The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Happy Spalding United manager Chris Rawlinson feels his squad is complete ahead of their return to pre-season training on July 1.
Rawlinson is “over the moon” to have retained the services of midfielder Nathan Whitehead, while also feeling the Tulips have pulled off something of a “coup” to sign Cenk Acar following his successful loan spell at the Sir Halley last season.
Whitehead, rated as the best combative midfielder in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South by the Spalding supremo, has snubbed offers from elsewhere to sign a one-year deal with the Tulips.
Winger Acar was expected to sign for a higher-graded club after leaving Lincoln City, but Rawlinson has managed to get him to sign on the dotted line again.
The Tulips boss, who has lost key men Nathan Stainfield, Brad Wells and Leon Mettam, doesn’t expect any make any more additions following the respective arrivals of Ellis Humble, Gary King and Danny Durkin.
He said: “We’ve got a few triallists coming down for pre-season, but I’m otherwise very happy with my squad now.
“We’ve got plenty of quality and cover in most positions, so I’m quite comfortable.
COUP: Cenk Acar has agreed to re-join Spalding United. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY
“Obviously we’ll have another look closer to the start of the season when things often change, but for now I’m pleased.
“Retaining Nath (Whitehead) is massive for the club. For me, he’s the best player in his position in the league.
“I’m over the moon that he feels he can achieve his goals with us and for him to have signed a contract for next season is a major boost.
“Getting Cenk came as a bit of a surprise. I thought he’d sign for a higher graded club, but he’s another that buys into what we’re trying to do here.
“He enjoyed his loan last year, but to sign him after his release from a pro club is a real coup.
“Like Ellis Humble and Gary King, he’s another player that comes from a successful club.
“We want to carry on where we left off last season and the new guys – and those who are staying – all buy into that.”
Meanwhile, Spalding have revealed dates for their six pre-season friendlies and are hoping to arrange another home date on August 5.
2017/18 friendly fixtures: July 12 (7.30pm) – Winterton Rangers (away); July 15 (3pm) – Grantham Town (away); July 22 (3pm) – Boston Town (away); July 25 (7.30pm) – Rainworth MW (away); July 29 (3pm) – Peterborough NS (home); August 1 (7.45pm) – Kettering Town (home).
