Former Gainsborough Trinity captain Michael Leary has become the latest – and final – big name summer signing for Spalding United.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who also lists Luton Town, Barnet and Grimsby Town among his former clubs, sealed a deal with the Tulips on Thursday morning.
Spalding supremo Pat Rayment is absolutely ecstatic after completing the capture of another top talent – and now feels his squad is far superior to the one that waltzed to the UCL Premier Division crown last season.
“Michael can do everything if I’m honest,” saluted Rayment. “He’s a midfielder than could easily fill in at the back if we needed.
“As with all of our signings, luring him here shows the kind of progress we’re making both on and off the pitch.
“Mark Jones used to play with him at Gainsborough and tells me that he’s an absolute leader on the field and a brilliant captain.
“If you look at our squad now, we have the brilliant blend of pace, experience and talent. All we need to do now is get them all to gel.
“No disrespect to those that have left, because they did superbly for us last season. But the difference in quality to what we have now and last season is like light and day.”
Having also signed top talents Gareth Jellyman, Kern Miller, Julian Kelly, Ian Ross, James Cullingworth, Nick Conroy and Tom Waumsley, Rayment now feels his signing spree is over and done with.
He quipped that his budget is now spent for the coming season, meaning that players would have to leave before he was able to add any more to a squad that is packed full of quality.
And he hopes that the fans respond by turning out in their droves for Spalding’s first campaign back in Evo-Stik League First Division South.
Rayment added: “I’m done signing players now – my budget has gone!
“To be honest, getting all of my business done this early isn’t something that I anticipated.
“It’s been refreshing to deal with people that wanted to get their business done quickly and I can put my feet up now! If only.
“It’s an exciting time for the club. I’d urge people to get behind us and show their support by coming through the turnstiles next season.
“I know myself and Marcus Ebdon can’t wait to get the lads on the training pitch.”
