St Albans City manager Ian Culverhouse is staying at the club but he is one of only a few as the consequences of relegation hits hard.

The now former National League South club has announced the departure of most of their squad, including some long-time players and fan favourites.

Shaun Jeffers leads the departures, the striker having made 219 appearances and scored 117 goals since signing in 2020, while goalkeeper Michael Johnson is also on his way out of Clarence Park.

He made 172 appearances having also signed in the summer of 2020 and the former Hitchin Town stopper earned a reputation for saving penalties.

Josh Castiglione, Alfie Payne, Tafari Moore and Iffy Allen are also on their way out as is Brandon Mason and Gio Rasulo.

Culverhouse says the club has to go in a different direction.

"I've had discussions with all the players," he said, "a large majority will be leaving.

"We'd like to keep a core group and discussions are taking place with core players, players who know the club and have the club at heart.

"If we can agree deals with them then it is about building around them.

"We'll have a competitive budget and we'll recruit the right type of player but we've got a good academy system and it is important we get the younger players in and around us.

"We want young hungry players to drive this club forward."

Saints are expecting to find out the divisions for next season tomorrow (Thursday) but the boss says the mood at the club is still positive, despite the relegation.

He said: "It was a sad way to end it and we left a lot of points on the pitch this season.

"We want to improve and we spoke to the club and said it is really important we get back, so we are grateful for the opportunity. We shall give it everything we got.

"The club have some really good ideas and we have had some good discussions with them.

"There are a lot of things going on off the pitch with improvements around the place and everything looks bright.

"It's probably time for a reset and a look at the principles and practices we do but the feedback we've had and the discussions we've had have been positive."