Tom Bender and Ben Herd have put pen to paper on new contracts which will see them remain at St Albans City for the 2018/19 season.

The defenders were both integral members of the City squad which narrowly missed out on the National League play-off spots last term.

With this in mind it is little surprise that Ian Allinson was pleased to tie both to new deals ahead of renewing a promotion push next season.

“This shows huge commitment from the two lads and to have signed so soon into the off-season is a huge boost to myself and the club,” the Saints boss said of the new deals.

“Ben and Tom have been absolutely top-class since I’ve been here.

“Although the season didn’t end the way we’d have liked, to have players of their calibre at the club just shows they believe what we are trying to achieve and that we’re going in the right direction.”

Allinson is keen to build a squad capable of improving on the eighth-place finish City secured last season.

He is, therefore, hopeful that Herd and Bender committing their futures to the club is the start of a productive close season for the Clarence Park club.

Allinson said: “We are working hard behind the scenes to get a few more key players to sign.

“Ben Herd and Tom Bender are two vital elements to St Albans City Football Club and I am glad that we can call upon their services for another year.”

The duo’s decision to extend their stay continues the building process Allinson hopes will yield better returns in the future.

The City boss has also added new faces to his backroom staff with the arrival of Glen Alzapiedi as his assistant manager.

Alzapiedi takes over from Allinson’s son Lee as being second in command at Clarence Park and will bring experience to the Saints dugout.

Having enjoyed spells at Ware, Harlow and Canvey, Allinson’s new number two is eager to get stuck into his new role at a club he has plenty of knowledge of.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have joined St Albans City,” Alzapiedi said.

“It is a great opportunity for me and although I have to admit the phone call from Ian was slightly out of the blue, it didn’t take me long to commit my future here.

“I’ve crossed paths with this club a number of times over the years and it’s always been a side I’ve respected.

“To be part of it is fantastic. I was very close to signing here back in 1994 when Steve Ketteridge was manager but it wasn’t to be, so I can’t wait to get started.”