The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Pat Rayment has paid tribute to Chris Hall after the midfielder decided to end his three-year stint with Spalding United.
The former Burton Albion and Boston United maestro leaves the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field due to work commitments – and with the blessing of everyone at the club.
Tulips chief Rayment expects Hall to move to Evo-Stik League First Division South rivals Lincoln United, who are also expected to land former Tulip Jack McGovern.
Among his first major signings, the Spalding supremo has nothing but praise for the playmaker.
He said: “This decision was made by Chris. It’s purely down to personal circumstance, he’s got a young family and his job is based a bit further north.
“I think he’s also been made a very good offer to go to Lincoln United, who are a very attractive proposition for players under Dave Frecklington.
“Whatever he decides to do, I’d just like to thank Chris for the exemplary job he’s done for the football club. He’s played a huge role in getting us where we are today and has been a pleasure to manage.
“Those players that have listened to his advice over the years will have benefitted a great deal.
“On behalf of Spalding United, I’d like to wish him all the very best.”
Losing Hall is a massive loss for the Tulips. Consistently one of their best performers during his time with the club, he made the team tick in central midfield.
Rayment has moved quickly to add an extra midfielder to his ranks, though, having agreed a deal with talented Peterborough Northern Star midfielder Sam Murphy.
The Spalding boss also hopes to retain Michael Duggan, Michael Leary, Adam Jackson, Jamie Stevens, Nathan Stainfield, Mitch Griffiths, Lewis Webb, Jamie Thurlbourne, Dan Banister, Jordan Nuttell and Tom Waumsley after also agreeing terms in principle with them.
Rayment admits that those players aren’t signed to contracts, but expects them to stay.
He said: “At this stage, non-league clubs don’t sign anyone unless it’s on a contract. But I believe we have agreements in principle with those players.
“Sam Murphy fits our criteria moving forward. He’s young, tall and hungry.
“Next season, we hope to have as many as five under-21s in the starting line-up. We’ll have an entirely new shape, too.”
Not returning next term are Matt Nolan, Avelino Vieira, Lee Beeson and the above-mentioned McGovern.
- Pre-season schedule (home matches in capitals): Tues, July 14 (7.30pm) – Oakham Utd; Fri, July 17 (7.45pm) – STAMFORD (Lincs FA Senior Trophy); Tues, July 21 (7.45pm) (if they beat Stamford) – GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY (Lincs FA Senior Trophy); Sat, July 25 (3pm) – HOLBEACH UTD; Tues, July 28 (7.45pm) – YAXLEY; Sat, August 1 (3pm) – Deeping Rangers; Tues, August 4 (7.45pm) – Peterborough NS; Sat, August 8 (3pm) – KING’S LYNN TOWN.
