TULIPS: Thrown relegation lifeline
Thursday, 12pm -SEEMINGLY doomed Spalding United have been handed a UniBond League First Division South lifeline.
The Tulips have looked relegation certainties since day one of the season - and after Saturday's 5-0 Mickleover mauling they found themselves 12 points from what should have been safety.
But in an all too familiar twist, the UniBond League have confirmed to the Spalding Guardian that only one team will now be relegated from both Division One South and Division One North.
That ruling leaves Richard Scott's charges eight points clear of Willenhall Town in the drop zone and looks likely to save their step-four skins on a technicality yet again.
This will likely be the third time in the last four seasons that the Tulips have stayed up despite finishing in the relegation zone.
Spalding's plight is made even more fortuitous by the fact Willenhall would be two points clear of them bar their ten-point deduction for going into administration.
Ambitious player/boss Scott had always wanted to stay up on merit, but concedes that he will welcome survival by whatever means necessary.
Scott said: "This is a massive bonus for everyone at the club and we must make sure we take it with both hands.
"I wanted us to earn our place in this league but I must admit that it now looks unlikely. We must now fight off Willenhall's challenge and hope they don't manage a miracle recovery.
"As a player and a manager I always want to play at the highest level possible, so if this is how we can achieve that, then so be it."
The Spalding supremo is now looking to the future, as he bids to stamp his own authority on a side that perenially struggles at step four of the Non-League ladder.
High-profile pre-season friendlies with Peterborough United, Luton Town and newly-formed Lynn FC have already been pencilled in, as Scott plots a brighter future for his team.
He has also enlisted the help of respected duo Andrew Penny and Simon Bell, who join as assistant manager and coach.
Both Penny and Bell have, until recently, been the management pairing at West Midlands Regional Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Casuals.
Penny (37) has considerable playing experience, his most recent clubs being Hinckley United and Chasetown where he was club captain.
Bell's (33) playing career ended prematurely at 21. But wanting to remain in the game he set out down the coaching route and currently has a UEFA 'B' badge.
Scott added: "These are two guys I have a lot of respect for and they will bring a fresh voice and perspective to the dressing room.
"I want to take this club forward and next year we should be aiming for a mid-table finish."
But there are still nine games to go this season - and the former Posh defender has set his charges a target of four wins.
The first of those is at Witton Albion on Saturday (3pm).
Max Flintoft and Joe Shulberg are vying for a place in goal, while striker Bamoussa Cisse returns from his ban.
Nathan Wetton will start despite being involved in a car crash last Saturday, but Dominic Henson has failed to turn up for Spalding's last two fixtures and isn't expected to feature again.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
