St Albans City announce the signing of experienced former Prem and EFL player Adrian Mariappa just in time for their FA Cup first round tie.
They bring in the 39 year old centre-back as they get set to take on League One side Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon.
He joins from a coaching role at Watford U21s, having captained Wealdstone last season and more recently in the summer played in Singapore’s Soccer 7s.
Director of Football Harry Wheeler praised Mariappa’s on and off-field impact, and is expected to go straight into this weekend’s squad.
St Albans currently sit 10th in the Isthmian League – Premier Division with 16 points from 11 games played, but have games in hand over most sides around them.
✍🏼 St Albans City FC is thrilled to reveal the signing of experienced centre back Adrian Mariappa!
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/x9TqOvJkrM #SACFC 😇 pic.twitter.com/W91NxM6n0m
— St Albans City FC (@stalbanscityfc) October 30, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
St Albans City FC is delighted to confirm the signing of experienced centre back Adrian Mariappa.
The former Watford, Crystal Palace and Bristol City man joins the Saints ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie at his former club Burton Albion.
While captaining Wealdstone last season, the former Jamaican international played 43 games in the National League and also played in Singapore over the summer in the Soccer 7s Series for Pasha Luxury FC.
Having started his career at Watford’s Academy, making his debut for the Hornets in 2005, the centre back amassed 168 Premier League appearances for Watford, Reading and Crystal Palace. He has also turned out for Bristol City, Burton Albion, Salford City and Australian A League outfit Macarthur FC.
More recently, Adrian has taken up a coaching role at Watford, as Assistant Manager for their Under 21 side.
Director of Football, Harry Wheeler, said: “Adrian will bring a great deal to this squad, both on and off the field. He’s been training regularly with Watford this season while settling into his new coaching role there.
“Since pre-season, Adrian and I have been in regular contact with the goal that, at some point, he would join the group. Adrian trained with us Tuesday and was excellent. Despite receiving several offers from clubs in higher divisions, the timing now feels perfect for both Adrian and the current and future needs of the squad.
“He’ll be a real asset, and we can’t wait to see him in a St Albans City shirt on a regular basis.”
Adrian will be in the squad this Saturday at the Pirelli Stadium. All at St Albans City welcome Adrian and his family to Clarence Park.
Two weeks ago, there was an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Mariappa’s working day, including team meetings and training, as the Assistant Coach of Watford Under-21s.
He spoke of feeling instantly at home after 30 years, reflected on seeing some familiar faces, and held an. energetic U21 training session: defensive drills, pressing triggers, shape recovery, and small-sided games. Coaches emphasise aggression, quick transitions, and 90-minute focus, praising blocks and passes.
Fair to say his experience and knowledge will help the St Albans players and their staff going forward.
HIS CAREER:
Youth career
–2005 – Watford
Senior
2005–2012 – Watford – 247 games (4 goals)
2012–2013 – Reading – 33 games (1 goal)
2013–2016 – Crystal Palace – 49 games (1 goal)
2016–2020 – Watford – 93 games (1 goal)
2020–2021 – Bristol City – 27 games (0 goals)
2021–2022 – Macarthur FC – 19 games (3 goals)
2022–2023 – Burton Albion – 12 games (1 goal)
2023–2024 – Salford City – 47 games (0 goals)
2024–2025 – Wealdstone – 43 games (0 goals)
2025– St Albans City
International
2012– Jamaica – 72 games (1 goals)
Honours
Watford
Football League Championship play-offs: 2006
FA Cup runner-up: 2018–19
Crystal Palace
FA Cup runner-up: 2015–16
Jamaica
CONCACAF Gold Cup runner-up: 2015
Individual
Watford Player of the Season: 2011–12
A-Leagues All Star: 2022
Here’s how fans reacted as St Albans announce the signing of experienced former Prem and EFL player in time for their FA Cup tie…
@georgefriquiche: What a statement signing
@wfcontheup: All the best Mapps you are a legend
@SalfordCityMatt: Go well Mapps, top player
@Watford_Arg: Good luck Maps! 💛
@AdamStevenson7: That is a huge signing for a step 3 club. Interesting to see who is going to be manager.
@tonytheaceman: Deeney to follow?
@LucyLVReev: That’s beast of signing 💛
@SebC__: I’ve got so much time for Adrian Mariappa. Top player (and so good on any FM version over the years). He’s also U21 assistant with Watford and Charlie Daniels. Was on a game sheet a few weeks ago vs Hull I reckon.
@Joseph_Oakman17: What a signing , whoever joins as manager will have great players to manage. @mccann2507 we need you at St Albans 👀
@paulstevens73: That’s a signing right there!! 💛💙
@georgefriquiche: Up the saints and Michael’s team for Saturday #COYS #WatfordFC
@interlegendsfc: What a player! Good luck, Mapps! 💪
@jack_2831: Nah they’re taking the piss 😂
@Budfrog: Good luck Maps #WatfordFC
@Joseph_Oakman17: Welcome to the club Adrian
@SuperNotts85: Some signing at that level. Looks like a promotion winning squad.
@dylzyy1: This is turning into a proper reunion 😆
@JackWFC1234: Oh my fucking god you LOVE to see it
Great signing pic.twitter.com/IZMVG31ALX
— Alan Palmer (@alanthecharmer) October 30, 2025
#bafc https://t.co/PdGifTu9vt pic.twitter.com/ws6ZeB1Nq9
— Matt Large Design (@MattLargeDesign) October 30, 2025
