TULIPS: Rayment to stick with Spalding
IM STILL BOSS: Pat Rayment will remain as Spalding United manager until at least the end of this season. Photo (NIKKI GRIFFIN): SG061012-140NG
Spalding United manager Pat Rayment has committed his short-term future to the club after a weekend of intense speculation.
It was rumoured that the Tulips chief offered his resignation to the club on Friday night – a suggestion that was played down by Rayment the following day.
Appointed almost exactly a year ago, the former Peterborough United defender insists he’ll guide the club through a potentially massive three months as they go in search of four trophies. But the former Deeping Rangers boss stopped short of discussing anything beyond the conclusion of the current campaign.
“I’m committed until the end of the season,” confirmed Rayment. “When I came here I said there was a two-year plan and I stand by that.
“It’s a really important few months for the football club. It’ll be a mixed bag, we could end up getting promoted, going to Wembley and winning a few cups...or we could get nothing.”
Rayment’s stance will come as a major boost to Spalding’s followers, with the Tulips enjoying their best season since winning the UCL Premier Division title under Dick Creasey back in 2004.
They’ve won 14 of their last 17 games, losing just once – 2-1 at leaders Holbeach United on Boxing Day – since October 9.
But Rayment is unsure when his side will actually get back on the field, with the big freeze well and truly setting in.
With the Tulips still having 17 league games, the UCL League Cup, Lincs FA Senior Trophy and also the FA Vase to contest, a fixture pile-up is now inevitable.
Saturday’s Vase tie at Ely City was called off because of the snow (see page 71) – and the Tulips chief reckons they’ll be waiting a while for their next game to be staged.
Rayment added: “There’s no way the FA Vase or any game will be on this week and I just can’t see any football being played by at least February 2.”
If they can see off Ely, Spaling will host Rye United or Guernsey in the Vase’s last 16.
• Spalding’s FA Vase fourth round tie at Ely has been rescheduled for this Saturday. Should it be called off again, it will be played the following Saturday. Vase fixtures take precedence over all other games.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Heavy showers
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 35 mph
Wind direction: North east
