The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
DONE DEAL: Liam Parker (right) has joined Holbeach.
Holbeach United completed the signing of versatile former Boston United man Liam Parker after their first pre-season training session of the summer last night (Thursday).
Parker, who spent last season with Skegness Town, can play at either full back, centre back or in midfield and has been one of the Tigers’ top transfer targets of the summer.
Co-boss Graham Drury told The Voice that Parker will be a great addition to the squad – and revealed that both he and fellow joint-chief John Chand have been talking to him since day one.
Drury said: “Liam can play in plenty of positions and is a really good option for us. He’s at the right age and I’d say he’s really in his prime.
“He came down to training last night and we had a look at each other. He was more than happy to put pen to paper after the session and he’ll certainly be a great addition for us.
“John and I have been on his case since day one really. We wanted him early doors and are pleased to have got the deal done.”
Drury was also impressed with the turnout at the Carter’s Park session, with 17 first-team hopefuls all in attendance.
He felt the group, which featured a host of new faces, mixed together nicely – and was particularly impressed with the attitude of local lads Jamie Stevens and Adam Jackson.
He added: “It was a healthy turnout and I was pleased with what I saw. At this stage it’s all about the lads getting to know each other rather than working on anything too technical.
“The squad is looking strong on paper – but nobody ever won anything for that reason.
“It was personally good for me to meet a few players I didn’t know. The likes of Jamie Stevens and Adam Jackson impressed me and seem to have the right frame of mind.”
Meanwhile, Drury took the chance to respond to Pat Rayment’s recent claims that Holbeach will struggle to finish in the top four of the UCL Premier Division standings next season.
The Spalding United chief, who won the title last season, expects the likes of AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Wisbech Town, Deeping Rangers and Cogenhoe United to fill those spots.
Drury, a former Boston United and Stamford boss, is confident his side will be up there… if they can gel quickly.
“I can see where Pat is coming from,” added the respected supremo. “We have got a lot of new players here and it does take time for them to gel.
“Myself and John are backing ourselves to get the best out of the players and help solve a few puzzles within the squad.
“We think we can get it right and will make sure the team has the right mentality.”
The Tigers kick-off their pre-season schedule with a game against Louth at the Carre’s Grammar School 3G pitch in Sleaford on July 13.
Before then, they will get back together on Tuesday – with Drury hoping to complete two more deals.
