Spalding United manager Elliot Sandy will be relying on the bulk of his title-winning squad when the new season kicks of.
Most of the Northern Premier League Midland Division champions have agreed to stay at the Sir Halley Stewart Field for a new adventure in the Southern League Premier Central after the club’s promotion.
However, despite agreeing to stay, Riley O’Sullivan has had a change of heart and has left the Tulips. A club spokesman said: “After agreeing terms last week, he has since received an offer that he feels he cannot turn down and has decided to leave the club.”
Sandy has signed a new two-year deal and his squad will include 12 players who have committed to the club for the 2024/25 season – goalkeeper Tony Breeden, Glenn Walker, Kyle Barker, Sam Warburton, Nathan Stainfield, Sam Cartwright, Danny Draper, Joe Curtis, Lewis Hilliard, Jordan Graham, Sam Bennett and top scorer James Clifton.
Leaving the club are Isaac Adegoke, who has gone to Bromsgrove Sporting, and midfielder Lamine Sherif, although his new club, Coalville Town, have since announced they are folding their first team. A decision on whether they will be replaced in the league has not yet been announced.
There have been two new additions to Sandy’s squad so far, one on and one off the field.
Former West Brom junior Josh Ezewele, 27, is transferring from Halesowen Town. The full back has also played for Yeovil Town, Kidderminster Harriers, AFC Fylde, Alvechurch and Bromsgrove.
Meanwhile, Jazz Dolby has been appointed as head of medical at the club.
The club spokesman said: “Jazz joins after holding a similar position at Bedford Town and has worked at Step 3 and above for a number of years. Her experience will be a valuable asset to the management team.”
The Tulips have confirmed two pre-season matches so far. Peterborough United will visit town on Tuesday, July 16, 7.45pm, with Northern Premier League side Macclesfield following two weeks later.
The Silkmen narrowly missed out on promotion to the National League following a 2-1 defeat to Marine in the play-off final, the former Football League side are co-owned by TV pundit and former Manchester United, Leicester City and Derby County player Robbie Savage.
Tickets will be available on the Tulips’ website in the coming weeks, as well as on the night, priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions, £2 for 12 to 17-year-olds with under 11s admitted free of charge.
