St Albans City manager Ian Allinson has committed his future to the club by signing up to a new deal which will see him help with off-field issues as well as those on the pitch.

The manager has been with the Saints since 2016 when he joined following his second spell at Boreham Wood and almost guided them to the National League South play-offs last season.

He has agreed to help the club in four key areas as well as managing the team, by providing guidance on the direction of commercial development, helping the club become a full-time team, creating a pathway for youth talent to progress to the first team and also with the development of the St Albans City brand.

The Saints’ vice chairman John McGowan described Allinson as the “right man” for the club and said he was impressed with the job he had done so far.

He told the club website: “I was so impressed when I first met Ian, and knew that he was the right man for our club, and I have not been disappointed with what he has done with ourselves since becoming manager.

“With Ian’s 30 years of experience in the game it was an easy decision to ask Ian to support in the next stage of the club’s development.”

As well as his experience on the pitch, which saw him play for a number of teams including Arsenal and Stoke City, Allinson has also worked in sales and marketing and has held senior roles at Danish beer company Carlsberg. The club is hoping he will be able to utilise those skills to help them develop off the field.

Speaking to the club website, the manager said he hoped he could take the Saint in the right direction.

“I’m very privileged and honoured to be here at St Albans City,” he said.

“I’ll give my all to improve the commercial basis of the club and make the supporters proud of this great club.

“Together, we’ll be stronger and I’m looking forward to working with the players, staff, supporters, businesses and the people of the city of St Albans to make the right steps forward.”

Allinson officially started his new role on Monday.