Gingerbreads hail departing striker

Gingerbreads joint manager Wayne Hallcro hailed Tony Battersby as a model professional after the striker left in search of regular football at Spalding United.

Battersby, pictured, dropped down to the United Counties Premier Division Tulips this week having scored three goals in 38 games for Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Grantham since making his debut at Coalville Town last season.

Hallcro had nothing but praise for Battersby and wished him well for the future after confirming his departure from the South Kesteven Sports Stadium on Thursday.

He said: "Since we spoke to him for the first time, Batts has been nothing other than perfectly professional and a pleasure to work with. His professionalism in everything he does has rubbed off on some of the younger lads for certain.

"[Spalding manager] Pat Rayment phoned us to see what the score was with Batts and offered him the opportunity to play more regularly than he has been at Grantham. Given the options that we have up front, we couldn’t offer him the same.

"Tony wanted to take the chance to show what he can still do and hopefully get back playing regularly at this level. Consequently, he has joined Spalding United. We all wish him the best there and hope that he gets what he wants out of it as he certainly deserves it."