The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
RALLYING CALL: Pat Rayment is targeting another promotion. Photo by NIKKI GRIFFIN
Pat Rayment has declared himself happy after seeing Spalding United placed in Evo-Stik League Division One South next season.
That means that the Tulips, promoted as UCL Premier Division champions, return to the league they were relegated from back in 2011.
It was Spalding’s preferred destination in terms of travel – and manager Rayment remains confident that his side can achieve their goal of promotion next term.
He said: “Geographically, it was the one we wanted. I’m happy with the decision and it has gone as we expected if I’m honest.
“Unfortunately we have no real local rivals in the league, but the incentive for us is to get promoted so we can play the likes of Grantham and Stamford the following year.
“The goal is to win the league, with a top five finish our minimum aim. The club is under a new two-year plan and we’re heading in the right direction.”
The only disappointment for Spalding and Rayment has been the departure of several key players since they were crowned champions.
Skipper Jamie Stevens heads a lengthy list of departures, with Adam Jackson, Jonny Allen, Dan Cotton, Josh Ford and Ross Watson also confirming that they won’t be with the club next year.
Although disappointed by their respective decisions, Rayment has vowed to bring in better replacements over the close season.
“It has been really disappointing,” added the Tulips chief. “I really wanted to give those lads a crack at step four.
“The main thing I’ll miss is the togetherness we had in the dressing room. I always wanted to keep the more local lads involved, but it seems they didn’t really fancy the step up.
“But we move on – and I’ll tell you now, we’ll bring in better players than those that have left us.
“I’ve got all of my irons in the fire and I’m just waiting on answers from those we’ve contacted.”
2014/15 Evo-Stik League Division One South line-up: Bedworth Town, Brigg Town, Carlton Town, Chasetown, Coalville Town, Goole, Gresley, Leek Town, Lincoln United, Loughborough Dynamo, Market Drayton Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Norton United, Rainworth Miners Welfare, Romulus, Sheffield, Stafford Rangers, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Spalding United, Sutton Coldfield Town, Tividale.
