After weeks of intense speculation, striker Andrew Tidswell has revealed the truth behind his Spalding United exit.
Writing exclusively for The Spalding and South Holland Voice, Tidswell discusses his relationship with Tulips chief Pat Rayment, his ongoing injury problems and why a potential return to Holbeach United would suit him…
By Andrew Tidswell
Elite Sports Academy MD
As many of you know by now, I have now called time on my association with Spalding United FC.
I must firstly start by saying, contrary to many things I have heard and seen, myself and Pat Rayment have a very honest relationship.
If there was ever anything to say between us, we would go to each other and discuss it.
That’s what happened a few weeks back, as before a training night on a Tuesday evening Pat and I spoke for about an hour and we put all of our cards on the table.
I explained some of my frustrations with certain aspects and was honest with my thoughts going forward. Likewise, Pat was honest with his thoughts and what he wanted – and at no point were fingers pointed or voices raised.
One thing that we did agree on is that my injury has taken its toll.
What many people won’t know is that I had three further injections in my back as recently as two months ago.
The frustrations that I shared weren’t just footballing reasons, but also my own issues.
The discussions led to me having a period of time away from football and thinking about what is best for both Spalding United and myself.
If truth be told – and I said the same thing to Pat – I didn’t have time to miss anything due to being very busy with my job. I wouldn’t have any other way and this is something I wouldn’t change.
This was the decisive factor, in that I couldn’t 100 per cent commit to Spalding United anymore.
Therefore, with the Tulips going for promotion and pushing forward, they need everybody 100 per cent focused on the job.
I was then made aware that Holbeach United had asked for permission to speak to me, but I did also have several other messages regarding my availability for the rest of this season.
For now, the best thing for me is to be able to stay local – and as I write this, it is 98 per cent certain that I will be re-joining Holbeach, a team that I had two fantastic seasons with previously.
It all fits in with my job much better, plus I know (manager) John Chand and the way he works very well. It is what is best for me – and hopefully if the remaining two per cent is sorted I can help the Tigers to further glory again.
I can look back at my time with Spalding United with a sense of satisfaction. I was brought in to help the club climb the leagues – and that is what I have done and been a part of.
Unfortunately things didn’t work out completely, but that’s life and, for sure, that’s football.
I will be forever in debt to three people at the club – and that is Malcolm Gray, Eddie Reeve and Sam Seal.
These three people stood by me and helped me through my months and months of needs, so I thank them deeply.
I wish Spalding United all the best in their quest for promotion this season and look forward to a new adventure elsewhere.
