Spalding United manager Pat Rayment: ‘Why I had to quit’

Spalding United manager Pat Rayment dropped a bombshell by quitting on Friday.

He blames off-the-field issues at the club, which now has just two board members.

It could hardly be any other reason as the Tulips have been on a long unbeaten run (11 wins, two draws) which has rocketed them to fourth in Evo-Stik First Division South – the highest position in the club’s history.

Rayment told The Voice: “I’m not going to say too much about why I’m going but I can’t be party to what is going on [at the club].

“I feel unless there’s massive change at the club, it has no future. I’m just tired with it to be honest.”

He added: “I’ve had a great three years. I’ve built this club up – not from the ground but from under the ground – to where it is today and I’ve spent a lot of time doing that.

“I walk away proud of my achievements. I’ve put Spalding United on the map not just locally, but nationally.

“I have to say that the board has backed me and I’m thankful for that.”

Rayment said board members Malcolm Gray and Eddie Reeve have carried out their threat to walk away after warning that they needed more help.

The two remaining board members are Graham Chappell and chairman Chris Toynton – who has seen 11 managers come and go (Alan Biley twice) during his 13-year tenure.

Toynton said on Friday lunchtime: “I had a conversation with Pat last night but I haven’t spoken to him today.

“I don’t know what’s going on.”

The resignation comes the day before the Tulips head to Norton United. Rayment said his assistant manager Marcus Ebdon, director of football Bob Don-Duncan and physio Sam Seal will lead the team.

Rayment was immediately linked with Stamford, in the Premier Division of the same league.

He told The Voice: “I have absolutely no idea whatsoever [about that]. Stamford have a very good manager in David Staff.”

Meanwhile, Holbeach United co-manager John Chand has paid tribute to the effect his rival has had at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

“He’s taken Spalding out of the UCL – and as King’s Lynn and Rushden have found that’s not simple – and established them as a side challenging for promotion in the league above,” said Chand.

“Through our time together in the UCL – both when he was at Spalding and Deeping Rangers – I know him to be a great guy.

“We’ve had our spats but it’s never diminished my respect for Pat.

“I’m really, really sorry to see him go, but I’m sure there will be a queue of clubs wanting to take him on.”

Asked if he would be interested in the job, Chand replied: “Spalding United is a great place, but we’ve started a job at Holbeach United that I want to see through.”