GARY Setchell knows a thing or two about getting promoted from the UCL Premier Division – and he’s backing Spalding United for glory this season.
The King’s Lynn Town boss, who brings his side to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for a friendly clash on Saturday (3pm), is gearing up for life in the Evo-Stik League after finishing second to Long Buckby last time around.
Setchell’s Linnets amassed 209 points from 80 games in the UCL over the last two seasons, losing just five times.
Incredibly, they failed to win the league in either campaign – but the Lynn boss is backing the Tulips to deliver.
Setchell said: “It’s no big secret that Spalding are trying to win the league and have a good run in the FA Vase next season – and I fully expect them to do it.
“We know they are paying good money as we lost out on one or two players who they signed over the summer. Pat Rayment has totally revamped the squad and he has assembled a very, very good team. They beat Boston United last weekend so that just goes to show what a good side they are.
“I fully expect them to win the UCL next season. I don’t see Long Buckby being the force they were and can only see St Ives, Deeping and Newport Pagnell giving them a run for their money.
“I get on well with Pat and helped Keiran Doherty get a move over there.
“We spoke quite a lot about players in the summer and I know Pat is very passionate about the club. I’m looking forward to Saturday’s game. It is exactly what we need two weeks before the start of the season and it will be a very tough test.”