Seb Hayes feels that Holbeach United have signed the “best left-back in the league” after raiding rivals Deeping Rangers for Tom Smith.
Smith, who played in 41 of Deeping’s 42 games last season as they finished one place behind Holbeach in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division table, is Hayes’ second summer signing after striker Josh Ford.
The Tigers chief also revealed that he has deals in place for a defender and a winger, but is unable to announce them just yet.
Hayes has made no secret of his desire to challenge for the title next season – and feels Smith will play a big part in making that happen.
“I’ve wanted to sign Tom for more than a year,” admitted the Holbeach chief. “Getting him to come from a rival is also a big coup.
“For me, he’s the best left back in the league and one of the top three full-backs, too.
“He’s consistent, gets up and down and has got great delivery. He’s also got that horrible and ruthless streak in him that I like my players to have.
“Every time my teams have played against him, I’ve been very impressed – and he was my number one target for that position.”
Hayes, who has also invited right-back Dan Jenkins to join up with the squad for pre-season, feels that his squad is shaping up to be stronger than it was last time around.
“I’m in football to win,” added Hayes. “We want to be the best team locally and to win the league.
“If that means signing players of rivals and ruffling the feathers of a few friends, so be it.
“With the two players we hope to add to the two already signed, the squad will be looking stronger – and we haven’t had to break the bank to do it.”
Holbeach, who have lost defender Joe Braithwaite to Harrowby United and released Mitch Griffiths, Joe Smith and George Zuerner, kick-off their pre-season fixtures at Skegness Town on July 14.
