The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding United are looking for a new manager after sacking Brett Whaley.
The Tulips are third in the Pitching-In Northern Premier Midlands League, enjoying one of their best seasons in years and reached the final of the County Cup for the first time in around 30 years just two weeks ago.
But despite not losing a league game until January 7, they’ve lost three times since and are now nine points behind leaders Stamford.
They’ve failed to score in their last three fixtures following a 0-0 draw with Loughborough Dynamo on Saturday.
Player Elliot Sandy has been named as the interim manager and Spalding United said he would be in charge for Saturday’s fixture at Corby Town.
The Tulips are also due to be away in midweek to Daventry Town.
In a statement released on Monday, club chairman Andrew Killingsworth said: “I would like to thank Brett for all his efforts during his time at Spalding.
“He came in at a difficult time for the club, stabilised on the field and had a very good start to the season, this was a difficult decision but one that was right considering the challenges we have faced on the pitch since the new year.
“As a club we have aspirations to be very successful, continue to develop and this was a decision made in the best interests of the club going forward.”
Whaley said: ”I’m absolutely gutted I’m not allowed to finish the job I’ve started.
“We kept pace with two big clubs with experienced squads, and got to a cup final.
“I’ve loved working with this group of players and coaches and I am devastated we can’t see it through together.
“I’d best start working on my CV!”
Sandy was announced as being in interim charge as The Voice went to press, with Spalding saying they would announce more details of the management team in due course.
Saturday’s game with Loughborough Dynamo was one of few chances as Spalding struggled to create once again.
Stefan Broccoli came closest in the first half putting a free kick from 25 yards a yard over, while Dylan Edge forced a good save from the Loughborough keeper after cutting in from left hand side.
Dynamo came the closest to scoring in the second half when they capitalised on a defensive mistake and Edward Bamfo lobbed Michael Duggan and came back off the underside of he bar.
Only good defending stopped Princewill Ogunmekan from netting the rebound.
Late on Lewis Hilliard put a header from a corner over, while Edge sliced an attempted just the wrong side of the post, but the Loughborough stopper went the second period largely untested.
Tulips: Duggan, Peters (L Hilliard 63), Wren, Barker, Stainfield, Cartwright, Jones (Clifton 64), Broccoli, Rolt (Sandy 71), Edge, Draper Subs not used: Hart, Bucciero.
Attendance: 265.
