Former chairman is back at helm

The long-standing supporter took over the running of the social club at the Sir Halley Stewart Field in 2013, overseeing a vast improvement in facilities and services for fans before succeeding former chairman Chris Toynton in May 2015.

Gay stood down in January citing his increasing work commitments before agreeing to return on Wednesday. Former Tulips director Eddie Reeve has also rejoined in his previous role as vice-chairman.

Club officials hope the return of the pair, coupled with the appointment of new manager Dave Frecklington, will kick off a new era of success in EVO-STIK NPL First Division South next season.

Gay, pictured, said: “I have to say that Spalding United has been in my blood for more years than I care to remember and it was with a heavy heart that I had to relinquish the reins last year. However, in life one has to prioritise family and income and I felt that I could not dedicate the amount of time the position required when I had to step down earlier this year.

“That said, the board were very persuasive in laying out their plans and asking me to return - when considering my position I just had a sense that the Tulips are about to enjoy one of the most important chapters of their long and illustrious existence, both on and off the field and at all levels in the coming months and years.

“It was an opportunity I wanted to be a part of and not just as a casual bystander or fan. We have a fantastic new management team at the helm, a great backroom staff and excellent coaching at senior and junior levels. In truth, the future looks far brighter than I can remember for many years and I hope we are able to attract many new men, women and youngsters to embrace what's going on in & around the Sir Halley Stewart.”

* Striker Bradley Barraclough has joined Frecklington's rapidly-growing squad. The forward notched an impressive 17 goals last season at Buxton in the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight and numbers Lincoln City, Bradford Park Avenue and Gainsborough Trinity among his other former clubs.

Frecklington has also signed Chris Hamilton, a fleet-footed winger, who joins from near-neighbours Stamford AFC. Hamilton, a Scot, whose other former clubs include Albion Rovers, Queens Park, Stirling Albion and Dumbarton, has also agreed to assist Frecklington and his assistant Chris Rawlinson with coaching at senior and junior levels within the club.

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