It’s all about planning for next season now at Holbeach United, admits realistic boss Danny Clifton.
With the Tigers sitting 15 points adrift at the bottom of the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North table with just ten games left, relegation is looking a formality – barring any kind of restructuring technicality.
Whatever division Holbeach are playing in next season, Clifton wants to assess which players will play a key role in improving the first team’s flagging fortunes and allow them to start winning games again.
The boss does, however, desperately want to avoid going an entire season without the first team winning a match.
On paper, Saturday’s trip to fellow relegation candidates Newark (3pm), who are 15 points ahead of the Tigers in 15th place, perhaps offers the best chance of achieving that goal.
“I think everything we’re doing now is geared towards next season,” said Clifton. “We’re going to be looking at the young lads and see who is capable of being part of a Holbeach team that can be much more competitive next season.
“The summer will hopefully see us sign a few more experienced heads to complement the younger lads who are getting valuable playing time at the moment.
“Whatever division we’re in next year, the committee and I agree that it’s the best way forward for the club.
“I think we all agree that it’s unlikely things will change in a flash and we’ll be able to get out of the relegation zone at this stage of the season.
“Everything is here at this club to move forwards, it’s only the results of the first team that aren’t ideal – and haven’t been for some time.
“The facilities, the youth set-up, the amazing support we get and the catchment area for players – without all of that, it’d be hard to envisage a bright future.
“But the support myself and the players have received keeps me going and makes you hungry to turn the first team around – it’ll just be a long-term process.
“I’d like to give the fans something this season and we’d love a win. We’d also love to start scoring a few goals, just doing that regularly would build confidence and perhaps spark a win.
“I’m aware Newark are in the relegation picture, but I’ve not spent too much time looking at the table. We’ll go there and look to be positive. and see what we can do.”
Teenage midfielder Ethan Camfield is pushing for a start after impressing as a sub in last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat against rivals Deeping Rangers.
His partnership with fellow youngster Harvey Wirkowski in midfield was Clifton’s biggest positive from their 21st league loss of the season.
Holbeach also have a very hard trip to high-flying Loughborough Students on Tuesday night (7.45pm) in what is their only midweek game left this season.
