Adam Jackson has ended a remarkable three-year spell at Spalding United to commit to Holbeach United.
Tigers manager Tom Roberts is a happy man, with the left-back’s agreement coming just days after club skipper Jamie Stevens pledged his immediate future.
Jackson has built quite a reputation at The Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for consistency and reliability.Incredibly, he missed just two matches in those three years – and was the only Tulip to play every minute of every match last season. But the 27-year-old has had enough of the travel involved with the Evo-Stik League and, after helping out the Tigers towards the end of last season, he has elected to return to Carter’s Park permanently.
Unsurprisingly, new Tulips boss Dave Frecklington was keen to keep hold of a player who was club captain in the absence of Nathan Stainfield at the beginning of last season and was runner-up as the supporters’ player of the year.
Jackson said: “I spoke with Dave over the phone a couple of times and he did offer me the same terms as the year before. But after much thought on the matter, the decision to leave solely came down to the commitment with travelling a lot of miles on a Tuesday and Saturday.”
The decision to leave the Tulips was made easier for Jackson by travel partner Sam Murphy making the switch to fellow First Division One South side Stamford, and the popular left-footer being told he would not be permitted to play for Holbeach too.
“I won’t be signing dual forms,” he said. “It was mentioned that I wouldn’t be allowed to do so if I signed at Spalding, so I won’t be looking to help out if ever needed.
“I had a good three seasons at the club, though, and I’d like to thank them for everything along the way. I’ve made some great friends there and I wish them all the best for next season.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to kicking on with Holbeach.
“I enjoyed my football while I was helping them out towards the end of last season and when Robbo got in touch about next season the seed was planted.
“With me being within walking distance to the ground and with good friends that already play there, it made it easy to return.”
Jackson, Stevens and fellow defender Jonny Allen jointly moved to the Tulips after winning the United Counties League Premier Division with the Tigers in 2012/13.
Jackson’s signing has now completed the return of all three to Carter’s Park on a permanent basis.
With Allen making good progress towards a first-team return after suffering a broken leg in February last year, the Tigers will not be short of quality and experience in defence next season.
It is a welcome situation for Roberts, who said: “Jacko has excelled at Spalding United and maybe didn’t really get the recognition he deserved. We’ve signed probably the best left-back in our league and one of the best in the division above.
“Bringing back a local lad to the club shows how we’ve come on.
“He’s experienced, he’s won the league at this level and he’s a good character to have in the changing room.”
