By John Lyons

PEDIGREE: Samir Carruthers in his Aston Villa days
PICTURE: Alamy

BOSS Lee Bircham reckons the experience of midfield duo Samir Carruthers and Sam Mantom will be crucial as his ‘younger’ Hemel Hempstead Town squad adapt to the rigours of National League South.
Carruthers, 28, and Mantom, 29, impressed for the Tudors at the end of last season’s curtailed campaign and Bircham is delighted to have them on board again. They bring undoubted pedigree to the Hertfordshire club.
Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Carruthers has played for Aston Villa, Sheffield United...