The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Ambitious manager Seb Hayes has vowed to make Holbeach United regular contenders for silverware if he’s given time at Carter’s Park.
Hayes, who replaced Tom Roberts as Tigers chief back in December, took charge of 21 games over the 2016/17 season – wining ten, losing ten and drawing one.
That saw Holbeach finish in seventh place in the standings, which is the lowest they’ve placed since Glen Maddison led them to 11th back in 2013/14.
However, Hayes had to deal with a crippling selection crisis towards the end of the season and openly admitted that the team took a while to adapt to the methods he and number two Daz Edey looked to utilise.
He’s aware that some fans have questioned his position at the club, but hopes to lay down roots with the Tigers and wants to be judged after three years in the job.
“There has been too much change at Holbeach over the past few years,” said Hayes. “When I came here, I said that I wanted to be in it for the long haul.
“The message from the club was to get the budget under control and introduce some youngsters, two things I feel we’ve managed.
“My message to the fans is simple – judge me in three years, not now.
“I’m not stupid, I know that we can’t just aim to improve on this season next time around.
“Holbeach United is a club that needs to be challenging for silverware regularly – and I’m here to win trophies.
“You never know how the summer is going to go with other sides, but I want us to be in the top three in the league – at least – and to be reaching cup finals.
“I want to have a proper pre-season with the lads, make the signings we want and to put our stamp on the team.
“If people are patient, I know that we can be in the hunt for trophies on a regular basis.
“Daz and I will get the team fit and I can guarantee everyone that nobody will be fitter than us next season, we’ve proven we can do that.”
Hayes will have his Tigers back in for pre-season on June 20, with the club due to take part in the Groundhop weekend on July 29.
Friendlies have also been arranged with promoted UCL Premier Division winners Peterborough Sports and St Andrews, who are to be managed by former Holbeach favourite Jamie Clarke.
Hayes added that he’s already spoken to around 15 potential targets and that there will be more information on which players are staying with the club following their presentation evening in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Holbeach held their first open fans forum on Wednesday. If it’s well received, Hayes wants to make it a regular event next season – possibly on a monthly basis.
