The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Martyn Cundy has admitted that the lure of Holbeach United convinced him to get back into the management game after being appointed as Tom Roberts’ number two at Carter’s Park.
The former Moulton Harrox chief hasn’t been involved in the managerial side of football since resigning his position at Broad Lane back in 2011.
Having enjoyed spells with Holbeach, Spalding United, Bourne Town and Deeping Rangers as a player, Cundy is well respected in local circles.
Player/boss Roberts offered him the role of assistant manager last week – and the South Holland native admits that he was torn over what to do.
But he’s now decided to take on the challenge of being part of the Tigers’ backroom staff and is excited to return to a club that he called home for close to 15 years in total.
“I’ve not been in the management side of the game since leaving Moulton five years ago,” said Cundy.
“I’ve played a bit here and there, but obviously I’ve kept my ears open and am aware of what has been going on locally. It’s probably been six or seven years since I last played in the UCL too – and I hadn’t really been looking to get back involved if I’m honest.
“But Holbeach United is my club. I spent a lot of my playing career here – perhaps 15 years altogether – and, if any club was going to entice me back into the management side of things, it was them.
“When Tom called me I was 50/50, the big thing for me was the commitment as I have young children.
“But I made my mind up over the weekend and I’m looking forward to getting involved again. Being a number two is a lot less taxing than being the manager and I’m sure I can handle it.
“I still know a lot of the people in and around the club, so I’m sure it’ll not be too hard going back to Carter’s Park.”
Although he knows the likes of Jamie Stevens, Josh Ford and Tommy Treacher, Cundy admits that it’ll take time for him to get to know the rest of the Holbeach squad.
He’s not seeing that as a bad thing, though. Cundy insists that he’ll be able to look at things from a different perspective to Roberts and may spot things that he doesn’t.
But the ex-Harrox boss revealed that he and Roberts feel like that they have a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division table.
“I think I’ll bring something different to the table,” added Cundy. “Tom has his coaching badges and is the right age to have great contacts.
FRESH EYES: Tom Roberts is pleased to have Martyn Cundy with him at Holbeach United. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY
“I’ll look at things with fresh eyes and will be able to analyse things more.
“Obviously I know a few of the players, but it’s perhaps a good thing that I don’t know the rest so well.
“I’ll be able to bring a fresh perspective to the table.
“I’m meeting the players this week, but from what Tom tells me we have got a squad capable of mixing it with the top four.
“Peterborough Sports are obviously many people’s favourites, but I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be competing.
“Over the years Holbeach has always had a strong core of local players. That allows you to build up a great team spirit, which can often be the difference.”
Roberts is pleased that he was able to sell the club to Cundy, who should be in the dugout with him for Friday night’s pre-season opener at Bourne Town (7.45pm).
He added: “Martyn will be a senior staff member and is somebody that has managed in the Peterborough League and also played at UCL level.
“He obviously knows a few of the lads, but he’s somebody that will see things that I don’t.
“The relationship between us will be a bit like a marriage. There’s always disagreements, but you need to have somebody else looking at things from a different viewpoint.
“I’m really pleased that he’s taken the job on and can’t wait to get started.”
Roberts added that he’s expecting new signings Spencer Tinkler, Stuart Eason, Adam Jackson and Tyler Wright to be involved either at the Abbey Lawn on Friday night or against Crowland Town at Snowden Field on Tuesday (7pm).
Another that could be involved is striker Jordan Thomas, who has pledged his future to the club having seemingly been set to leave.
It was thought that he’d move to Lincoln United, but the Tigers have signed him up for next term.
