The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding United’s eye-catching summer revamp has continued with two more high-profile signings.
The Tulips have moved to agree deals for Belgian defender Kamy Apindia Gille and attacker Toby Hilliard, taking the number of new faces at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field this summer to eight.
Left-sided defender Gille started his career with Belgian side VC Dilbeck and went on to have spells with White Star Brussels, KV Mechelen, RFC Wetteren, RFC Wallonia Walhain and Diegen Sp before most recently playing for Corby Town last season.
Hilliard is attack-minded and started his footballing career at King’s Lynn Town.
He finished last season successfully with Dereham after making a previous loan spell permanent.
With Spalding boss Brett Whaley having also brought in Josh Moreman, Bradley Rolt, Matt Sparrow, Dan George, Elliot Sandy and Jordan O’Brien, he now feels that he’s got plenty of competition for places ahead of the current season.
With new faces aplenty, Marcus Maddison – who missed most of last season through injury – has joined Darlington and midfielder Dan Bucciero has made the switch to Corby.
Whaley said: “I’m delighted to make two new additions and to have them involved early in the pre-season.
“Both have looked really good in training and add something different.
“We have healthy competition for places throughout the team and the players are reacting well.”
Spalding got their pre-season under way on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over South Holland rivals Pinchbeck United in the Lincolnshire Free Press Trophy.
Neal Spafford put Pinchbeck ahead at Knight Street, but goals from Dylan Edge and Rolt gave Whaley’s side the win.
The Tulips’ next pre-season fixture a home date with St Ives Town on Saturday, July 16.
Pinchbeck, meanwhile, got their pre-season campaign started on Saturday with a 3-1 success at Heacham FC.
They are back in home action this Saturday with a clash against Lincoln United at Knight Street. A Tuesday night fixture at Lincoln Moorlands Railway follows.
As for Holbeach United, they begin their pre-season fixtures with a game at Bourne Town on Saturday (3pm).
The Tigers have added one more signing to their ranks over the past week, with striker George Martin committing himself to the Carter’s Park club.
- Goalkeeper Ashley Moore, who died in November 2020, was remembered in a memorial event at Pinchbeck United on Saturday.
Ashley’s All Stars took on Sleaford Rangers in the fixture at Knight Street, with the All Stars winning 2-1.
Memorial man of the match Ryan Stanberry got both goals for the victors in the first half.
All money raised from the event will go to Ashley’s chosen charities of Elliott’s Army in Eye and the cardiac arrest ward at Peterborough Hospital.
Organisers would also like to thank the Cookie Box for being the main sponsor and everyone who took part.
