Adam Jackson wants to lead by example after being named as the new captain of Spalding United.
The popular left back, who was one of the Tulips’ star performers last season, takes the armband from Michael Leary – who has decided to leave the club for family reasons.
A two-time UCL Premier Division winner with the Tulips and South Holland rivals Holbeach United, Jackson is ready for his third season at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
He admits that he’d be happy to hand the armband to talismanic central defender Nathan Stainfield when he returns from injury.
But for now, he’s delighted to step up.
“Pat Rayment rang me Friday of last week to inform me that he’d like me to be captain,” said Jackson. “He said that, with players departing and injuries, he’d like me to step up after an ever-present season last year.
“We’ll re-evaluate as and when Nathan Stainfield becomes fit again.
“But for now, I’m more than happy to take on the role. After 50 appearances last year I’ll be looking to do the same again this season and lead by example.
“If I can just cut the one red card out from last year and pick up a couple of goals I’ll be delighted.
“The season is creeping up quickly now, but the group of lads here – both old and new – seem to be a great bunch.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to playing alongside them all.”
Meanwhile, the second major project instigated by Spalding United’s new controlling consortium swung into action over the weekend as the Tulips’ Social Club was given a much-needed facelift.
Gone is the rapidly deteriorating front wall – with sparkling white cladding and new windows replacing it.
Fellow club directors, Andrew Gay (interim chairman) and Peter Semmence, who were the driving force behind the consortium’s first project, the building of the new 120 person covered spectator enclosure just before the end of last season, were again present, along with a band of volunteer workers.
Gay said: “The consortium is working hard behind the scenes to give the football club a bright new image, one to be enjoyed by the community at large.
“We fully intend to become a totally endorsed community club.
“Our current project with the clubroom refurbishment will be there for everyone to enjoy.
“Work on the club is ongoing with internal decoration to follow.”
The Tulips’ new consortium are also eyeing up a base for their ever-expanding youth section – and have asked anyone with any ideas to get in touch with them.
Gay added: “Although the consortium as a group have been quiet after taking over the reins of the football club, they have taken the bull by the horns and are working extremely hard behind the scenes.
“One of their targets is the provision of a centralised playing area for our ever expanding youth section.
“They are looking for a piece of land which can be grassed and turned into a multi-pitch facility.
“At present, our youth teams – which currently stand at 17 from under-7 to under-18 – are spread over the district, which is not an ideal situation.
“If there is anyone out there who knows of such an area of land within easy reach of Spalding, then we ask them to get in touch.
“Also, we would also welcome more people to come on board and help the development of the club.”
