As has been the norm with Holbeach United in recent seasons, 2016 was a breathless year for the men in yellow and black.
Once again, the Tigers announced a new boss in the final month of the year, with Tom Roberts making way for the highly-rated Seb Hayes.
Having steered Holbeach to a solid fourth place in the UCL Premier Division, Roberts narrowly missed out on bringing the UCL KO Cup back to Carter’s Park – losing to history-makers Peterborough Sports on penalties.
There’s a chance Hayes could go one better in 2017, with the Tigers having two quarter-finals to look forward to himself.
Fans have been buoyed by his positive outlook towards his future at the club, with a return to the club’s core qualities promised.
There were moments the Tigers would perhaps rather forget about 2016 – including a monster run of 11 games in April which didn’t make it into our best bits – but followers of the club have reason for optimism over the next 12 months.
For now, here are six key moments from Holbeach’s 2016, culminating in the appointment of Hayes…
FEBRUARY: Rothwell rage at Nick’s ‘injury’
Holbeach United were accused of foul play by opponents Rothwell Corinthians after Nick Jackson suffered a nasty-looking injury.
Trailing 4-1 in the 73rd minute, Tigers defender Jackson went down with what was originally thought to be a torn calf – and the referee abandoned the game, meaning it would have to be replayed.
That didn’t sit well with Rothwell chief Shaun Sparrow, who said: “The lad (Jackson) picked up a calf strain and the Holbeach management told him not to get up.
“He lay there for about 15 minutes until the match was called off and a minute or so later, he was back on his feet. It was a farce.”
MARCH: First UCL KO Cup final since 1990
Goals from Josh Ford (pen 43) and Sean Coughlan (89) fired Holbeach United to a 2-0 win over Wisbech Town at Carter’s Park – and booked them a place in the ChromaSport UCL Knockout Cup final.
It was the first time the Tigers had reached the final since 1990, with player/boss Tom Roberts hailing the win as a “brilliant tactical performance”.
A trip to Deeping Rangers to face UCL Division One champions Peterborough Sports was their prize.
MAY: Penalty heartache as Sports make history at Holbeach’s expense
It was penalty shoot-out agony for Holbeach United as Peterborough Sports made ChromaSport UCL history by becoming the first Division One side to lift the Knockout Cup.
The final finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time, with Sports prevailing 6-5 on penalties.
Lee Beeson, Josh Ford and Jake Clitheroe all missed for Holbeach – with Ollie Medwynter netting the winning spot-kick for Sports.
The Tigers also concluded their UCL Premier Division campaign with a 5-3 victory over Wisbech Town to clinch fourth place in the overall standings.
JUNE: Three big signings announced
Buzzing boss Tom Roberts was feeling positive about the new season after sealing deals for three top talents.
Roberts enticed former favourite Adam Jackson back to Carter’s Park from rivals Spalding United, while also raiding Deeping Rangers for defender Spencer Tinkler.
Striker Stuart Eason, who enjoyed a loan spell with Spalding United in 2015/16, also joined he Tigers from St Ives Town and Julian Holland arrived as physio.
Roberts said: “I’m really pleased to get the deals done. I think they show that we mean business.”
NOVEMBER: Roberts walks away from Tigers
Tom Roberts stepped down as manager of Holbeach United after a 2-2 draw with Harborough Town at Carter’s Park.
The player/boss, who spent 18 months at the club and almost a year as boss, cited increased work commitments as the reasons behind his decision.
Roberts left the Tigers fourth in the UCL Premier Division and in two cup quarter-finals.
He said: “It’s a decision I’ve made with a massively heavy heart.
“I feel my time with Holbeach has been a good learning curve and I’m pleased to have had the chance to manage such a good club.”
Roberts’ number two Martyn Cundy took caretaker-charge.
DECEMBER: Hayes vows to bring ‘real Holbeach’ back
New Holbeach United boss Seb Hayes vowed to bring the good times back to Carter’s Park after landing what he described as “the biggest job” he’s likely to have in Step Five management.
Hayes was officially unveiled as Tigers boss after a 2-1 win over Rothwell Corinthians, having left his role as joint boss at UCL Division One side Oakham United. The former Huntingdon Town and Peterborough Northern Star chief called Holbeach “giants” of Step Five football and aimed to restore the trademark battling qualities he feels that the Tigers used to possess.
He said: “For me, there’s not many bigger than Holbeach United at Step Five locally. My aim is to get Holbeach back to being the kind of team I remember; intimidating, nasty – yet playing good football – and being a team nobody wants to play against.
“I’m also thinking ‘push, push, push’ and try to win both cups we’re still involved in.”
Hayes won his first two games as boss 3-0 and 4-0 and signed Zak Munton from Bourne as they finished 2016 in seventh place.
