The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Danny Hussey has swooped to bring fans’ favourite Andrew Tidswell back to Holbeach United ahead of what he hopes will be a successful climax to the season.
Tidswell, who won the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division and Lincs FA Senior Trophy with the Tigers in 2013, also lifted the top tier title with Spalding United the following season and the UCL Division One crown at Pinchbeck United in 2018.
The versatile midfielder, who is now 30, hasn’t played since leaving the Knights at the end of last season – and Hussey admits he’s been chasing him since the summer.
Although Tidswell isn’t able to feature until next month, Hussey feels that he’s signing the “most relaxed player” on the local scene and is delighted to have finally got his man.
“Andrew knows this league inside out,” said the Tigers boss. “It’s a really good deal for us.
“I wanted him at the start of the season and he was one of the few top targets that we weren’t able to bring to the club.
“He’s a busy man with work and has also got married this year, but we’ve been in regular contact and he now feels able to sign for us – albeit after a few nudges from me!
“Andrew’s a very clever player and is capable of playing in midfield or further up.
“He can provide that link between midfield and attack that we perhaps are missing at times.
“He’s also the most relaxed player you’ll ever see. He’s always laughing and doesn’t take things too seriously, which can be a help.
“The fans love him too, I’m sure they’ll be over the moon that he’s coming back here.
“Obviously it’s useful having a player like him that has been there and done it.
“I remember having him at Spalding United when Pat Rayment was manager and he was incredibly highly-regarded by everyone at the club – and probably would have broken goalscoring records had he not got badly injured.
“I’m pleased to have him on board and we’ll see him in March or whenever he’s ready to feature.”
Tidswell won’t be involved when title-chasing Holbeach make the trip to Northampton ON Chenecks on Saturday (3pm).
Chenecks are down in 16th place, but gave the Tigers a few problems before eventually succumbing 4-1 at Carter’s Park in the reverse fixture last month.
Despite the sizeable points difference between the two teams, Hussey feels that Saturday’s hosts are a good side.
He said: “They are big and physical – and also a good side who try to play good football.
“It’ll be a hard game for us there. But we need to keep up with the big boys at the top and this is a game we need to win.
“I think we’ve surprised a few of the so called better teams. They never talk about us as realistic title rivals, but we’re still up there mixing it with them.
“We’ll focus on ourselves and keep pushing.”
Holbeach have no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to Billing Road.
