Venture across Tremorfa Park in east Cardiff and you’ll come across the St Albans sports club. Probably better known in the community for its rugby exploits, the football side of the operation is now looking to build on a strong base and seek promotion through the South Wales Alliance.
At the heart of the new ambition is new manager Simon Croker, joint-manager at near neighbours Bridgend Street until last spring, who rejoins the club having had an active role in the past.
Croker was involved in setting up the youth and minis section of the club and led the first team when they team were promoted through the Cardiff & District League and into Division 2 of the Alliance. Now Croker joins Adam Griffin as the club seeks to achieve promotion this season up to Division 1.
Croker is passionate about the task ahead. He said, “Our aim this season is promotion, in the longer term we want to build a squad capable of progressing through the leagues. There are great foundations already here, a top group of young players. We’ll be looking to add some experience to that – both on the playing side and to join Adam and I on the management side.”
Croker was keen to point out that it wasn’t just the playing side where the club was looking to transform. He said, “There’s been a bit of a committee restructure over the summer and everyone is positive, ambitious and looking forward to the season ahead. The club has massive potential and we want to emulate some of the other sides in the area that have had an impact and move up the pyramid.
“Everyone is very committed to doing well this season, and promotion is the aim.”
Jerome
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