08 Aug 2026
After failure to bounce back to the National League South at the first time of asking, St Albans City FC supporters will want to see their side mount a serious push for promotion in the new league campaign.
The club finished 22 points short of the promotion play-off places in 2025-26 and although mumblings of discontent on the terraces never turned to booing, City fans’ patience could begin to wear thin if there’s no improvement this season.
Lee Wood, chairman of supporters group Saints City Trust, undoubtedly echoed the views of many when he declared: “Getting out of this division is the goal – the only goal. Obtaining a play-off spot would be acceptable for most as a bare minimum this time around.
“The expectancy of supporters continues to rise along with the summer temperatures,” he said, but warned that “the path from the Isthmian League’s Premier Division is far from a clear one”.
He explained: “It’s going to be a serious test. There has been some big money splashed about throughout the division, and we saw last season just how little respect other clubs have for teams like St Albans who have nibbled at the higher echelons of the non-league game in a previous life. We will have to earn respect this time around.”
However, he does see promising signs in manager Gary McCann’s close-season player recruitment: “He cleared some deadwood and added what appears to be, on the surface, the makings of a very attractive unit.
“Kai Brown in particular comes with a good pedigree at this level, and he’s been the signing that really made me sit up and take notice.
“Charlie Edwards and Jake Gray add some welcome steel and composure in the middle of the park, with Ollie Knight and Darion Furlong also adding their weight to a hungry squad.
“It has been encouraging to see the squad take shape [in pre-season friendlies] and, yes, it’s far from perfect, but credit where it’s due. There’s a clear shape, a strong work ethic and still a bit of time to iron out any lingering frailties.”
City’s decision last season to increase the price of adult season tickets drew criticism but Lee says: “The club has worked hard to rectify some of the bewildering decisions made on ticketing pricing… it was important the issue was addressed and the relationship between the club and the fan base is improved.”
Lee was elected as chair for the Saints City Trust earlier this year, taking over from long-time stalwart Ian Rogers. His vision for the trust is for it to continue to be a “genuine voice of the supporters”.
He adds: “With the recent relegation and the talk of a new ground on the horizon, this is a critical time in the history of St Albans City.”
And his message to fellow Saints fans is: “Your voice matters. Join the Saints City Trust and ensure it’s heard.”
Saints City Trust is run independently of St Albans City FC and organises minibus transport to games when required. For more, go to Instagram (saintstrust_1908), X (SaintsTrust1908), Facebook (Saints City Trust) or the website at www.saintscitytrust.org.uk.
There are a number of new fixtures for Saints this season in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Promoted from the North Division are Maldon & Tiptree and Stanway Rovers.
Promoted from the South Central Division are Leatherhead, while AFC Whyteleafe and Three Bridges come up from the South East Division. The two teams relegated from the National League South are Eastbourne Borough and Enfield Town.
Ticket prices for 2026-27 are as follows: admission will be free for under-5s, £6 for under-18s, £9 for students, £18 for adults, and the concession price is £12.50. Most tickets can be bought online in advance at a discount price.
