The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Dave Frecklington reckons Spalding United have signed one of the best defenders in Evo-Stik NPL Division One South after swooping for Jordan Lemon.
The versatile defender, who can play all across the backline but is best known as a right back, has joined the Tulips from rivals Stamford.
Lemon played under Frecklington at Lincoln United last season and was named in the league’s team of the season, alongside Spalding skipper Nathan Stainfield, as the Whites reached the play-offs.
With talented defenders Paul Walker, Neal Spafford and Jason Field also signed on, it looks like Spalding will take plenty of breaking down next season.
Frecklington said: “I’m really pleased to have Jordan on-board. Our thanks must go to Graham Drury and Stamford for waving the need for a seven-day approach.
“We’ll now have two defenders that were in the league’s team of last season, which is obviously great news.
“Jordan can play anywhere across the back four and is a top performer at this level.
“I feel delighted to have signed him and also feel like our patience in the transfer market has paid off.”
Frecklington was speaking after Wednesday night’s 2-0 friendly win over Boston Town at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Strikes from Bradley Barraclough and Rees Longville-Daley got the job done for the Tulips against ChromaSport UCL Premier Division opposition, with the latter doing enough to earn himself a place in the 18-man squad for next season.
Frecklington has also handed deals to keeper Sam Vince and talented young defender Sidnei Costa, meaning his squad for the season is now complete.
The boss added: “Rees has come on twice and scored goals for us. He’s certainly proved that he’s a threat when he’s playing up front.
“There looks to be a lot of potential there and we’ll look to harness that.
“Sidnei has been absolutely superb in pre-season. He’s made the step up to men’s football really well and, at 18, he’s a real talent.
“Sam has also agreed to come in and provide competition for Michael Duggan, so I’m really pleased with my options.”
Spalding’s 18-man squad in full: Keepers – Michael Duggan, Sam Vince.
Defenders – Nathan Stainfield (captain), Neal Spafford, Paul Walker, Jason Field, Jordan Lemon, Sidnei Costa.
Midfielders – Matt Varley, Nathan Whitehead, Sam Downey, Andrew Wright, Jenk Acar, Chris Hamilton, Jonny Lockie.
Strikers – Brad Barraclough, Tom Waumsley, Rees Longville-Daley.
Next up for Spalding is a trip to UCL Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star on Saturday (3pm).
