St Albans City will host a Crystal Palace XI during pre-season this summer.

The Saints will entertain the Premier League club on Tuesday, July 21 at Clarence Park as they prepare for next season’s National League South campaign.

Former City defender Ian Gayle will return to the club when Dagenham & Redbridge are the first visitors during pre-season on Tuesday, July 7.

Martin Allen will bring newly promoted League Two outfit Barnet to Clarence Park seven days later.

St Albans’ first away friendly takes place at London Colney on Thursday, July 16 and this is followed on the Saturday by a trip to Billericay Town.

The Saints head to Waltham Abbey on Saturday, July 25 before a match at Biggleswade Town the following Tuesday evening.

St Albans’ final away warm-up game is at Hitchin Town on Thursday, July 30.

The club are looking for a coach to work with the Under-18 Eastern Junior Alliance squad. Working in conjunction with the development squad the role will require attendance at training twice a week and fixtures on Sunday mornings.

A minimum standard of FA Level 2 and Youth Module 1 is essential. Pre-season will start on June 25 and the voluntary role will run throughout the summer.

Interested candidates should send a CV to Reserve and Development manager Mark Swales at swalesm75@gmail.com by the closing date on Monday at 5pm.

The Saints have confirmed the Reserve and Development squad have been accepted into Spartan South Midlands League Division Two subject to ratification at the AGM on Saturday, June 27.

Swales will be assisted by Stuart Crawford while Sam Mardell is stepping up from City Youth to coach. Jack Gibbins is joining as specialist goalkeeping coach for both the Under-18 and Development squads.