SAINTS ARE MUCH MORE THAN JUST A SHAUN SHOW
SHAUN Jeffers was told exactly what he wanted to hear by manager Ian Allinson when signing for St Albans City.
The 29-year-old had been released by Chelmsford City last year before the Saints came calling with the ideal plan.
“The gaffer wanted to build a team where
I was the focal point as the number nine,” Jeffers told The NLP. “Elsewhere, I might have got pushed out wide because I can do that role as well but I knew I was a number nine. It was a great fit.
“I’ve got great respect for him and, of course, he’s one of the main reasons I signed. I knew we were going to work well together and we’re seeing that now.”
Indeed, Jeffers is one of the hottest properties in Non-League right now having scored 18 goals for the Saints in 17 games, including two hat-tricks.
His most important strike came last Sunday evening to send St Albans into the FA Cup second round proper for the first time in their 113-year history.
It capped the most memorable evening at a sold out Clarence Park in which the National League South side trailed Forest Green Rovers, came back to lead and were then level – all by half-time.
But Jeffers delivered the
killer touch, like he has done so often this season, to send them through and set up a Hertfordshire derby at Boreham Wood – one of his and Allinson’s former clubs.
“The atmosphere was unreal and the team fed off it, it gave us that lift,” he said. “We just wanted to give a good account of ourselves and everyone did that, it all came together.
“Even when we conceded first we never know when we’re beaten which filters through everyone at the club.
“It was a great occasion and a moment you’ll never forget. This is what you dream of. The FA Cup is such a special competition. To be on TV in front of a sold out stadium at home, you couldn’t really write it any better.
Respect
“When Boreham Wood came out in the draw I had a thought in my head that it would be us. You just knew it was going to be the case.
“I’ve got massive respect
for the club and manager Luke Garrard. We had a good season there and just missed out on getting promoted in the play-off final.”
Jeffers’ own season could hardly be going any better but the October National League South player of the month is quick to shift the praise elsewhere.
He’s finally found a club where he is settled and playing his best football after a career that started promisingly in the Championship with Coventry City but has led to a myriad of moves year after year. From Peterborough United to Cambridge United via Newport County, from Yeovil Town to Brackley Town – he’s found a home at last.
“I felt welcomed as soon as I came to the club,” he said. “A big part of that is the community, family-feel, everyone has the same ethic.
Credit
“I’d previously played against the gaffer’s teams and did well against them. I’d scored a few goals at Clarence Park and he probably wasn’t too happy then but I think he was glad to get me to sign.
“The signings we’ve made have helped the team get back to where St Albans should be and hopefully we can keep pushing on.
“The whole squad has given me good service, we will always create chances because we’ve got quality in the attacking areas.
“I just want to help the team and the main part of that as a striker is scoring goals. It’s been all down to the team.”
St Albans’ attacking force of Mitchell Weiss, Zane Banton and John Goddard – all involved in the goals against League Two leaders Forest Green – deserve as much credit for their success.
Now unbeaten in 15 matches, the Saints are relishing a clash with their higher-league neighbours Wood – this amidst a battle for supremacy at the top end of the National League South table.
“We’ve just pulled off the upset of the round so you’d be confident whoever it was,” added Jeffers.
“I’ve got massive faith in the team.”
It was a occacion great moment and a I will forget. never what This you is The FA dream Cup is of. special such a competition Shaun Jeffers