AFTER the traumas of last season, St Albans City FC are finally in a position to look ahead to a new campaign with some degree of optimism.

A number of changes to the squad have taken place during the summer, and the side that lines up against Ford United on Saturday, August 17 may contain more than a few unknown names.

The St Albans Observer looks at the new-look squad charged with bringing success back to Clarence Park.

Goalkeepers

Richard Wilmot: Last season's Supporter's Club's player-of-the-year, a top quality shot-stopper with plenty of league experience at the likes of Scunthorpe United.

Duncan Roberts: Highly-rated young keeper with huge presence and good distribution. Impressed at lowly Harrow Borough last season.

Defence

Dominic Naylor: Started his career at Watford, Naylor is an experienced left-sided defender who also has spells at Plymouth and Gillingham under his belt.

Leon Townley: Signed from rivals Aldershot Town in the summer, he started his career at Spurs as a trainee before moving to Brentford, making 16 league starts.

Ryan Moran: Was thrown in at the deep end last season and coped admirably. A cultured defender happy with either foot, the youngster is also a goal threat.

Derek Brown: Club captain and vital to the team in the heart of the defence. Joined Bedford Town midway through last season and helped them stave off relegation.

Rob Gould: Impressive in pre-season after being signed from Tamworth, Gould is a six foot plus two-footed defender happy to play anywhere along the back line.

Midfield

Rob Smith: Highly-rated youngster with a cultured left-foot, signed from Norwich City last year. A key man in the centre of the park.

Steve Castle: Controlling and calming central midfielder with vast experience. Joins from Stevenage after spells with the likes of Birmingham City.

Scott Oakes: Once a youngster of huge potential at Luton Town, he joined Sheffield Wednesday in a big-money move but failed to make an impact. Naturally gifted.

Jon Challinor: Formerly a defender, he is at home in the middle of the park and plays with an assured air. Joined from Cambridge City.

Richard Evans: A City stalwart, the versatile Evans was born in Watford and started out at Barnet before settling down at Clarence Park.

Rob Kean: Right-sided midfielder who is at his happiest taking on defenders. Signed from Hitchin Town last year, often chips in with vital goals.

Beckett Hollenbach: Exciting two-footed young American player who plays on the left. Pacy with good control, has also turned out for the US National Youth side.

Strikers

Simon Martin: Prolific striker and a product of the youth scheme. Scored 24 goals last season for Saints after a £5,000 move from Hucknall Town.

Gary Crawshaw: Signed from Farnborough, Crawshaw has huge non-league experience and could potentially form a lethal partnership with Martin.

Miguel De Souza: With spells at Wycombe and Charlton under his belt, De Souza is a natural goalscorer who has proved he can perform at any level.

Gary Sippetts: Was prolific for London Colney, scoring 52 goals last season and will look to make the successful step up to the Ryman League this year.

Craig Mackail-Smith: Another product of the youth scheme, Mackail-Smith possesses lightning pace and is a great prospect for the future.