UPDATE 1.30PM: ‘It was time to get off the roller coaster,’ says departing Spalding boss

Those were the words of former Spalding United manager Pat Rayment yesterday after he left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday evening.

The former Peterborough United player had led the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field Club through some exiting times since his appointment in January 2012. Now he says he is ready for a fresh challenge.

Rayment, who has also managed Kettering Town and Deeping Rangers, told the Guardian: “It’s never been boring during my time at Spalding United, but that’s what’s made it so exciting. We have achieved what we set out to do, both on and off the pitch, and there’s a great future for the club.

“Spalding United will always be here but people, they come and go.”

When Rayment took over from previous boss Andy Stanhope the Tulips were a mid-table United Counties League side. However, they finished third the following season and won the league cup before running away with the title in 2014.

Promoted to the Northern Premier League southern division, the club just missed out on the play-offs last season and are currently 12th after three straight defeats.

“The recent form has nothing to do with me leaving though,” added Rayment.

“I think sometimes when you have been in a place for a while you need a fresh challenge. Work issues are also taking up more of my time.

“The club is in an unbelievably good position compared to when I arrived and everyone who has been part of this club has been brilliant.

“Whatever players come into this club in the future will have a superb set of people to work for.

Club chairman Andy Gay said: “There is no animosity between the club and Pat and we thank him most sincerely for everything he has done since he joined us.”

Assistant manager Marcus Ebdon and coach Danny Hussey will be in charge on Saturday for the home league game against Newcastle Town.

BREAKING: Rayment no longer Spalding United manager

Pat Rayment is no longer manager of Spalding United Football Club after talks with officials at the Sir Halley Stewart team last night.

In a statement released just moments ago, club chairman Andy Gay said: “Following a constructive meeting on Tuesday Spalding United and manager Pat Rayment have parted company on mutual agreement.

“There is no animosity between the club and Pat and we thank him most sincerely for everything he has done since he joined us in January 2012.

“We will keep everyone informed on the direction we as a club now take, but at this stage assistant manager Marcus Ebdon and coach Danny Hussey will be in charge of the team on Saturday for the league game against Newcastle Town”.

More on this breaking news when we have it