Respectful Holbeach United boss Darren Jarvis insists that Saturday’s trip to his former club Peterborough Northern Star isn’t a grudge match for him.
The ChromaSport UCL Premier Division derby (3pm) represents Jarvis’ first return to the Branch Bros Stadium since his somewhat acrimonius departure back in February.
The Tigers chief and Deeping Rangers supremo Michael Goode were relieved of their duties controversially, with Star’s managing director Tony Zirpolo feeling they weren’t “taking the club in the right direction.”
Jarvis – who left PNS in a solid seventh place – went on to take the Carter’s Park hotseat in March. He heads back to his old stomping ground with the Tigers in third place, four points ahead of seventh-placed Star with three games in hand on them.
The Holbeach boss is focused on winning three big points for his title-chasing side and is adamant that he wishes nothing but the best for his old club and their manager Seb Hayes.
“For the club, this is a big fixture,” said Jarvis. “We have aspirations to finish high up in the league and winning away at PNS would be a big three points for us.
“I suppose you could call it a derby, there’s not much between the clubs in terms of miles. Personally, it’s a game against a former club – and they are always interesting.
“There are some people there that I like and am looking forward to seeing. Of course, there are also some people there that I’m not looking forward to seeing too.
“This game aside, I genuinely wish PNS and Seb all the very best. He’s done a great job there since he took sole charge and is a good bloke who I consider a friend.
“It’s a funny game, football. When Michael and myself left it was tough, but now I’m happier than I ever have been in football management.
“Every game is a big game for Holbeach – and this one will be no different.”
The Tigers go into the game in fine form, having not lost in the league since the opening day of the season.
That run now spans ten games after Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Wellingborough Town.
Ollie Gale returns to the squad after injury – and Jarvis is also hoping to have a new signing involved. He’s held “positive” talks with ex-Spalding United midfielder Adam Millson, who left the Tulips on Monday.
Jarvis added: “Adam is a player that has always interested me. He’s an outstanding midfielder – and I think he’d suit our style of play perfectly.
“He’s told me that he wants a new club by the weekend and we hope it’s us. We spent 20 minutes on the phone and it was all football, not money.
“He’s got his priorities right and I like that a lot.”
