07 Aug 2026
St Albans Times sports editor Jess Unwin continues his St Albans City FC pre-season preview. Photos by Jim Standen.
Alex Dyer says he doesn’t set himself personal targets anymore – instead, his focus is on making a contribution to the team’s goals.
The 36-year-old veteran midfielder, who was one of the standout successes in what was otherwise a disappointing 2025-26 season, was the heartbeat of the St Albans team, playing in 48 games – more than any other member of the squad.
He uses his wealth of experience to read the game, can pick out a killer pass and always looks composed in possession. If he can repeat the consistent form that saw him named Manager’s Player of the Season for 2025-26, City’s chances of doing well in the new league campaign can only be enhanced.
After agreeing to re-sign for the Saints, he said: “I’m really delighted to be here for another year. I really enjoyed my first season – the team, the people at the club, the fans.”
He added: “I’m at the back end of my career so my goals are the team’s goals. I don’t really set myself personal targets – I just want to be part of a winning team and contribute what I can bring to the team in terms of my qualities.
“I just want us to win and be the best team that we can be. I want us to compete – I want us to be fighting for the title.”
New St Albans striker Kai Brown has really had his ‘shooting boots’ on during the pre-season friendlies, scoring nine goals in seven pre-season friendlies.
That’s been encouraging for those St Albans City fans wondering how the club would replace last season’s top-scorer Leo Sery, who bagged 20 goals in all competitions and has now moved on to play with Chelmsford City.
Brown, 25, arrives at Clarence Park having notched 28 goals last season for Waltham Abbey in the Isthmian League North Division, the tier below the Premier Division where Saints currently reside.
Before his time with the Abbots, Brown played in Ipswich Town’s under-18 and under-23 teams and then spent time at 11 different clubs. He revealed: “It’s been a crazy journey, lots of ups and downs, but I’m at an age now where I know my game, and I’m just looking forward to scoring lots of goals.”
The very first new signing made by Gary McCann and his management team was experienced centre back Remi Sutton, 34, who signed up to the cause at the end of May.
McCann has options at centre back with Darion Furlong, Frankie Musonda and Zak Snowden-Fletcher among those vying to nail down a starting place at the heart of the City defence, but Sutton has certainly staked his claim with solid performances in pre-season friendlies.
Joining City from fellow Isthmian League Premier Division side Cray Wanderers, Sutton’s career CV includes an FA Trophy winner’s medal with Hornchurch and another winner’s medal in the FA Vase with Romford.
On his ambitions for St Albans City, he said: “Ultimately, you want to win games, be near the top end of the table – winning titles. That’s what the club wants to do and I want to do.”
Interviews with Alex, Kai, Remi and other St Albans City players are available in full on the club’s podcast, Saints and the City, or on the club’s YouTube channel.
