The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
GOT HIS MAN: John Chand has backed Lee Beeson to get 20 goals after joining Holbeach United from rivals Spalding United. Photo by NIKKI GRIFFIN
Holbeach United have pulled off one of their biggest signings of the summer by tempting winger Lee Beeson to join them from rivals Spalding United.
Beeson, who bagged 15 goals for the Tulips en-route to the UCL Premier Division title last season, follows Jamie Stevens, Adam Jackson, Jonny Allen, Danny Steadman and Tom Roberts in crossing the South Holland divide.
The former Stamford ace was considered one of the stars of the Spalding side and racked up a huge amount of assists from the right flank.
Although he hadn’t offered Beeson a contract for next season, Tulips chief Pat Rayment took the time to pay tribute to Beeson’s contribution during his time at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
He said: “Lee Beeson was a very good performer for us in the UCL last season – and at the moment he’s one of the better UCL standard players.
“He played a massive part in getting us to where we are now and for that I have to wish him all the best over at Holbeach.
“It’s a shame that another player didn’t want to make the step up with us, but they’ve offered him a better deal. That’s football.
“He will be the first to tell you this, but he needs to get himself back into shape. Holbeach will discover that.
“It comes as a surprise, but we are well stocked in the wide areas with the likes of Julian Kelly and Ash Burberry on board.
“Holbeach probably timed their move just right and we have to accept it.”
For Holbeach, the move is the latest in a long line of eye-catching transfers since John Chand and Graham Drury took co-charge at Carter’s Park.
Chand tried to land Beeson during his first stint with the Tigers, but failed to persuade him to leave Worksop Town.
But he’s now got his man – and has backed the winger to form a terrific trio with fellow attacking midfielders Jake Gibson and Ashley Fuller.
“I’ve always been a Beeson fan,” said joint chief Chand. “We couldn’t bring him here last time, but I’m delighted that we’ve got our man now.
“He’ll give us great balance on the right and all of the lads know him, so he’ll fit in perfectly.
“He’s got great delivery from the flank and set-plays, so our strikers will certainly benefit from his arrival.
“I’ll go as far as saying that I’d expect him, Jake Gibson and Ash Fuller to all go close to getting 20 goals this year.
“We’ve lost Ross Watson, which is a blow, but this makes us stronger.”
Beeson will feature for Holbeach in their friendly at Gainsborough Trinity tonight (7.45pm).
