The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Boss Chris Rawlinson was unable hide his excitement after sealing a double deal to bring Leon Mettam and James Hugo back to Spalding United.
Striker Mettam, who was a fan favourite at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field during a fruitful loan spell with Spalding the season before last, has opted to return after his release from King’s Lynn Town.
Teenage left-back Hugo was also a big hit when on-loan with the Tulips from Lincoln City last year, but has agreed to sign forms with Rawlinson’s side on a permanent basis.
With striker Tom Siddons also signing and only right back Paul Walker – who has joined Evo-Stik League rivals Cleethorpes Town – leaving from last year’s squad, Rawlinson feels his side should be able to improve considerably on the 13th place they managed last season.
“I’m equally delighted by the signings,” beamed the Tulips chief. “Obviously Leon Mettam will get people talking, he has non-league star quality.
“I think he must have 200-plus goals to his name and has much more still to offer.
“He probably scored some of his best goals when he was with us – the one he managed in the play-off final was one of the best goals I’ve ever seen.
“I think people might remember him as a scorer of great goals, but his record with us was very good too.
“He’s maybe dropping down a level because he feels he’s getting too old. But he’s only 31 and I think that, if we manage him correctly, he’ll be a massive asset.
“With Leon, Tom Siddons, Jonny Lockie, Gary King and Cenk Acar, I certainly feel we have much more of a goal threat now. Hopefully that’ll help us climb five or six places up the table and give us the chance to have a crack at the right end of the table.
“Likewise, having James Hugo back on-board is massive for me. He might be the best 18-year-old I’ve worked with over the years and we feel we can help him work his way back up the leagues.
“Finding a left-back is also very difficult, so to have a genuine let-footer of quality signed up is a real boost for us.”
MAKING IT PERMANENT: James Hugo is back with Spalding. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY
Rawlinson also took the time to thank Walker for his service to the Tulips over the years and wished him well at new side Cleethorpes Town, who are based much closer to his native Grimsby.
Meanwhile, Spalding’s Reserves and A team – who played in the ChromaSport PDFL last season – have disbanded.
The move isn’t a major shock, given the huge gulf in quality between the Tulips’ first team and the PDFL duo.
That means that a newly-formed Spalding Athletic side will join PDFL Division Two next season.
The Tulips will instead have an under-23 development squad that will play in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League, while the under-21s will continue in the Lincolnshire FA Under-21 Development League.
Spalding will also have an under-18 side next season.
