St Albans City have boosted their promotion hopes after signing former Fulham striker Barry Hayles on the eve of the new season.

The veteran goalscorer impressed in a friendly against Stevenage last week and has agreed terms to enhance the Saints’ firepower. 

Manager David Howell said: “After weighing up all his options, Barry has decided that St Albans City represent the best option for him to achieve something significant as his career winds down. I am delighted we have persuaded him to join.”

The 40-year-old earned a £2m move to Craven Cottage in 1998 after his prolific form for Bristol Rovers. Hayles also had spells with Sheffield United, Millwall, Leicester City, Plymouth and Cheltenham.

The striker, who played more than 600 league games, has recently been playing for Cornish side Truro City where his goals helped them to the Evo-Stick Premier title two seasons ago.

Howell believes his side are a “million miles ahead” of where they were one year ago as they prepare to challenge for promotion.

The Saints are expected to be among the front runners in the Southern Premier Division during Howell's second season in charge at Clarence Park.

The former Harrow Borough boss endured a difficult start last year but after building his own team, he is confident about their chances.

Howell has strengthened his squad with the arrival of Staines defender Danny Gordon and Hayes and Yeading’s Curtis Ujah. The Saints have also brought in striker Lewis Toomey from Hemel Hempstead Town.

Howell said: “Whatever the early results are, we are a million miles further forward than last season. It's a results driven game and I think our performances and the shape of the side is coming together.

"Last year I was always tinkering and trying to find the right combination but I don't have that problem this season. I think we're in a good place.”

The manager continued: “I think we've got three of the best central defenders in the league in Curtis, Danny and Jimmy Gray.

“Two of those three will start on Saturday but I’d rather be in that position than have just one defender.

“Lewis will score goals and I've got every confidence in him this season up front whoever he plays with. If we help him and he develops I think he’ll get 20 goals.”

St Albans won 3-2 at Royston Town on Saturday in the Herts Charity Cup.

City appeared to be cruising after goals from Gray, Toomey and Gareth Risbridger but the hosts gave them a scare by netting twice.

Howell, whose side open their league campaign at Banbury United this weekend, said: “I thought the first 45 minutes were fairly comfortable and we got an early goal in the second half.

“I just think it was more of a challenge for ourselves to remain focused because it was comfortable for the lads. I wanted us to get into a winning habit and we've done that.

“I wanted us to play this match before the season started because it was about winning a game of football.

“We've got one away game and then two at home. I'd like us to hit the ground running. I would hope we go into the opener at Banbury on Saturday with a strong squad that will challenge for promotion this season.”