First team
On Friday the club was delighted to announce the signing of Shep Murombedzi for the coming season. Shep was ever-present last season and enjoyed a magnificent season for Kevin Wilkin’s side. “Shep is a top, top player,” Wilkin said. “Despite wide interest from clubs at a higher level Shep has committed to St James Park. He enjoys his football here. A fans’ favourite, he gives everything for the team.”

Wilkin confirmed that further signings are imminent but that right back Ellis Myles, 29, has left the club after almost 300 appearances including in the 2018 Wembley final. “Ellis has been an important part of our team over many seasons,” Wilkin said. “Ellis is a good footballer and we wish him well at his new club.”

National League
Tomorrow is the National League annual meeting followed by gala awards evening at Celtic Manor. In his address Chairman Jack Pearce praises the clubs for the way Covid was managed and the way the season was able to be completed. The support of sponsor Vanarama is especially important and this continues next season bringing important revenue and raising the profile of the competition. Pearce also drew attention to the generous contributions made by the Premier League. In addition to the £2m of funding each season, additional Covid support of £5m over 4 seasons has been provided.

Vanarama has named its Team of the Season. Three clubs have two players included – York City, Gateshead, and Brackley Town. Gaz Dean and Shep Murombedzi feature for Saints in well-deserved recognition.

St James Park
Significant work on the St James Park pitch has been completed and the first cut is due next week before a further round of treatment takes place. A stretch of new perimeter fencing is being installed and other works are underway. We will keep you fully updated as pre-season approaches.

Season tickets
Season tickets will soon be on sale. Look out for details on the website and social media. Please note the club will shortly migrate across to a new website so look out for news of that in the coming days.

Best wishes to all supporters for the week ahead.