TULIPS: All change at Sir Halley Stewart - again
CONFUSION surrounds the Spalding United hot-seat after Alan Biley's shock resignation.
Biley called time on his latest stint at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Friday, 16 months after replacing Domenic Genovese at the helm.
The Lincolnshire Free Press understands that the Tulips had expected to name Alex Irvine as Biley's successor, but it now appears that the move has stalled.
Irvine's appointment seemed a done deal, as reported on www.spalding today.co.uk on Friday.
But it now seems that Spalding will return to pre-season training tonight without a manager, throwing their plans for the new UniBond League Division One South season into disarray.
On his departure, Biley said: "Having been contacted by Chris Toynton (chairman) to return to the club to take over the manager's role for a third time 16 months ago and help stave off the threat of relegation, I made a commitment that, irrespective of which league the club was in, I would remain to see the job through regardless.
"I now feel the club is heading in the right direction after a solid and safe season in the Unibond League, leaving a springboard to go forward.
"I would like to say a heart-felt thank you to the small and very hard working band of people working in the background – those unsung heroes – along with the club as a whole for their help and support and wish everyone success for the future."
The former Derby County, Everton and Portsmouth striker informed chairman and long-standing friend Toynton of his decision to quit last Wednesday.
He was asked to reconsider, but confirmed his departure 24 hours later.
Speaking to the Free Press on Monday, Biley said: "In addition to the club statement, I want to make it clear that I am not leaving Spalding for another club.
"I will be keeping myself busy over the summer, but I have no immediate plans."
Biley inherited a Tulips squad in dire straits in February 2008. They were rock bottom of the table, and went on to survive relegation on a technicality.
There was no such trouble in his only full season in charge however, with the transformed Tulips squad chasing a play-off place at the turn of the year.
A terrific 5-1 home victory over Grantham Town in November was among the best Spalding performances in recent memory.
They tailed off a little at the end of the campaign, but still finished 23 points clear of the drop zone and showed a marked improvement on previous years.
Chairman Toynton said: "Alan had fulfilled his remit to the full. I asked him to come in at a difficult time to do a job and I thank him wholeheartedly.
"We have been firm friends for some years and this friendship is still as strong as ever.
"I respect his decision to leave and can't thank him enough for all of his hard and dedicated work."
The search for a new boss now begins, following Irvine's apparent U-turn.
It was expected that the former Tulips player, caretaker manager and acting chairman would be in place in time for training tonight.
The Free Press understands that former Boston Town midfielder Nathan Collins was to be part of Irvine's management team.
Spalding are yet to comment on the situation.
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Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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