Talismanic skipper Nathan Stainfield has been backed to excel at a higher standard of football after opting to end his four-year spell with Spalding United.
Stainfield, who joined the Tulips from Boston United back in 2013, informed Tulips boss Chris Rawlinson that – at 28 years of age – he wants to test himself further up the non-league ladder.
Widely recognised as the best defender in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South over the past few campaigns, Stainfield was named in the league’s team of the season for a third successive year and picked up three awards at Spalding’s end-of-season bash.
He has decided to join former Tulips chief Dave Frecklington at Gainsborough Trinity in National League North, with Rawlinson convinced he’d succeed at that standard of football.
“I’ve spoken to Nathan at length over the past few weeks,” said the Spalding supremo. “It’s been hard for him, he’s got Spalding United at heart.
“I think that, if he’d been 25, he’d have stayed for at least another season. But, at 28, he’d essentially be giving up on playing at a higher level if he didn’t go now.
“He knows that the door is always open for him at Spalding. But, and he has the club’s blessing on this, he owes it to himself to have a go.
“Personally, I’d never stand in the way of any player that wants to step up.
“I wish Nathan nothing but the best of luck. He’ll be up against better strikers and have more competition for his place, but I’m sure he’ll be a success at his new club.”
Spalding’s official website also released a glowing statement regarding Stainfield’s departure, dubbing him “captain fantastic”.
It read: “Staino leaves the club with everyone’s thanks and warmest best wishes for his forward/upward trajectory – the club about to welcome him into their fold is going to quickly realise what a crown jewel of a player and chap they’re getting.
“Nathan, it’s been a pleasure having you on-board all these moons. We look forward to learning of your progress and seeing you again down the non-league road. We hope you know you’ll always be welcome in ‘Tulipsville’ – thanks for the memories. Every best wish from us all at Spalding United.”
Although Stainfield has departed, Rawlinson has secured the futures of keeper Michael Duggan and right back Paul Walker over the past week.
He’s also agreed a deal to bring striker Danny Durkin back to the club.
Left-back Adam Jackson will take the captain’s armband next season after also opting to remain at the Sir Halley.
Midfielders Lee Beeson and Nathan Whitehead both have offers to leave, but Rawlinson hopes they’ll stay.
