Number two succeeds Frecklington

Rawlinson was named as the new manager of the EVO-STIK NPL First Division South promotion-chasers at lunchtime in a statement announcing Frecklington's surprise departure less than a year after the former Tulips player returned to take the helm.

Appointed at the Sir Halley Stewart Field in 2016 as the successor to Marcus Ebdon, former Lincoln United manager Frecklington, pictured, stood down despite his side's latest success, Saturday's 4-0 home win at home to Romulus.

In the statement thanking Frecklington for his services, the Tulips said they moved quickly to appoint Rawlinson to build on the success and stability their outgoing boss had brought to the Lincolnshire club.

A spokesman said: “These appointments come after the club received sudden and unexpected news over the weekend that former manager David Frecklington wished to leave the club.

“Having made a three-year commitment to Spalding United in May 2016, the news of Frecklington’s decision to leave came as a complete surprise, but aware that stability is the key in hopefully maintaining the superb progress the team has made on the pitch in 2016-17, the board has moved quickly to appoint a new management team.

“The club would like to thank David for his contribution since joining the Tulips in May and wish him well on his onward journey in Non-League football.”

Rawlinson face the toughest test possible for his second-placed side in his first fixture at the helm, a trip to league leaders Shaw Lane AFC on Saturday.

Image courtesy of Spalding United

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