Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes has paid tribute to Josh Ford and Jamie Stevens after the talented duo agreed switches to ChromaSport UCL Premier Division rivals Wisbech Town.
Club captain Stevens and last season’s top scorer Ford were announced as Wisbech players on Monday night, with Hayes admitting he’s been fighting to keep the pair from the first day he stepped into the Carter’s Park hotseat.
For Ford, who notched 24 goals for the Tigers last season, the transfer sees him re-join the club he left for Holbeach back in the summer of 2015. He leaves with a record of 52 goals in 88 appearances.
Stevens, who missed much of last season through injury, has enjoyed multiple stints with the Tigers – with his most memorable being the 2013 title-winning season under John Chand. One of the best defenders in the league on his day, he made 74 appearances for Holbeach over the past three seasons.
Although disappointed to lose both players, Hayes says he respects the impressive attitude they have shown during his time at the club and appreciates the honesty they have displayed while sorting out moves away from the club.
“Obviously, you never like to lose good players,” said the ex-Huntingdon Town boss. “Josh was our top scorer and everybody knows how good Jamie can be.
“When I arrived at the club, both players were considering leaving after what had gone on previously, but both showed a great attitude to stay on.
“Josh played in four different positions for us when things got tough, while Jamie was man enough to admit he wasn’t fit enough to make himself available. As men, I respect them massively for that.
“I think both needed new challenges. Wisbech Town are clearly putting together a team that will go for the title next season.
“For us, we’re looking to launch a three-year plan. We’re aiming to promote youth and build a team capable of challenging for trophies long-term.
“We want the youth players in the area to look at Holbeach and think ‘they’ll give me a chance’.
“We’re 100 per cent focused on building something special and giving young local players a try – the days of this club paying three-figures to get people from 50 miles away are very much over.
“With that in mind, I couldn’t have guaranteed Josh and Jamie that we’ll be in the title race next season and both of them want to be in the hunt for trophies immediately.
“I hope that I get the chance to work with them again in the future, neither of them closed the door on that at some point in the future. I just think they needed to get away from Holbeach United and try something new.”
With the rest of last season’s squad having verbally agreed to stay for next season, Hayes is hopeful of adding four more players to his squad.
Two of those have also agreed to sign for the Tigers, but the boss doesn’t want to jump the gun before paperwork has been officially signed.
