The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding United are hoping to bring in King’s Lynn Town striker Gregg Smith as they brace themselves for Andrew Tidswell’s expected departure to South Holland rivals Holbeach United.
Tulips chief Pat Rayment believes that a move for Lynn hitman Smith is “a done deal” and expects the former Grantham Town marksman to be in his squad at Brigg Town on Tuesday night.
Smith was actually in Rayment’s first-ever Spalding line-up more than three years ago. Ironically, that was a 3-2 defeat against the Linnets at The Walks.
He did, however, pick up his 15th booking of the season in Lynn’s 1-1 draw at Skelmersdale United, which will trigger a suspension.
Although Gary Setchell’s side have yet to comment on any deal, Rayment is already talking up his number one transfer target.
“Greg Smith will be with us on Tuesday, it’s a done deal,” said the Spalding supremo. “He’ll give us a real presence.
“He’s going to frighten centre halves in this league.
“He was here when I first look over, but is a different player now.
“He scored 20 goals for Grantham Town at step three – and that’s why Gary Setchell took him to King’s Lynn.
“Yes, he comes with a reputation for getting a few bookings – but I believe in him, he’s an absolute beast.
“I know King’s Lynn are a little sorry to lose him. We’ve got a good relationship with Lynn and Gary, so there is no need for a seven-day approach.”
Meanwhile, Rayment has also revealed that he expects fellow forward Tidswell to return to Holbeach after giving him the green light to speak to co Tigers bosses Graham Drury and John Chand.
Tidswell enjoyed two trophy-laden seasons and won two UCL Premier Division golden boots at Carter’s Park before joining the Tulips in 2013.
He fired the Spalding to the UCL crown last term, scoring 32 goals despite missing half of the season through injury.
Tidswell – who is contracted until the end of the season – has managed double figures again this campaign, but was recently put on ‘gardening leave’ after discussions with Rayment.
And it now looks like he’ll be moving to the Tigers – although Rayment hasn’t ruled out a future return for a player his rates highly.
“I’ve been told that he’s going to speak to Holbeach United any day soon,” added the Tulips chief. “Once he’s made contact with them, we’ll go from there.
“But it does look like his Spalding United career is over.
“No matter who they are, you’ve got to have happy players in the dressing room. I will not keep a player who isn’t enjoying himself here.
“It’s hard for him, he’s got a lot on with work and I don’t think he’s happy with his own condition.
“He’s got to find a way of changing that – you can see he’s not enjoying things.
“Maybe he needs to go away and get himself right.
“But if a mentally right Andrew Tidswell every wants to come back here in the future, there are no bridges burnt with me.
“The door will always be open for him if he wants to come back, then we’ll see if he deserves a place on merit.
“It’s a shame. My biggest regret with Andrew is his injury last season. If he hadn’t got that, I’m still convinced he would have scored 60 or 70 goals in the UCL. Easily 50.
“To get 32 by Christmas was phenomenal.
“I don’t know, maybe next season he’ll be in a better frame of mind.
“If he does want to go, his contract here will be terminated. That’s what is best for the player and the football club.
“Everything is mutually agreed.”
