The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Boss Seb Hayes has revealed that Holbeach United are set to dip into the transfer market again as he bids to add at least three new faces to his stuttering squad.
The Tigers chief has put approaches in for ChromaSport UCL Division One-based duo Dan Jenkins and Lewis Leckie, while he’s also attempting to bring Jake Clitheroe back to the club.
Jenkins, who can play as a right back or a defensive midfielder, is on the books of Oakham United – having also played for Yaxley in the past.
Blackstones striker Leckie has been ravaged by injury this season, but netted 32 goals in 34 appearances for Oakham last term. He came through the ranks at Deeping Rangers.
Clitheroe, meanwhile, was a popular figure at Carter’s Park before calling time on his spell with the Tigers in November.
Hayes has held talks with the versatile frontman – who is still the club’s second top scorer on 14 goals this season – about returning and is hopeful an agreement can be reached.
Hayes said: “I know Dan very well from my time at Oakham and also when he was with Yaxley.
“He’s a good defender and you know what you’re getting from him. I’m hoping he’ll decide to join.
“As for Lewis, 30-plus goals last season speaks for itself. He’s had a rough time with injury this year, but is coming back to fitness.
“He’s a raw and pacey player in the traditional Holbeach mould, I’d be delighted if we could get that one done.
“I’m also chatting to Jake. I’d love him to come back and we’ve had positive talks, hopefully he’ll join back up with the squad.
“We badly need competition for places. At the moment, players are just strolling back into the team.
“It’s not healthy and is something we need to sort.
“If we can get Jamie Stevens and Stacy Cartwright back to full fitness too, we’ll be looking much stronger.”
Next up for Hayes’ Holbeach is a Carter’s Park UCL Knockout Cup quarter-final with UCL Division One high-fliers Olney Town on Saturday (3pm). Having won the competition with Huntingdon back in 2014 – a season in which Hayes also lifted the Hinchingbrooke Cup – he’s targeting glory again this time around.
Holbeach, last year’s beaten finalists, go into the game as favourites. But Hayes has warned his team not to underestimate an Olney side that dumped out Premier Division title hopefuls Eynesbury Rovers in the last round.
He added: “They are no mugs. I saw a lot of them when I was at Oakham and they’ll make it tough for us.
“Knocking out Eynesbury shows what they are made of. We’re at home and our last performance on Boxing Day wasn’t good enough – we owe the fans.
“I’d love to win the cup again, but our performance needs to improve. We’ve got to do whatever it takes to go through.”
Holbeach are without Dan Dougill (banned) and cup-tied duo Callum Madigan and Zak Munton, but do welcome back Josh Ford and Cartwright.
Following that quarter-final, Holbeach visit Boston Town on Wednesday for a clash with Boston Town in the last eight of the Lincs Senior Trophy (7.45pm).
