The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Andrew Tidswell knows a thing or two about winning ChromaSport UCL Premier Division titles.
The Holbeach United player/coach lifted the title with the Tigers in 2013 and then Spalding United the following year – grabbing the league’s golden boot award both times.
Adding another medal to his collection is the aim once again this season, with Holbeach well-positioned a third of the way through the campaign.
Although Tidswell doesn’t like to draw comparisons between the Tigers’ class of 2015 and his past title-winning teams, he does believe the current side is packed full of winners.
He also knows tougher tests lie ahead – Holbeach have yet to face leaders Leicester Nirvana and third-placed Kirby Muxloe – but does think the standard of football in the UCL has dropped off in recent years.
“It’s not for me to compare this team with my old ones,” said the attacking midfielder. “What I will say is that we’ve got a lot of winners in this side.
“A number of the lads, myself included, hate to lose games – and that’s been getting us through some matches when we’ve not played all that well.
“The atmosphere in the current squad is great, it’s a very enjoyable dressing room to be a part of.
“But we’re just taking it game by game really, I’m not sure where we’ll end up.
“I don’t think the standard of the UCL is too strong at the moment. If I’m completely honest, it’s a poor league at present.
“Any number of sides could win it.”
FLYING HIGH: Andrew Tidswell on Saturday. Photo by STEVE RELF
This season has seen Tidswell drop back into midfield and take on some tactical responsibilities alongside manager Darren Jarvis and number two Tom Roberts.
He’s happy with both changes – and admits that he’s loving being more involved in each game.
That will extend to Saturday’s trip to basement boys Huntingdon Town (3pm), with the Tigers going into that game full of confidence after Wednesday night’s 3-1 Carter’s Park derby win over Deeping Rangers.
Tidswell added: “I do enjoy being in midfield, it lets me dictate the play.
“There’s obviously more responsibility being on the coaching staff. Robbo and I do plenty of the tactical stuff, with Darren more of a leader as manager.
“We’ll need to be sensible at Huntingdon. It’s a game we must look to win, but it’s also a difficult played to go and play football.”
Meanwhile, Holbeach have been draw away at Walsall Wood in the FA Vase. That tie is on November 21.
They are currently mid-table in the Midland Football League Premier Division.
