Buzzing boss Dave Frecklington admits that he’s amazed by the team spirit his new-look Spalding United squad are already showing.
The Tulips chief is eyeing Lincs Senior Cup glory after seeing his side stun their illustrious neighbours Boston United 1-0 in the quarter-finals on Saturday – and was also impressed by last week’s 1-1 friendly draw at King’s Lynn Town.
Having only joined Spalding from Lincoln United over the summer, Frecklington has had to bring a host of new faces to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field. But he’s been majorly impressed by the way his new-look squad have gelled – and reckons they resemble a team that have been together for years.
Frecklington said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the team spirit and togetherness that we’re showing already.
“You’d expect that kind of thing to take months or even years, but we’ve built it up in a just four weeks.
“It’s great to see. Obviously I came here with a real buzz and I am keen to test my skills as a manager.
“But you can only do so much. Once the players cross that white line you’re hoping that they share your buzz and excitement – and that’s exactly what has happened so far.
“I’ve said from the start that there are no friendly games here and we’ll now do all we can to go all the way in the Lincs Senior Cup.”
Among those players that Frecklington is delighted with are a clutch of youngsters and triallists that have really impressed the new management team.
Spalding’s teenage prodigy Jonny Lockie started on the right wing, while 18-year-old right back Sidnei Costa also impressed.
Trialist Rees Longville-Daley jumped off the bench to bag the winner, while another on trial – Sam Thorpe – started the game on the left wing. Throw in substitute appearances from teens Connor Bannister and Levi Butland and the future looks bright for Frecklington’s new-look Tulips.
The Spalding supremo admits that he’s in talks to further bolster the squad, but is more than happy with what he has already.
He added: “We’ve done a bit of a rebuild here, with four or five of last year’s squad staying on. The squad may be thin on numbers, but at the moment I can’t see past the 13 or 14 we have here.
“We’ll obviously look to add a few more players, but I’m really happy with what we’ve got already.
“We’re speaking to a higher-graded club about maybe having a loan agreement in place, but we’ll know more next week. By the time next week comes, the squad should be set.”
Spalding continued their pre-season friendly fixtures with a 1-0 win over Harrowby United on Tuesday night.The goal came from Nathan Whitehead, who turned home Matt Varley’s cross.
The Tulips now visit Yaxley on Saturday (3pm) and then host Boston Town on Wednesday (7.45pm).
