David Noble has made a shock return to St Albans City as manager after an ill-fated spell in charge at Wealdstone.

The 42-year-old left Clarence Park in January to take charge at the National League outfit but spent just 73 days in the hot-seat before being sacked at the beginning of April.

His return to the National League South Saints ends his former assistant's tenure as boss, Jon Meakes.

Meakes had enjoyed a good spell through February and into March but their play-off challenge faded dramatically with just one win in the last eight games, and five defeats.

The ex-gaffer though will revert to his former role while his own assistant, Harry Wheeler, will go into a behind the scenes position.

The statement on the club website said: "We are delighted to announce that David Noble has returned to the club as head coach.

"David will take up his post with immediate effect and he has already started planning for the 2024-25 season.

"We are also really pleased to confirm that Jon Meakes will remain at the club to assist David in all first-team activities.

"The club has been working hard behind the scenes on reforming this partnership and we can’t wait for the season to start.

"Harry Wheeler will continue to provide pivotal support in a technical football director role across the club.

"Additional announcements about player recruitment and the first-team squad will follow."