Season 3: St Albans

St. Albans Season Review 2025/26

The 2025/26 season was a remarkable one for St. Albans City, as they defied all expectations to win the Vanarama National League championship. Under the guidance of manager Karl Hudgell, the team showed incredible resilience and determination, finishing the season with 89 points, 4 points clear of second-placed AFC Fylde. The team’s success was built on a strong defensive foundation, with a league-low 228 goals conceded, and a potent attack that scored 409 goals, including 20 from set pieces. The team’s expected goals per game ratio of 2.00 was the highest in the league, and their average possession of 54% was among the top 5 in the league.

One of the key factors in St. Albans’ success was their ability to exceed expectations. Despite being predicted to finish 20th in the league, the team consistently performed above their pre-season expectations, earning them the title of biggest overachievers in the league. The team’s impressive form was recognized by the footballing community, with Karl Hudgell being named Vanarama National League Manager of the Year. The team’s success was not limited to the league, as they also won the English FA Trophy in 2025 and the Vanarama National League South in the same year.

The team’s success was also reflected in their individual player performances. Several players stood out for their exceptional form, including Josh Castillion, who was instrumental in the team’s success, and Ben Goodwin, who proved to be an excellent acquisition for the campaign after signing from Dover. The team’s squad depth was also a key factor in their success, with several players contributing to the team’s goals and assists throughout the season.

Karl Hudgell: A Managerial Career on the Rise

Karl Hudgell, born on March 17, 1986, in Reading, has been making waves in the football management world with his impressive career statistics and achievements. As of the end of the 2025/26 season, Hudgell has managed 166 games, winning 108, drawing 26, and losing 32, with a win percentage of 65%. His teams have scored 409 goals and conceded 228, with a goal difference of 181. Hudgell’s career earnings stand at £99,000, and he has spent 1101 days as a manager, with no holidays taken. Hudgell’s managerial career began at St. Albans, where he has been in charge since the start of the 2025/26 season. During his tenure, he has won the Vanarama National League, the English FA Trophy, and the Vanarama National League South. He has also been recognized as the Vanarama National League Manager of the Year and the Vanarama National League South Manager of the Season runner-up. With his impressive career statistics and achievements, Karl Hudgell is certainly a manager to watch in the future.

Hudgell’s managerial style has been praised for its flexibility and adaptability. He has shown an ability to adjust his tactics to suit the opposition and the situation, often making key changes during games to turn the tide in his team’s favor. His man-management skills have also been praised, with several players crediting him with helping them to improve their game and reach their full potential.

Career Statistics:

Games Played: 166
Games Won: 108
Games Drawn: 26
Games Lost: 32
Win Percentage: 65%
Goals For: 409
Goals Against: 228
Goal Difference: 181
Career Earnings: £99,000
Time as Manager: 1101 days
Holidays Taken: 0 days (0.00%)

Transfer Activity:

St. Albans were active in the transfer market during the 2025/26 season, bringing in several players on free transfers, including Jack Thompson, Josh Harrop, Kyle Finn, Ted Collins, Ben Hockenhull, Ryan Carr, TJ Carroll, Bailey Clements, and Harry Foster. The team also released several players on free transfers, including Pharrell Williams, Keenan Gough, George Dowling, Louis Dunne, and Andre Burley, who joined Scunthorpe for £1.5K.

The team’s transfer activity was shrewd and effective, with several of the new signings making significant contributions to the team’s success. The team’s ability to attract and retain top talent was a key factor in their success, and Hudgell’s ability to identify and sign key players was praised by fans and pundits alike.

Season Highlights:

Winning the Vanarama National League championship with 89 points
Defeating Hartlepool 3-0 in a comfortable victory
Beating Crewe Alexandra 4-0 in a dominant performance
Karl Hudgell being named Vanarama National League Manager of the Year

Season Lowlights:

Losing to Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 in a surprise defeat
Drawing with Eastleigh 1-1 in a disappointing result

Overall, the 2025/26 season was a remarkable one for St. Albans City, with the team exceeding all expectations to win the Vanarama National League championship. With Karl Hudgell at the helm, the team is sure to continue to impress in the future. Onto League 2!