New Spalding United boss Dave Frecklington has been handed a major boost after persuading key right back Paul Walker to re-sign for the club.
Grimsby-based Walker, who was one of the Tulips’ top performers last season, had initially indicated that he would leave the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field due to excessive travel demands.
But he’s had a change of heart and becomes the fourth member of Spalding’s impressive back five of last season to sign on for 2016/17, following the example of keeper Michael Duggan, skipper Nathan Stainfield and centre back Neal Spafford.
Frecklington admits that retaining last season’s solid defence – which only conceded 54 goals in 42 games – was one of his chief aims. Left back Adam Jackson has moved on, but his void will be filled by Jason Field.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Paul is staying with us,” said Frecklington, who joined Spalding from Lincoln United over the summer. “After long talks over the last few days he’s bought into what we are trying to achieve at the club.
“I admired him from afar last season, as I did all of the Spalding defenders. That was one of the club’s strong points last season and I’m pleased to retain four out of the five.
“Keeping Paul is a massive boost.”
Meanwhile, Frecklington has revealed his disappointment after defender Kern Miller performed a transfer U-turn and decided to join Stamford over Spalding.
The Tulips chief went out for dinner with former King’s Lynn Town centre back Miller and shook on a deal that would see him return to the Sir Halley next season.
However, Stamford’s relegation reprieve – which will now see them play a level higher than Spalding at Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division standard – swayed Miller and he’ll link up with Graham Drury’s side.
Frecklington stopped short of blasting Miller, but couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“What annoys me is that we shook on a deal,” added the Spalding supremo. “We did everything properly and I thought I could rely on him for the season ahead.
“Sadly, it seems the Stamford situation has turned his head and he’ll go there instead.
“I’ll never fault a player for wanting to play higher, or fall out with one for this kind of thing. But I am disappointed that he’s gone back on the deal.”
The Spalding boss is hoping for better resolutions from his other transfer talks, with up to four other players still being chased.
He’s in discussions with a few, including a winger and two central midfielders, and is hopeful of completing a few more deals before the players report back.
