TIGERS: Setting their sights on promotion

Holbeach United have revealed their ambition to win promotion from the United Counties League.

The Tigers say they will ensure moving up the non-league ladder is feasible, if the team finishes in a top position in the Premier Division next season.

The Tigers won the title in 2003 and again in 2013, but had not applied for promotion on either occasion.

Committee member Adam Kirk said: “Promotion is definitely something we’re looking at.
“It’s one of the main reasons why John Chand wanted to return – to take the club to the next level.”

The Tigers harbour hopes of following in the footsteps of rivals Spalding United, whose two-year plan under Pat Rayment came to fruition in April when the Tulips earned promotion to the Evo-Stik League.

However, Kirk insisted that the potential for a boom and bust situation would not be allowed to happen at Carter’s Park.
“If we were fortunate enough to be in a position where promotion was possible, it would be a measured approach from us,” he said. “We wouldn’t just chuck a lot of money at it and then struggle like some clubs have in the past.
“We’re realistic – it’s got to be viable for the club.”

He pointed to Rushden and Diamonds as an example of things going badly wrong.
The Northamptonshire club was dissolved in 2011 after financial difficulties left it unable to guarantee completing its Conference National fixtures.

AFC Rushden and Diamonds emerged and, following last season’s third-place finish in the UCL, are sure to be one of the Tigers’ main challengers for the title in 2014/15.

Meanwhile, work will continue on getting Carter’s Park fit for a move up to Step Four.
The club is looking to upgrade its floodlights, which could cost up to £50,000.

Already the ground, which is owned by the parish council, is not far off being suitable for a higher grade. Another turnstile entrance would be a requirement but plans are in place for that.

Kirk added: “We got a lot of stick for not applying to go up last time but it wasn’t right for us then.
“Now we’re in a better position and feel the time is right to try and push on and go for promotion.”
He added: “In my opinion, it’s what every club, every manager and every player should want – to challenge themselves at a high level.”

Kirk acknowledged that the travel involved in playing in a higher league is a big consideration, both in terms of cost and players’ time commitment.
He says that is something the Tigers will address at a later date.

For now he feels certain that the squad which Chand and co-manager Graham Drury are assembling will put the club in a position to consider going up.

“Some of the players we’ve signed in recent weeks will be wanting a third consecutive UCL title medal, after success here and at Spalding,” he said. “It’s created a buzz amongst the fans and we’re hopeful we can capitalise on that.”