Spalding United have further bolstered their attacking options by swooping to sign talented frontman Josh Moreman from under the noses of rivals Stamford.
Moreman, who has enjoyed spells with Deeping Rangers and Kettering Town in the past, agreed to join the Tulips on Friday.
That news didn’t go down too well with Spalding’s Lincolnshire rivals Stamford, who thought that they’d sealed a deal to sign him.
On their official website, Daniels boss David Staff said: “It’s very frustrating as we, like nearly every other non-league club, announce signings based on a verbal agreements and agreed terms.
“We cannot register players yet, so we are always liable to competing clubs offering alternative player packages.
“I’m clearly disappointed with the situation but it can’t be helped.”
Rayment has admitted that he made Moreman a budget-busting offer to snub Stamford for the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
And he has warned Spalding’s Lincolnshire rivals that he and his side are here to stay as a major force in the transfer market.
“Josh was on our radar and had agreed to sign for Stamford,” said Rayment. “He’s come to us for two aspects.
“One, we gave him a very, very good financial proposal – more than what Stamford offered. It’s wiped out the rest of my budget, if I’m honest.
“But he’s also come for the footballing fraternity.
“Let me make it clear that my budget is lower than when I came to the club four seasons ago. We had ten players on contract and the tax bill equated to another two or three players.
“Now there’s only one on contract. We’re here to stay and we will impact on Stamford and we will impact on other clubs around here.
“In truth, there’s not a lot between us and Stamford, facilities aside. They’re a club that almost got relegated from the league we almost got promoted too. There’s not major difference, so they shouldn’t be too surprised.”
Moreman, famed for his electric pace and eye for goal, can play either as a winger or a forward. He’ll provide competition for places with Spalding strikers Michael Frew, Jordan Nuttell and Tom Waumsley.
Rayment has long been an admirer of the Peterborough-based hitman – and he believes that signing him completes the most exciting squad he’s had in football management.
“I haven’t worked with Josh before but I know everything about him. He’s a boy in development – and another local lad.
“We’re doing things the right way under the new consortium but it’s not a bottomless pit – the budget is the lowest it’s ever been in my time here. Getting Josh in is the last move I’ll make.
“But saying that, we’ve got the most exciting squad I can remember us having. It’s probably the most exciting squad I’ve had in my management career, if I’m honest.”
