If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That was the mindset for Spalding United manager, Elliot Sandy, having seen his side beaten in the play-off final at the end of the 2022/23 season.
It meant that they went into last term in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One Midlands with the bit between their teeth and emerged as title winners with 89 points and just shy of 100 League goals to their name.
Their reward is a place in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central for the campaign ahead.
“After agonisingly missing out the year before, the goal going into last season was always to go one better,” manager, Elliot Sandy, told us. “We built on what we already within the squad in key areas and strengthened as the season went on to have a really strong finish.
“To be crowned champions was a fantastic achievement and a really proud moment for myself and everyone involved.
“We now look ahead to what the new season brings and the Southern League Premier Central is going to be a big step up, but I believe that we have a squad that can compete at this level.
“I know only too well that every team in this League has real quality and everyone is more than capable of beating each other on their day, so we need to make sure we are fully-prepared on a game-by-game basis.
“We certainly won’t be getting too carried away. Yes, we go into the campaign on the back of a successful season where we were used to winning, but first and foremost, our aim has to be to make sure that we stay in the division.
“It’s a new League, which the club has never been in before, but at the same time, I have faith in my team to push into the top half of the table.
“A really great season would be to finish is and around the play-off places, but we know how difficult that will be with some big and well-established teams in opposition.”
As a player, Sandy gave service to the likes of Brackley Town, Oxford City, Leamington, Kettering Town, Corby Town and Banbury United.
“I had a lot of success as a player and turned out for some good clubs,” added Sandy, who recently agreed a new two-year deal at the club. “I wore my heart on my sleeve and that is what I now demand from my teams.
“Last season was my first in management, so I have had to learn quickly. I’ve still got a lot to learn, of course, but I am pleased with how things are progressing.
“That said, the hard work has to continue in order to give me and my team the best possible chance of picking up three points on a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening.
“As a manager I like to play football in the right areas; we were top scorers in our division last season, so we like to play quick, attacking football.
“We have a good mix of youth and experience in the team, with a great togetherness in the dressing room, which I believe is half the battle.
“The start of the new season can’t come soon enough for us as we look to build upon what we achieved last time out.”
We welcome Spalding United to the Southern League family.
IMAGE: Spalding United FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER