FORMER Colchester United assistant manager Ian Culverhouse has taken charge at National League South strugglers St Albans City.

Culverhouse, who served as Paul Lambert's number two at the U's between 2008 and 2009, has taken the helm at the Saints after leaving his role as manager of National League club Boston United, in October.

Culverhouse led his new side St Albans to a draw at George Elokobi’s Maidstone United, in his first game in charge.

The Bishop’s Stortford-born coach believes the point can give them the platform to move up the standings.

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Culverhouse said: "We're here to get out of the little bit of a mess we're in, a little bit of a hole, and then we'll progress and go on to better things.

"[We'll get out of it] by putting that effort in, especially second half, we were magnificent.

"And then we defended our box well, they are a big strong side and they asked a lot of questions defensively, but we stood up to it.

"That shows character.

"It's a small step, we've got a squad that is low on confidence and hopefully this is a step forward.

 

"We've got three sessions this week and it is about how we can put the work in ahead of another tricky game away to Boreham Wood."

Culverhouse was named as Colchester's assistant manager in October, 2008.

The U's agreed a small compensation package with Wycombe Wanderers, with whom Culverhouse was assistant manager.

Culverhouse, a former defender who represented the likes of Spurs and Norwich City in his playing career, linked up with Paul Lambert at the U's.

They remained at the JobServe Community Stadium until August, 2009, when the duo quit to take charge at Norwich City.

The duo also had a spell at Aston Villa and Culverhouse has since commanded managerial roles at the likes of King's Lynn, Grantham Town and Kettering Town.