Holbeach United player/boss Tom Roberts has paid tribute to “diamond” Jake Clitheroe after the striker called time on his stay at Carter’s Park.
Top scorer Clitheroe, who has 14 goals in 20 games this season, has told Roberts that he can no longer commit himself to the club ahead of Saturday’s FA Buildbase Vase trip to Long Eaton United (3pm).
The striker is set to have a much-needed nose operation that would have sidelined him for three months, then is scheduled to go to New Zealand when he is fit again.
With that in mind, his availability to the Tigers would be very limited over the rest of the season – and Roberts accepts that it’s the right decision for both parties.
Clitheroe, who was better known for his exploits in the ChromaSport PDFL before joining Holbeach last season, is one of the great success stories of Roberts’ reign so far.
And the Holbeach chief has paid tribute to his efforts over the past 16 months or so.
He said: “Sadly, Jake has told me that he can no longer commit himself to the club.
“He’s held off having a nose operation for so long, but is now finally going to have it.
“With three months’ recovery time and his trip to New Zealand ahead, I totally understand his decision.
“He’s never let us down since joining the club and has been an absolute diamond.
“He stepped up from the PDFL and proved what you can do when you test yourself at a higher level.
“Jake didn’t enjoy playing on the wing for us too much, but he always put the team first and did his job.
“Then, when he was given the chance to play through the middle, he took it with both hands and has scored a lot of goals.
“He’s been a great servant to Holbeach during my time here and will always be welcomed back if he ever decides he wants to return.”
Clitheroe’s exit leaves Roberts short of options in attack, with just Tommy Treacher, Josh Ford and Jordan Thomas available to him.
The boss admits that he’s got two targets in mind – both of whom are attached to UCL Premier Division rivals – and expects to make approaches this week.
It is, however, unlikely that any deals will be done before Saturday’s second round proper Vase trip to Grange Park.
The game is the perfect tonic for Holbeach after Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw with strugglers Kirby Muxloe (see page 36).
Roberts ripped into his side after that result, but is hopeful that a free week will allow his side to prepare properly for the clash – and kick-start a memorable run in the national competition.
The Tigers chief added: “I’m very pleased that we’ve not had a midweek game ahead of the Vase tie. It has allowed us to do the correct preparation.
“It’s important that the lads react positively to Saturday’s shocking performance.
“Obviously, the Vase is a priority to us at Holbeach as it only involves Step Five teams and you always feel you have a chance of a good run.
“It’d be nice if we could get a couple of home draws and give it a good go – but, in truth, Long Eaton isn’t the longest trip in the world for us.
“We’ve had them scouted and feel we have a good idea about what they do well. We’ll be working on that in training and hopefully the lads will be clued up by Saturday.”
Striker Thomas returns to the Holbeach squad on Saturday, but midfielder Andrew Tidswell is still not involved with the squad and misses the clash.
Opponents Long Eaton – who are based in Derbyshire – are currently 16th in the Midlands League Premier Division and lost 3-2 at home to AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday.
FA Cup heroes Westfields are fourth in the same division.
