Chairman Coomes admits that Pinchbeck United’s search for a new boss has hit ‘brick wall’

Pinchbeck United chairman Gary Coomes has revealed that his bid to appoint a new manager is proving more difficult than he first thought.

The Knights supremo had hoped to have a new boss in place for the start of the new season, but he’s still not close to agreeing a deal with any candidate.

Coomes admits that he did speak with former Holbeach United and Wisbech Town manager Seb Hayes – who was in attendance for Saturday’s 6-0 home humbling to Rugby Town (see page 28) – about the position.

But the pair couldn’t agree a deal, leaving Coomes and 20-year-old first team coach Alfie Tate still in caretaker charge of the first team.

That left the chairman feeling like he’s hit a “brick wall” in his bid to replace Ian Dunn at the helm.

“The update is, sadly, that I have no update,” said Coomes. “I’ve hit a brick wall, really.

“We’ve had a few irons in the fire and held a few discussions, but nothing has come of them.

“I know that I said I’d have somebody in for the start of the season, but the reality now is that I don’t really know when we’ll get a new boss in.

“I did speak with Seb (Hayes), but I think that one is dead now.”

Meanwhile, Pinchbeck’s Uhlsport UCL Premier Division fixture at Sleaford Town scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to a Sleaford player testing positive for COVID-19.

Their trip to Wellingborough Town this Saturday (3pm) was also in doubt for similar reasons (they played Oadby Town last weekend, who have since had a player test positive) but the UCL have said the game is on.

Beyond that, the Knights host Peterborough Northern Star next Wednesday (7.45pm).

Coomes added: “I asked the question of the authorities regarding Saturday. I’m not overly sure we should be going there if there is any doubt about COVID.

“But we’ve been told to go, so we’ll go.

“I’d like to see the lads follow our instructions a little better than they did in the Rugby game.”

Pinchbeck could feature a number of new faces after striking a deal with Spalding United to utilise their fringe players.