TULIPS: Skipper quits to join Stamford
SPALDING United skipper Andy Toyne has dropped a transfer bombshell by joining rivals Stamford.
The midfield maestro, who was one of the Tulips' top performers last season, informed player/boss Richard Scott of his switch in allegiance on Tuesday evening.
Toyne joined Spalding from Bourne Town last summer and scored three goals as the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field side staved off relegation.
Spalding supremo Scott is understandably disappointed with his captain's decision.
He said: "It's obviously a massive disappointment to lose Andy, he was definitely a part of my plans.
"But there's no point sitting around dwelling on it, we have to move on and replace him.
"I wish him well and hope it works out for him over there."
Also heading out of the exit door are keepers Joe Schulberg and Max Flintoft, while there is a massive question mark over the future of star defender Victor Legendre.
Schulberg has a scholarship in America, while Flintoft will be working in Ibiza throughout the summer.
Frenchman Legendre has finished a university course at Lincoln and is now expected to move back to his homeland.
Another who may not feature as regularly is full-back Matty Evans. He is joining the army, but has told the club that he wants to sign for the new season.
But Scott, who expects as many as 12 new faces to be present as the Tulips begin their pre-season training on Wednesday night, insists that exciting times are ahead at Spalding.
"I'm confident that the players we have coming in will more than make up for the departures," said the ex-Peterborough United professional.
"Nobody is signed up yet, but a lot of players are interested and it looks like we'll have a completely different team this season.
"I'm aiming for a positive and more structured pre-season and genuinely believe that exciting times lie ahead."
This time last year, all hell broke lose following Alan Biley's resignation as manager.
Mark Hone eventually took over, but a disjointed pre-season set the tone for a nightmare campaign.
Spalding suffered an 11-0 thrashing by Boston United in their final friendly, before Witton Albion handed them a 6-1 drubbing on the opening day of the league season.
Scott, who was involved in the embarrassing defeats as a player, is adamant that there will be no encore this time around.
He added: "Last year was a complete disaster. I don't wish to be associated with those kind of performances again.
"I want a promising season. By that I don't mean we can win the league or make the play-offs, but I expect us to improve drastically.
"The squad was unfit last year, so we'll be putting in some hard yards in training to make sure we're fully prepared."
To go with Spalding's seven friendly fixtures, Scott is looking for a game on August 14.
Any teams interested should email spaldingutd@hotmail.com or contact the club directly.Spalding United's pre-season fixtures: July 17 - King's Lynn (h); 21 - Peterborough United (h); 24 - Wisbech Town (a); 27 - Deeping Rangers (a); 31 - Luton Town (h); August 3 - Yaxley (a); 6 - Thrapston Town (a).
The leading bid to be a mascot at the Peterborough United friendly is currently 20.
Anybody interested in topping that can call 07940 364760, email spaldingutd@hotmail.com or write to: Mascot SUFC Secretary, The Castle, Horseshoe Road, Spalding.
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Thursday 02 September 2010
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