Rayment lauds Jellyman capture as duo leave Tulips

TULIPS EXIT: Striker Josh Ford will not be with Spalding United next season. Photo (NIKKI GRIFFIN):VNG190414-19

Ambitious Spalding United have completed their biggest signing of the summer so far after unveiling Gareth Jellyman as player/coach.

The 33-year-old former Peterborough United left back joins the Tulips from Corby Town and is a direct replacement for the popular Danny Hussey, who has left the club for personal reasons.

Jellyman, who played more than 100 games for both Posh and Mansfield Town, also lists Boston United among his former clubs.

Tulips boss Pat Rayment has also lured experienced Peterborough Northern Star keeper Nick Conroy to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

The ex-Holbeach and Spalding stopper will provide competition for number one Michael Duggan and will also operate as goalkeeping coach.

Rayment said: “Gareth will be brilliant for the club. His experience and ability are second to none at this level.

“People at Corby tell me he’s still fit as a fiddle too and has been performing at the same high standards.

“I think bringing him to the club shows our intent at Spalding United.

“Nick will work with ‘Duggy’ and brings us bags of experience and know-how.

“We’ve got plenty more irons in the fire and hope to announce more signings soon. We’re making no secret of the fact we want to be challenging for the title again next season.”

Meanwhile, striker Josh Ford and defender Ross Watson have become the latest members of Spalding’s UCL Premier Division-winning squad to leave the club.

They follow Jamie Stevens, Adam Jackson, Jonny Allen and Dan Cotton out of the exit door.

A disappointed Rayment added: “Josh wants to get himself fit and play in the UCL, which is fair enough.

“Ross can’t commit to the extra travel for personal reasons and I accept that.

“It’s a shame that we can’t take last season’s team up with us, but that’s the nature of football at this level.”

Promoted Spalding’s plans for next season will become much clearer next week, when they discover which step-four league they will be competing in.