St. Albans Season Review: A Historic Double-Winning Campaign

The 2024 season will be etched in the memories of St. Albans fans forever, as the team achieved a remarkable double by winning both the Vanarama National League South title and the FA Trophy. This comprehensive review will delve into the key moments, statistics, and individual performances that made this season so special.

League Performance

St. Albans dominated the Vanarama National League South, finishing with an impressive 111 points from 46 games. The team’s consistency and resilience were evident throughout the campaign, with 35 wins and 6 draws. The nearest competitor, Worthing, finished with 96 points, 15 points adrift of the champions.

Cup Competitions

The FA Trophy campaign was a highlight of the season, with St. Albans ultimately lifting the trophy. The team navigated through the competition with ease, defeating Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-1, Hartlepool United 1-0, and FC Halifax Town 2-3, before overcoming Bath City in the final. The competition finished on May 11, 2025, with St. Albans emerging as the winners.

Key Achievements

Several notable matches and achievements stood out during the season:

• Biggest Win: A 5-0 thrashing of Torquay on October 16, 2024, showcased the team’s attacking prowess.
• Match to Remember: A 2-4 away victory at Bath City on October 15, 2024, demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
• Goal of the Season: A stunning strike against Scarborough Athletic in the FA Trophy on March 5, 2023, will be remembered for years to come.

Individual Achievements

Manager Karl Hodgell received recognition for his outstanding work, winning the Manager of the Month awards for January and February. The team’s individual awards highlighted the contributions of several key players:

• Fans’ Player of the Season: Shiloh Remy, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, impressed fans with his performances, earning a rating of 7.3.
• Young Player of the Season: Remy also took home the Young Player of the Season award, demonstrating his immense potential.
• Top Goalscorer: Pharrell Williams, the 23-year-old striker, finished the season with 21 goals, making him the team’s top scorer.
• Most Assists: Giorgio Rasulo, the 24-year-old midfielder, provided 16 assists, showcasing his creativity and vision on the pitch.

Transfer Activity

The board was pleased with the transfer business conducted during the season, which included several key signings that contributed to the team’s success. The arrivals of players like Shiloh Remy, Charley Kendall, and Louis Dunne had a significant impact on the team’s performances.

Stadium Attendance

The average home attendance was 953, representing 15% of the stadium’s capacity. While there is room for growth, the fans who attended matches created a lively atmosphere, supporting the team throughout the season.

Conclusion

The 2024 season was a historic one for St. Albans, with the team achieving a remarkable double by winning the Vanarama National League South title and the FA Trophy. The team’s dominance in the league, combined with their impressive cup run, made for a memorable campaign. Individual performances, such as those from Shiloh Remy and Pharrell Williams, were instrumental in the team’s success. As the team looks to build on this achievement, the future appears bright for St. Albans.