Chuffed Spalding United boss Dave Frecklington is pleased with how his squad is shaping up after securing two key new additions.
The Spalding supremo has swooped to bring in Stamford winger Chris Hamilton as player/coach, while also adding highly-rated striker Bradley Barraclough to his ranks.
Hamilton, who lists Scottish sides Albion, Queens Park, Stirling and Dumbarton among his former clubs, is billed as the “perfect candidate” to take on a senior role at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Forward Barraclough, meanwhile, joins from higher-graded Buxton and notched 17 goals in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division last season.
A delighted Frecklington said: “Chris has the pedigree we’ve been looking for in a player/coach.
“We’ve spoke for a week to ten days and I’m really, really pleased that he’s decided to buy into what we’re doing here.
“(Number two) Chris Rawlinson and I decided that having a player/coach was the way we wanted to go – and hopefully he’ll help the club’s thriving youth section progress.
“First and foremost, he’s a very, very good signing for us player-wise.
“Bradley is a massive signing for the club and shows the type of player we are trying to attract.”
With those two on board, plus left-back Jason Field, centre back Kern Miller, central midfielder Nathan Whitehead and retained quintet Nathan Stainfield, Neal Spafford, Michael Duggan,
Charlie Sanders and Tom Waumsley all on board, Frecklington feels he may only need four more signings to complete his squad.
But he admits that it’s been tough to get deals done.
“When it’s Spalding calling, players expect an extra zero,” added Frecklington. “Hopefully that view is changing, as we’re doing a rebuild.
“I’m not a fan of having a really big squad. The plan is to have a strong 14 and then include the best youth players in the first team squad.”
One player leaving the Sir Halley is right back Paul Walker. The commute from Grimsby is the chief reason for his exit.
Meanwhile, Andy Gay has agreed to take over the vacant position of chairman at Spalding United.
He stepped down from the post in January following a new work regime.
This time, however, the position will be a non-executive one which will not involve Gay in the day-to day running of the club.
In addition, a new and important position to be introduced is that of marketing and media, with the reins taken by Jake Whiteley, who has been associated with the club for the past few seasons.
With new first-team manager Frecklington making good progress on building a squad to challenge in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South, there is a good feeling at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Club director and vice-chairman Eddie Reeve said: “We are delighted by the way things are developing at the club.
“In recent years we have not been fully focused for the beginning of a new season, but we intend to be fully on the ball this year.
“Things are falling into place day by day.”
Away from the Tulips, South Lincolnshire rivals Stamford will no longer be in Evo-Stik NPL Division One South next term after receiving a relegation reprieve.
Spalding United’s 2016/17 pre-season schedule: Tues, July 12 – King’s Lynn (away, 7.45pm); Sat, July 16 – Boston Utd (away, 3pm, Lincs Cup QF); Tues, July 19 – Harrowby Utd (away, 7.45pm); Sat, July 23 – Yaxley (away, 3pm); Wed, July 30 – PNS (away, 3pm); Tues, Aug 2 – Holbeach Utd (away, 7.45pm); Sat, Aug 6 – Carlton Town (away, 3pm).
