The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
John Chand is adamant that the wheels won’t come off Holbeach United’s season after the shock resignation of co-boss Graham Drury on Saturday night.
Former Stamford, Corby Town and Boston United manager Drury quit after guiding the Tigers to a 4-3 United Counties League KO Cup win over Olney Town.
That leaves Chand, who won the UCL Premier Division title and two county cups in his previous stint as Tigers chief, in sole charge of Holbeach – a position he isn’t totally comfortable with this time around due to his work commitments.
Chand admits that he’ll now ask for coaches Jay Harrison and Steve Kerwood to step up and help him in the wake of Drury’s exit – and believes his side can still challenge for honours this season.
“I think it got to the stage where Graham wasn’t enjoying the job anymore,” said Chand. “Obviously I can’t speak for him, but I know he was a little disappointed by the commitment and desire shown by some of the players.
“He felt that the time was right for him to leave – and if Graham, a man that gives 100 per cent to everything, says that, you can’t argue.
“For me, Graham has been absolutely outstanding for Holbeach United.
“Personally, I found him to be a great guy and a great footballing person. I enjoyed every moment of working with him.
“I think we’ve got similar footballing ideas, but i certainly feel that I learned a lot from him. I don’t know, maybe he even learned a bit from me when it comes to football at this level too.
“I’d certainly jump at the chance to work with him again in the future.
“As for the rest of the season, nothing has changed – I’ll still find it hard to do the job myself. I’m hoping that Jay Harrison will be able to step up and assist me. He’s got a wealth of UCL knowledge and will prove vital.
“I’ll also be leaning on the likes of Steve Kerwood too, he’s been brilliant as coach this season and is the kind of person you want around.
“I love Holbeach United and will do everything I can to keep the club challenging for the double this season.
“It’s my intention to keep all of the players here and just keep going on as normal.”
Next up for Holbeach is a home clash with Boston Town tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm), before trip to ninth-placed Kempston Rovers on Saturday (3pm).
Chand will have to do without captain Danny Spencer, who is emigrating to Australia. He’ll naturally not feature for the rest of the season.
But the Tigers chief is hopeful of clinching a deal to bring Andrew Tidswell back to Carter’s Park from Spalding United.
Chand admits that Drury had been handling the negotiations with the Tulips, but admits that he’ll “roll the red carpet out” for the striker if a transfer is possible.
In his exclusive column with The Voice, Tidswell said the deal was “98 per cent done”, while Spalding boss Pat Rayment seems resigned to losing his hitman.
Chand added: “Graham had been speaking with Pat, but I certainly would like Andrew back. I’d always want him in my team.
“That’s the view of everyone at this club – we’d roll the red carpet out for him if he wants to come here.
“It’s as simple as this: If Spalding want a fee, we won’t pay it with eight weeks left in the season. But if there’s no fee involved, I’m sure we’ll get it sorted.”
- See www.spaldingvoice.co.uk for a report from Holbeach’s derby clash with Boston Town .
