 Go through 1 SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2019 Training College. Any bus from here roundabout – 0.6 mi V DULWICH HAMLET passes the ground, three stops away. 4. Turn left at Darenth Rd – 384 ft NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH 3PM 5. Turn second left at Grassbanks – Dulwich Hamlet play at Champion Or walk past the bus stop, turn right 200ft Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East and up the slight incline on the main Dulwich, SE22 8BD. road. Over the lights at the top of Dog BY RAIL Kennel Hill, and the ground will be on Dartford is the nearest station to How do I get to the ground? your right, halfway down the hill, Princes Park. To Dartford: Exit station It’s easy! We are one of the most turning into Edgar Kail Way. straight ahead towards the Orchard centrally located non-league grounds You can check train times by looking Theatre/Shopping Centre. in London! at www.nationalrail.co.uk From Do NOT cross the bridge but take the central London East Dulwich is served steps/ramp down to the Bus stops, By car: Simply type in the postcode by trains from London Bridge; whilst then take the Fastrack B service ‘SE22 8BD’ into your SatNav device. Denmark Hill has services from towards Bluewater/Gravesend and We have some limited car parking at London Victoria & London Blackfriars. alight at the Princes Park stop. the ground, and there is also plenty of Buses run every 10 mins during the on-street parking in the locality, There are plenty of services from day, with a slightly longer interval in within a five minute radius, but please both stations after midweek matches. the evenings.

Page Thirty Two St Albans City Football Club St Albans City Football Club Page Twenty Nine

ST ALBANS CITY CHIPPENHAM TOWN

MANAGER ` IAN ALLINSON MANAGER ` MARK COLLIER COLOURS Z YELLOW & BLUE COLOURS Z ALL GREY

PLD SUB PLD SUB DEAN SNEDKER CAINE BRADBURY TOM BENDER KARNELL CHAMBERS DAVID LONGE-KING DEAN EVANS JOE HOWE JAY FOULSTON DAVID DIEDHIOU ADRIEL GEORGE OLI SPRAGUE CALLUM GUNNER DAVID NOBLE JAMES GUTHRIE SAM MERSON LUKE HAINES ZANE BANTON LUKE HOPPER DARREN FOXLEY NATT JARVIS SCOTT SHULTON YAN KLUKOWSKI: JAMES KALOCZI HARRISON LEA SOLOMON NWABUOKEI CURTIS MCDONALD TAYLOR MILES TARIQ OSSAI BOBSON BAWLING KIERAN PARSELLE JOE IACIOFANO WILL PUDDY RHYS MURRELL-WILLIAMSON WILL RICHARDS ALBERT ADU GEORGE RIGG HARRY RUTTY CONOR THOMPSON RHYS TYLER AARON WITCHELL ELIAS YOUSSEF DAVID PRATT

OFFICIALS UP NEXT AT HOME REFEREE Z ROSS MARTIN V BRAINTREE TOWN ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 Z GIOVANNI MARASCA TUESDAY 13TH AUGUST 2019 7.45PM ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 Z JORDAN MARIN NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH