Tulips talks persuaded Rayment to return

Pat Rayment was back in the hot-seat as the manager of Spalding United in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League on Saturday after reconsidering his decision to resign.

Rayment, pictured, told the Tulips on Friday morning that he was standing down at Sir Halley Stewart Field after guiding the club to the highest level in its history during his three years at the helm.

Delighted officials at the Lincolnshire club say former Peterborough United professional Rayment asked for his resignation to be rescinded following talks with the First Division South club's board and chairman Chris Toynton.

Rayment returned to guide the Tulips to a 2-2 against Norton United at Newcastle Town's ground, a result that keeps them sitting in the fifth and final play-off spot.

Rayment's u-turn was officially confirmed by the Tulips on Sunday. "Our manager Pat Rayment, after offering his resignation on Friday morning, later reconsidered and retracted his notice which was accepted by the club," said a club spokesman. "He duly took his place in the dugout to lead the team against Norton United on Saturday afternoon. It is good for Spalding that he is staying."

Rayment, who was appointed in January 2012, previously managed Deeping Rangers and was a player-coach at Kettering Town. As a player he made more than 450 appearances for Corby Town, many as player-manager, and also tuned out for Stamford AFC, Chelmsford City, Gorleston, Diss and Great Yarmouth Town.

At Spalding, he was a member of the club's UCL Championship-winning side of 1998-99 under former Tulips manager Alan Day.

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