The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Excited player/boss Tom Roberts admits that he is happy with his summer business so far after taking his first pre-season session with his new-look Holbeach United squad.
The Tigers reported back for duty on Tuesday night, with fresh recruits Adam Jackson, Spencer Tinkler, Stuart Eason and Tyler Wright joining the vast majority of last season’s squad at Carter’s Park.
Roberts, who is still looking to make a few new signings ahead of the start of competitive football on August 6, feels Holbeach are well placed to challenge in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division next season.
He’s expecting a much more open league in 2016/17 (Kempston and Leicester Nirvana finished 14 points clear of the rest last time) and reckons big-spending UCL Division One champions Peterborough Sports will be an X-factor in the top flight.
“I’m really looking forward to the new season,” said Roberts, who steered Holbeach to fourth place last season. “The close season is a busy time for managers, so it’s now time for the players to do some work!
“It’s an exciting time. I’m very happy with the signings we’ve made and I’m looking forward to seeing them join up with the existing players.
“Squad-wise, I’m very happy. I think we’ll look at perhaps bringing in one or two more players – we’ve certainly got a few triallists coming down that could end up joining us.
“All that we’re doing now is building up to August 6, but at this stage I do feel we have a squad capable of being in the mix at the top.
“I’m expecting it to be a lot closer this year. People will look at Peterborough Sports and say they’re clear favourites. Yes, they’ve strengthened very well – but they may take time to settle down in the Premier Division.
“Wisbech Town also have a big budget, while the likes of Nirvana, Newport Pagnell and Cogenhoe are always strong.”
Roberts had hoped to bring in winger Matt Sparrow last week, but he’s decided to join Brett Whaley’s Yaxley despite holding positive talks over a switch to Holbeach. The Tigers chief has convinced club stalwart Matt Warfield to remain with the first team as player/coach, though.
Holbeach begin their pre-season fixtures at Bourne Town on Saturday, July 9 (3pm).
- The Tigers have been drawn at home against Long Buckby in the first round of the UCL League KO Cup.
