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Post by minty on Jun 19, 2022 8:20:46 GMT
It's getting beyond a joke now. How can the club expect people to part with their money for season tickets when we've got no idea how good the squad will be.
It appears from the signings so far that despite the cup run money and increased attendances there is no increase in the playing budget.
We're still short of a goalkeeper and experienced striker signed up.
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Post by citycentresaint on Jun 19, 2022 12:34:14 GMT
I would say that the squad is looking weaker than last season.
It wouldn't surprise me if the club's aim is to go full time by 2025.
With this in mind, the aim for the next few seasons would be to build the brand whilst avoiding relegation.
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Post by lagerman on Jun 19, 2022 16:08:40 GMT
It'll be interesting to know Allinsons take on how things have gone so far, or not gone, as the case seems to be.
Unless he is sacked, and l can't see that happening at the moment, or he walks out, out of sheer frustration for losing players and not getting those he wants, then it looks like he'll be managing us next season, not as good a team that started last season, by the looks of it.
It'd be very interesting to know his thoughts on how its all gone, come the start of the season
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Post by lagerman on Jun 19, 2022 17:25:03 GMT
My expectations for this coming season, will always be (in order)
1) Promotion via automatic promotion
2) Promotion via the play offs
3) Winning more games than we lose but of course you don't get anything for that, and
4) Avoiding relegation
I'm really thinking 3 or 4 the way things are going, l can't see us going up with what we're assembling at the moment, so I'm determined not to be surprised or annoyed at a poor start to the season
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Post by bob666 on Jun 19, 2022 19:04:33 GMT
Obviously things could turn round in the next two weeks but I not sure how much of the issue the is budget and how much of it is lack of clear structure as to who is in charge. I understand that Jeffers may have issues with Allison but most of the players seem to like him and came out very strongly when they thought Austin was being eased in. Could uncertainty about the Allinson-Austin relationship be a barrier to resigning some players from last season. Whatever the faults of last seasons team I rather stick with the core group than try and try and sign a largely new team this late in the offseason
also we can all have our thoughts on whether Allison should have been sacked but it feels like we missed the window to get get a new man in and let him assemble a team for next season and the club now need to back him (get the players he wants in, within a reasonable budget). Also make it clear that Allison not Austin has the final say on all first team matters. Give Allison control and a reasonable budget if he does make the playoffs sack him in May.
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Post by saint68 on Jun 19, 2022 20:14:41 GMT
There’s been a lot of talk on this forum about the relationship between Allinson and Austin, particularly the question of who’s in charge of recruitment. I’ve always assumed that Allinson recommends who he’d like to sign and the owners say yey or nay depending on the budget. Does anyone know that’s wrong?
Regarding whether or not there should be a change in manager, I’m fairly neutral. I think Allinson’s done a decent job over the years but the now regular pattern of good starts fading away disappointingly is worrying. If this can’t be changed then maybe a change is needed. I guess it depends on what each of us has as expectations. Personally I’m reasonably happy if we’re in the top half of the table. Mind you, I’d love another tilt at the National Premier.
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Post by bob666 on Jun 20, 2022 1:40:34 GMT
There’s been a lot of talk on this forum about the relationship between Allinson and Austin, particularly the question of who’s in charge of recruitment. I’ve always assumed that Allinson recommends who he’d like to sign and the owners say yey or nay depending on the budget. Does anyone know that’s wrong? Regarding whether or not there should be a change in manager, I’m fairly neutral. I think Allinson’s done a decent job over the years but the now regular pattern of good starts fading away disappointingly is worrying. If this can’t be changed then maybe a change is needed. I guess it depends on what each of us has as expectations. Personally I’m reasonably happy if we’re in the top half of the table. Mind you, I’d love another tilt at the National Premier. I no idea who in charge of recruitment but the idea of a Director of Football, as I understand it, is that they shape the longer term development of the playing side of the club while the coach focuses on match preparation etc. If you look clubs who traditionally employed the model (its the norm in a lot of mainland Europe) than the DoF normally has the final say on recruitment decisions. A extreme version of this would be PSG were Leonardo has clearly made 100% of transfer decisions whereas the coach simply works with what he is given. The idea is that coaches will come and go whereas the director of football runs a coherent longer term recruitment strategy (makes sure players fit the club's visions). In a sense if Austin does not have a major input into recruitment he not actually a director of football- he a youth team coach and club should call him that to avoid ambiguity. I think a lot felt that the few signings we did make last season (during the season) did fit the normal Alison template- preference for slightly more experienced players etc- and people (well me) put two and two together. I suppose my default position is the opposite of yours if there a director of football unless told otherwise I tend to assume they are controlling the signings. |
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Post by davymac55 on Jun 20, 2022 5:34:36 GMT
IF never getting us into playoffs is doing a decent job expect more of the same next season
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Post by saint68 on Jun 20, 2022 8:15:11 GMT
I no idea who in charge of recruitment but the idea of a Director of Football, as I understand it, is that they shape the longer term development of the playing side of the club while the coach focuses on match preparation etc. If you look clubs who traditionally employed the model (its the norm in a lot of mainland Europe) than the DoF normally has the final say on recruitment decisions. A extreme version of this would be PSG were Leonardo has clearly made 100% of transfer decisions whereas the coach simply works with what he is given. The idea is that coaches will come and go whereas the director of football runs a coherent longer term recruitment strategy (makes sure players fit the club's visions). In a sense if Austin does not have a major input into recruitment he not actually a director of football- he a youth team coach and club should call him that to avoid ambiguity. I think a lot felt that the few signings we did make last season (during the season) did fit the normal Alison template- preference for slightly more experienced players etc- and people (well me) put two and two together. I suppose my default position is the opposite of yours if there a director of football unless told otherwise I tend to assume they are controlling the signings. Thanks for that. I agree with you about the usual role of DoF in a club, but I thought Austin’s role was primarily concerned with the expansion of the Academy, reintroduction of a Reserve side etc. if he’s now in charge of recruitment as well it obviously reduces Allinson’s input to head coach only. Maybe it’s not as clearly defined as that, perhaps they share responsibility? Either way, this summer is becoming a bit of a worry with only a couple of weeks til training resumes. Hopefully we’ll get more news soon ….. |
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Post by bob666 on Jun 20, 2022 13:56:48 GMT
I no idea who in charge of recruitment but the idea of a Director of Football, as I understand it, is that they shape the longer term development of the playing side of the club while the coach focuses on match preparation etc. If you look clubs who traditionally employed the model (its the norm in a lot of mainland Europe) than the DoF normally has the final say on recruitment decisions. A extreme version of this would be PSG were Leonardo has clearly made 100% of transfer decisions whereas the coach simply works with what he is given. The idea is that coaches will come and go whereas the director of football runs a coherent longer term recruitment strategy (makes sure players fit the club's visions). In a sense if Austin does not have a major input into recruitment he not actually a director of football- he a youth team coach and club should call him that to avoid ambiguity. I think a lot felt that the few signings we did make last season (during the season) did fit the normal Alison template- preference for slightly more experienced players etc- and people (well me) put two and two together. I suppose my default position is the opposite of yours if there a director of football unless told otherwise I tend to assume they are controlling the signings. Thanks for that. I agree with you about the usual role of DoF in a club, but I thought Austin’s role was primarily concerned with the expansion of the Academy, reintroduction of a Reserve side etc. if he’s now in charge of recruitment as well it obviously reduces Allinson’s input to head coach only. Maybe it’s not as clearly defined as that, perhaps they share responsibility? Either way, this summer is becoming a bit of a worry with only a couple of weeks til training resumes. Hopefully we’ll get more news soon ….. It's as clear as mud. Your probably right- they share responsibility. My worry is if they both have to agree and have different plans you get stasis. We getting to the point the club just going to have to sign a butch of players to get numbers up. |
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Post by manfrommars on Jun 20, 2022 16:08:17 GMT
I'm old fashioned in that I've never really liked the idea of a Dof as I firmly believe it should be the manager who picks the players he wants to sign. If the funds aren't available to sign a certain player that's fair enough move on to other targets which I'm sure they would have. Funny how this title has only come into effect the past 10 years or so over here. I know it has been very common in Europe for a while.
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Post by bob666 on Jun 20, 2022 17:04:44 GMT
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Post by citycentresaint on Jun 20, 2022 19:14:39 GMT
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Post by lagerman on Jun 20, 2022 20:25:19 GMT
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Post by norfamptonsaint on Jun 21, 2022 10:24:08 GMT
With the rate at which the squad is being announced, has anyone told him that he might have to play as rush-goalie next season ? |
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Post by casper on Jun 21, 2022 11:02:48 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/clarky-commits/St Albans City are pleased to confirm the next player committed for the 2022/2023 campaign in the form of, Michael Clark, returning for his third full season with the Saints. Initially, Michael joined us from Concord Rangers in December 2018 before leaving for Braintree Town at the end of the 2018/2019 campaign. The versatile defender would soon return to Clarence Park though, starting his second spell in December 2019. An injury blighted 2021/2022 campaign saw Michael return strong for the second half of the season where he quickly re-established himself in the City defence going on to make 19 appearances. “It’s great to have a fully fit Clarky back,” said Ian Allinson upon extending Michael’s contract, adding “Injuries held him back over the last two seasons, this year we are both hoping we get to see his full potential, it’s great to have him back on board” A true character around the club, we are excited to welcome Clarky back for another season.
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Post by minty on Jun 21, 2022 11:15:43 GMT
Another good re-signing. Just need to get Shaun signed up and we'll have a good squad nucleus.
Funny how since I said there had been no quotes from Ian Allinson there has suddenly been....quotes from Ian Allinson.
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Post by citycentresaint on Jun 21, 2022 11:33:30 GMT
Another good re-signing. Just need to get Shaun signed up and we'll have a good squad nucleus. Funny how since I said there had been no quotes from Ian Allinson there has suddenly been....quotes from Ian Allinson. I have it on good authority that the Social Media team closely monitor this forum. |
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Post by saint68 on Jun 21, 2022 12:07:52 GMT
Another good re-signing. Just need to get Shaun signed up and we'll have a good squad nucleus. Funny how since I said there had been no quotes from Ian Allinson there has suddenly been....quotes from Ian Allinson. I have it on good authority that the Social Media team closely monitor this forum. I’m pleased to hear that …… so, I know this has nothing to do with the subject of the Playing Squad, but if anyone from the Club is listening .… Please can we improve the quality of the programme? For £3.00 it was not good value last season - not enough reading and plenty of errors on the fixtures and appearances pages. If the Club is determined to phase out printed copies just do it, however with crowds at their highest level for many, many years I would have thought economies of scale would mean we can produce a better programme without losing too much money. Other clubs manage to produce a good programme for £2.50 or £3.00, e.g. Chelmsford, so why can’t we? |
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Post by casper on Jun 21, 2022 15:02:22 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/kyran-extends/Our next returning face for 2022/2023 comes in the form of resilient midfielder Kyran Wiltshire. Kyran was a mainstay in Ian Allinson’s midfield last year, totting up an impressive 51 appearances in all competitions. The gaffer said, “Kyran has been Mr Dependable for me in midfield over the last two seasons and I’m delighted to have him back with us for the upcoming campaign”. Kyran offers fluidity in the middle of the park, providing a constant pivot between the Saints’ dependence and attack. He also brings promotion experience to the side, previously seeing success at Maidenhead United in 16/17. Starting his career at MK Dons alongside Dele Alli in midfield, he moved on to the Magpies, and then Oxford City before joining up with the Saints in the 2020/2021 season. We look forward to seeing Kyran back out there with our new additions across the midfield.
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Post by Boomer on Jun 21, 2022 16:17:19 GMT
Very important signing. Well pleased with this.
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Post by casper on Jun 21, 2022 18:10:32 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/johnny-goddard-departs/We can today confirm that Johnny Goddard has opted to move on from St Albans City Football Club. Although offered new terms for the upcoming season, after much deliberation the creative midfielder has decided to cut down on his travel and seek football closer to home in order to concentrate on his academy commitments. Johnny is managing director of ‘The Core Football Academy’, providing young players in the Berkshire area the chance to develop under UEFA & FA qualified coaches, with a wealth of experience before offering a pathway to professional clubs. We’d like to thank Johnny for his time with us over the past season, and wish him all the best in the future. For more info on The Core Football Academy visit: www.corefootballcoaching.co.uk/academy Johnny Goddard has joined Slough Town sloughtownfc.net/article/2698/Slough-sign-midfielder-Johnny-Goddard |
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Post by lagerman on Jun 21, 2022 23:27:03 GMT
Well, 2 good re-signings, Clarke and Wiltshire, we need more of course.
I wonder, well we all do, what the latest is with all the other squad players from last season, the ones we haven't heard about yet.
I mentioned, l think in another thread, Devante Stanley. Does anyone know what the latest is with him ?
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Post by lagerman on Jun 21, 2022 23:28:36 GMT
Of course Johnno is a good signing too
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Post by casper on Jun 22, 2022 10:13:33 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/weiss-signs-extension/Mitchell Weiss will be back for the 2022/2023 season having put pen to paper on an extension. Mitchell has proven to be a hit since joining from King’s Langley, impressing with his athleticism and tireless work rate. This hard work was never more important than during our landmark victory in the Emirates FA Cup First Round against Forest Green Rovers. Weiss kept the pressure on Kane Wilson and forced a mistake to assist his strike partner, Shaun Jeffers to secure the victory. Mitchell made an impressive 51 appearances in all competition last year, competing in all 40 games in the Vanarama National League South, and now totalling 70 appearances overall since joining the Saints at the start of the 2020/2021 campaign.
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Post by saint68 on Jun 22, 2022 10:20:18 GMT
Well, the last 24 hours or so have certainly been encouraging with four good re signings. Presumably everyone’s back from their summer holidays causing the rush of news. We now need the other important players to declare their intentions e.g. Jeffers, Banton, Diedhiou and then we’ll know what new signings we need.
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Post by casper on Jun 22, 2022 12:11:27 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/sole-stays/Skillful winger Liam Sole has signed up for another season with the Saints. Liam started his St Albans career initially on loan from MK Dons back in February 2019, where he impressed, later returning to the Dons before being released at the end of his contract. He then successfully trialed at then EFL Championship side Nottingham Forest, signing up with their Under 23 side. His time with Forest was short-lived and Liam returned to St Albans City permanently in April 2021. Liam possesses great pace, utilising his trickery playing down either wing, and is blessed with natural talent on the ball. Accumulating 49 appearances in total for City across his spells, he is yet to cement himself as a regular in Allinson’s starting lineup, but the gaffer has stated both he and Liam believe that if they can unlock the missing piece to the puzzle, he’s good enough to set the league alight. Liam teased us with what could be last season, with a superb solo goal away to Slough and a fantastic finish to raise the roof at Clarence Park in a 3-0 victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough. Could this be Liam Sole’s year?
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Post by Saint on Jun 22, 2022 12:59:28 GMT
Sole is the first re-signing that I’m not too sure about, but I would love to end up being proved wrong.
Both during his loan spell with us, and throughout last season, he was really restricted minutes on the pitch wise. When he did feature, there weren’t many highlights and he didn’t seem to convince the management team.
It feels like a wasted opportunity not to look for an alternative winger with a bit more experience and nous at this level. A player that could help push us to the next level and someone who the management team trust to change a game. However, I guess that those sorts of players would not be as kind on the wage budget.
Anyway, as I said at the start, I hope Sole will step up and prove me wrong (if given the chance to!).
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Post by casper on Jun 23, 2022 9:02:14 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/banton-returns/St Albans City are pleased to announce that long-serving attacking midfielder Zane Banton will return for the 2022/2023 season. Zane initially joined the Saints in March 2017 on loan from Luton Town, securing a permanent move later that summer. Now entering his sixth campaign with City, he has accumulated 186 appearances to date. Integral to Ian Allinson’s teams across the years, the gaffer has maintained his trust in the midfielder who has shown magical individual moments at Clarence Park including impressive solo goals against Wealdstone and Hemel Hempstead Town earning him the Goal of the Season trophy back in 2020. Banton also contributed one of the most memorable Clarence Park team goals in recent memory as he finished a wonderfully worked move against Forest Green Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup First Round victory.
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Post by lagerman on Jun 23, 2022 9:14:55 GMT
Good to see Zane back.
I guess now, we're seeing all these good re-signings or possible departures now more fluently, because all the Players themselves are now ready with their final decisions, they know it won't be long until the start of the season, and if anyone wants to go, they have obviously got to give themselves enough time to find another Club like Johnny Goddard has.
Still no news on Devante Stanley thou or how he is progressing with his fitness ?
I would like to see him back personally, if he can do it and the Club want him back, as l thought he was a decent player for us before hid awful injuries
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