A delighted Ian Allinson expects Zane Banton to continue developing as a player after he put pen to paper on a new St Albans City deal.

The forward has impressed since joining the club in 2016 and has agreed a contract to keep him at Clarence Park for the 2018/19 season.

Allinson is in the process of reshaping his squad for next season and believes Banton remaining at Clarence Park is a positive step for City.

"Zane is still learning his game and he has done well during his time here," the St Albans manger said.

"We need to get the consistency into his game but I am really pleased he is going to be with us next season.

"It is going to be a tough division but he can pose a threat to any team and I am sure that he'll go from strength to strength here at St Albans City."

Banton joined the Saints from Luton Town and became a fan favourite after helping City produce an ultimately unsuccessful National League South play-off push.

He scored nine goals in 35 league starts as City finished four points shy of the play-off places in eighth.

The news of Banton's new deal came last week and was followed by a further extension being announced as goalkeeper Dean Snedker signed a new contract.

Snedker has also been tied to the club for next season and says committing his future to City was a no-brainer.

"I'm obviously really happy here and it was only a matter of time before I signed a new deal," Snedker said.

"There are plenty of positives to take from last season but we have to look forward now and take those experiences into the new campaign.

"I sat down and spoke to the management team last week and it became increasingly apparent that they're looking to push-on next season.

"As a player, you want to be in a good team and at a good club and that is certainly the situation here."

Allinson added: "Dean is a great lad and you see that you've got a top-class goalkeeper. I'm glad we have got him on board so early to be honest because you need to fill that position."

City will look to improve on their near miss last term next season and Allinson has already spoken of his desire to make further strides in 2018/19.

Their preparations to do so start with a pre-season schedule which sees the Saints lay seven times before the campaign gets underway.

City start their pre-season fixture list when Northampton Town visit Clarence Park on Saturday, July 7 (3pm kick-off).

That match is followed by another home meeting when Stevenage are visitors three-days later in a clash which starts at 7.45pm.

A quartet of away days follow as City take on London Colney on July 12 (7.45pm), Hendon on July 14 (3pm), Biggleswade Town on July 16 (7.45pm) and Wingate & Finchley July 24 (7.45pm).

Finally, City bring the curtain down on their off-season games with the visit of National League side Leyton Orient.

The O's visit Clarence Park on Saturday July 28 in a game which kicks off at 3pm.