It’s Clay time for Tigers as prep for season starts

Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes has turned to Jonny Clay as he continues to mould his new side for the forthcoming season.

He’s the second defender to make the move from the Tigers’ ChromaSport Premier Division rivals Deeping Rangers in the last week following Tom Smith’s arrival last week.

Hayes believes the duo have made the move so they can win things with the Tigers after missing out in previous seasons.

“To be fair it didn’t take that much work to persuade Jonny to come,” Hayes said. “He was interested and knows what we’re about having played against us last season.

“Deeping have a squad that’s been together for a few years and it looks like a few are moving on.

“They’re late 20s and early 30s, and after getting to a few finals and finishing top three, they’ve not really picked anything up so are looking for a fresh challenge.

“We had the best defence in the league last year and Deeping had the second best, so they’re great additions to us.

“Now it’s about making sure they become a part of the group and gel on and off the pitch.”

The Tigers begin pre-season training tonight (Thursday) and as well as the new signings that have put pen to paper, there could be one or two more new faces turn up.

Hayes is hoping to finalise at least one more target and a few players with step four experience have been invited to train with United.

Clay and Smith have been joined by striker Josh Ford in moving to Carter’s Park so far this summer.

Outgoings have seen Mitch Griffiths, Joe Smith and George Zuerner leave for pastures new with defender Joe Braithwaite having moved to Harrowby United in what Hayes says is a big money move.

Hayes said: “So far the squad we’re creating is not too dissimilar to last season’s, but changes have been made to freshen it up and make it a bit stronger. There’s a couple of other lads that we wants to have a look at, but now it’s all about putting the hard work in ahead of the new season.”