THE footballing aspect of St Albans City is in serious danger of stealing the headlines from the club's financial crisis, as a run stretching back to mid-October sees the team go into Boxing Day's match against Hendon on the back of six straight league victories.

Exactly how much of this can be attributed to the club's critical situation is arguable, although co-managers Steve Cook and Gary Roberts admit it has played a part.

"The off-the-field problems do bring teams together, but only if you've got the right characters," Roberts said.

What he was more emphatic about was the role the supporters have played: "Support from the crowd has been first class, they've bonded with the team. To be honest, I think they were a bit sceptical when Steve and I came in, but I hope we've won them over."

Cook agreed: "The supporters and players both appreciate what the other is doing."

No doubt it has also helped that fitness levels have been upped since the beginning of the season, while counter-attacking and switch-play drills have been introduced to the training schedule, the results of which are already paying dividends.

"What we've been trying to do is coming together quicker than we expected," Cook said. "The team has a swagger now."

Consequently, the bar has been raised since August, with Roberts stating the target is now top eight, not top half. But it is his comments about "bringing in four of five players before next season," that best reveal the level of optimism prevailing among the footballing staff at Clarence Park.

"We're probably £8,000 a week and several players behind Canvey Island, but we can compete with anybody else in the league. What we've done is a testament to the players.

"I'd expect us to challenge for the title next season. The potential has never been fulfilled at this club."

Whether it will get a chance to is anybody's guess. Club Secretary Steve Eames is not aware of new developments, and probably the only man that could offer any real insight into the club's status, chairman Lee Harding, was unavailable for comment early in the week before his departure for a three-week holiday in the Carribbean.

Supporters Club chairman Ian Rogers is also waiting on news, although did confirm that in a conversation with company treasurer Bill Nicholson earlier in the week, Harding said the club house would be fully stocked for the Christmas period and that match programmes and advertising posters would be taken care of.

"I don't know what lies in the future for the players, the club and ourselves," Cook said, "but hopefully we've made a statement that we are committed to the club and want to be here."

The final word goes to top-scorer Simon Martin, who said that an element of gallows humour had crept into the dressing room: "There's a lot banter among the players, a lot of joking about the whole situation.

"But the morale is excellent and we're enjoying the football we're playing. We're a young squad and all get on with each other, so hopefully we can keep it together and go on from there next season."