By Nathan Jackson
May 16 2007

Former Lincoln City midfielder, Ritchie Hanlon, has become the manager of recently relegated Conference side, St Albans City. Hanlon played 12 times for City during the 2004/5 season and scored arguably the best goal of that season against Boston United.

Hanlon joined the Imps from Stevenage in December 2004 and made his debut in the defeat at Wycombe Wanderers. Appearances were few and far between as he made just 12 appearances before being released.

The undoubted highlight of that time was an away game at Boston. Hanlon picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and just walloped it into the back of the past.

St Albans will be playing next season in the Conference South after finishing bottom of the National Conference, getting just 40 points from their 46 games.

Hanlon will be linking up with former Imp, Ben Martin as he tries to get St Albans back into the Conference at the first attempt.

Hanlon was praised by St Albans' Chairman, John Gibson, who was obviously delighted with the appointment. On the St Albans Offical Website, he said "I have been impressed by comments about his management potential from football colleagues, and believe he will prove to be the right person for our Club at this time" 

Hanlon joins a host of ex-Imps currently in management. Steve McLaren is currently manager of England, Dean West is currently the gaffer of Kings Lynn, Stuart Bimson manages Bedford Town, John Ward is manager for Cheltenham and Steve Thompson is in charge at Notts County. Former Imps' stars, Keith Alexander and Chris Turner are both in Director of Footballer roles at Bury and Hartlepool respectively.