Home

Results

News

Table

Squad

Statistics


Boston United Football Club News


Here is the news about the club received in the 2003/4 season, in date order with the latest news at the top.


Friendly

5 June Boston United have arranged another pre-season friendly which is intended to be the first of the new season. The match, against Boston Town, is scheduled for Wednesday 14 July 2004 at 7.45pm at Boston Town's Tattershall Road ground. The match is to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Boston Town.


Kirk, Friendly, Attendances

1 June Boston United have completed the signing of striker Andy Kirk on a two year contract from Heart of Midlothian of the Bank of Scotland Premier League. Andy was born in Belfast on 29 May 1979; he is 5ft 10in tall. Andy commenced his career with Glentoran on 1 August 1998 and moved to Hearts for £50,000 on 19 February 1999. During his time with Hearts Andy has made 134 first team appearances (59 as substitute) and scored 32 goals.

A further home pre-season friendly match has been arranged against Newcastle United for Tuesday 27 July 2004 at 7.45pm.

The special offers to purchase season tickets at discounted prices have expired. Season tickets are now available at their normal price from the Club Office.

RECORD CROWDS FLOCK TO PLAY-OFFS

The Nationwide Football League Play-Offs have recorded their highest crowd figures ever.

The 15 games played in this season’s Play-Offs attracted an aggregate attendance of 388,665 people at an average of 25,911 per game – both record figures for the Play-Offs, which began in season 1987/88. And in another record, the aggregate attendance of 174,988 for this weekend’s Play-Off Finals was the highest since the games moved to Cardiff in 2000/01.

Football League Head of Communications John Nagle said:

"Having already confirmed that the 2003/04 League season was watched by the highest number of people for 40 years these figures further demonstrate that The Football League is in good health."

"This year's Play-Offs have crowned another compelling season in The Nationwide Football League, with all three Divisions being keenly contested until the very end."

This weekend also marked the end of The Football League’s title sponsorship agreement with Nationwide Building Society and Nagle paid tribute saying:

"Over the past eight seasons Nationwide has made an enormous contribution to our competition and our clubs.  They have been outstanding sponsors and The Football League and its clubs are extremely grateful for the support they have given."


Club Shop, Pitch

29 May Below are photographs of the new Club Shop at 45 Wide Bargate, Boston and the York Street pitch after it has had new grass seed sown for next season (photograph taken from the announcers box).


Oldrids, Thompson

28 May Oldrids Make Way for Increased Investment.

Boston United Football Club and Oldrids & Co Ltd have today agreed mutually to terminate the shirt sponsorship agreement. The move comes after Boston United Chairman Jon Sotnick approached Oldrids Merchandising Director Darryl Simpson.

"I couldn't ignore the approaches we had and met with Darryl to explain our dilemma. All credit to Oldrids, they have been fantastic and we will continue to work together. They empathised with my predicament and they realise the importance of attracting more revenue to the club."

Oldrids have agreed to continue to have involvement with Boston United Football Club, which has been warmly received by all connected with the football club.

A severance agreement has been signed with Oldrids and a press conference is planned for 4.00pm on Monday 7 June 2004 to announce new investment in Boston United.

Lee Thompson has signed a new contract with Boston United.


Shop, Thompson, Office

27 May The Grand Opening of the new Club Shop at 45 Wide Bargate, Boston is planned for Saturday 12 June 2004.

Lee Thompson is expected to sign a new contract with Boston United tomorrow. Steve Evans is planning to meet several players next week to discuss signing for Boston United.

The Bank Holiday opening hours of the Club Office are:

Friday 28 May 2004 9.00am to 5.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Saturday 29 May 2004 9.00am to 12.00noon
Sunday 30 May 2004 Closed
Monday 31 May 2004 Closed
Tuesday 1 June 2004 Closed

Contracts

26 May The following players have signed contracts with Boston United today, Paul Bastock and Ryan Clarke for a further year and Simon Rusk for three months.


Bastock, Friendlies

25 May Paul Bastock has agreed the terms of a one year contract with Boston United and it is hoped he will sign it tomorrow.

A further two pre-season friendly matches have been arranged.

Monday 19 July 2004 Boston United versus Peterborough United.

Wednesday 21 July 2004 AFC Stamford versus Boston United XI

Boston United are in discussions with a Premiership club with a view to playing a pre-season friendly match at York Street.


Lilley Signs, Tickets

24 May Boston United have signed striker Derek Lilley from Livingston of the Bank of Scotland Premier League on a three year contract. Derek was born in Paisley on 19 February 1974 and is 5ft 10in tall. Derek joined Morton on 13 August 1991, on 27 March 1997 he was transferred to Leeds United for £500,000 and later joined Oxford United and Dundee United, he has also had loan spells with Heart of Midlothian and Bury. During his career Derek has made 210 first team appearances (32 as substitute) and scored 70 goals. Jon Sotnick has advised that the signing of Derek Lilley fits within the playing budget for next season and the move fits in with Derek's desire to move south to England.

The special offers to purchase season tickets at discounted prices expire at the weekend.


Club Shop

21 May The new Club Shop at 45 Wide Bargate, Boston is scheduled to open early in June 2004.


Friendly Matches

19 May The following pre-season friendly fixtures have been arranged.

Saturday 17 July 2004 3.00pm King's Lynn Away

Saturday 24 July 2004 3.00pm Rotherham United Home

Thursday 29 July 2004 7.45pm Sheffield United Home

The Club Office will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 31 May 2004.


Season Tickets

17 May The first special offer for existing season ticket holders to purchase a season ticket for next season's Football League Third Division matches at a discounted price expired yesterday. From today until Monday 31 May 2004 there is another offer, available to both existing season ticket holders and people who haven't previously owned a season ticket, to purchase them at a discounted price. In addition season tickets for the Family Section of the York Street stand are available at a discounted price until the end of the month. See the news item dated 3 May 2004 for more information. The opening times of the Club Office are on the Information Page.


Key Dates

13 May Below are some key dates for next season.

Thursday 24 June 2004 Football League fixtures for the 2004 / 2005 season published
Saturday 7 August 2004 Football League 2004 / 2005 season commences
Week commencing 23 August 2004 Carling Cup Round 1
Week commencing 27 September 2004 LDV Vans Trophy Round 1
Sunday 27 February 2005 Carling Cup Final
Sunday 10 April 2005 LDV Vans Trophy Final
Saturday 7 May 2005 Regular season ends
28 / 29 / 30 May 2005 Play Off Finals

Golf

12 May The 2004 Boston United Am Am Golf Tournament will be held at Boston golf Club on Thursday 8 July.


League Crowds Hit 40 Year High

11 May Crowds in The Nationwide Football League are at their highest levels for 40 years with 15.9m people attending games during the 2003/04 season, cementing the League’s position as the best-attended sporting competition in Europe.

Figures for the season, which finished with yet another set of bumper crowds on Sunday, show an annual increase of more than one million spectators and a 7% year-on-year increase.  Crowds for Divisions One, Two and Three are now at their highest levels since the 1963/64 season and average 9,595 people per game.

Division One audiences totalled 8.8m, the highest aggregate attendance for 48 seasons and averaged 15,890 - an increase of 3% on last season.  Crowds for the First Division continue to far outstrip the equivalent leagues in Europe’s other major footballing nations.  Gates are now 50% higher than those in Italy and Germany and more than double those of Spain and France.

Division Two crowds also continued their upward climb with an increase of 6.5%on the 2002/03 season.  Average crowds of 7,507 took aggregate attendances beyond the 4 million mark.  Division Two attendances are now more than double the equivalent Leagues in Italy and Germany and more than three times those in France.

However, the most dramatic increase in attendances this season occurred in Division Three where crowds increased by 21%.  Average crowds rose by more than 900 people per match across the 552 games of the league season to 5,389.  Figures that put Division Three well clear of continental competitions, with crowds in Italy and Germany, for example, averaging less than 1,200 and 800 respectively. 

The Football League’s two Cup Competitions also saw an increased number of spectators at the turnstiles this season.  Gates in the Carling Cup rose, for the fourth consecutive season, a 2% rise putting average gates up to 13,664 per game, whilst the LDV Vans Trophy saw a remarkable 31% rise take average crowds beyond the 4,000 mark.

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney commented: “These figures demonstrate the passion for the game that exists amongst supporters at all levels of The Football League.  Week-in week-out throughout the season they go to tremendous lengths to support their clubs and I pay tribute to them.

“These figures are a testament to the quality of football being played by our clubs in high-class, modern stadia and to the hard work they carry out in their local communities to encourage the next generation of supporters to follow their local club.”

2003/04 Football League attendance figures (2002/03 figures in brackets)

Overall

Total                                        15,889,750 (14,871,981)

Average                                   9,595 (8,981)

% change                                +6.8%

Division One

Total                                        8,771,259 (8,519,866)

Average:                                  15,890 (15,435)

% change                                +3.0%

Division Two

Total                                        4,143,691 (3,892,400)

Average                                   7,507 (7,051)

% change                                +6.5%

Division Three

Total                                        2,974,800 (2,459,715)

Average                                   5,389 (4,456)

% change                                +20.9%

Carling Cup

Total                                        1,270729 (1,244,925)

Average                                   13,664 (13,386)

% change                                +2.1%

LDV Vans Trophy

Total                                        245,894 (188,132)

Average                                   4,031 (3,084)

%change                                 +30.7%

This season’s figures are based on unofficial figures issued by clubs to the media.  There may be a very small variance with the final official figures, which only become a matter of record once all gate statements have been received by The Football League.

Average Attendance Figures for European Leagues 2003/04 (source: www.european-football-statistics.co.uk)

France

Level 2 (Div 1 equivalent) – 6,461

Level 3 (Div 2 equivalent) – 2,007

Germany

Level 2 (Div 1 equivalent) – 9,026

Level 3 (Div 2 equivalent) – 3,328

Level 4 (Div 3 equivalent) – 774

Italy

Level 2 (Div 1 equivalent) – 9,701

Level 3 (Div 2 equivalent) – 2,735

Level 4 (Div 3 equivalent) – 1,170

Spain

Level 2 (Div 1 equivalent) – 7,509

JOHNSON IS UMBRO ISOTONIC GOALSCORER OF THE SEASON

Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson has been named as the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Season – the OFFICIAL award of The Football League.

The Eagles star hit 27 League goals during the 2003/04 season to make him the top striker in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League.

Johnson held off the challenge of 25-goal strikers Marlon Harewood (West Ham), Leon Knight (Brighton) and Stephen McPhee (Port Vale) to clinch the inaugural award.

Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon said: “Andrew Johnson has had an excellent season for Crystal Palace and his 27 goals have played a major part in the Eagles reaching the end of season Play Offs.”

The Goalscorer of the Season award forms part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition.

Johnson will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the club.


Squad, Tickets, Parking

10 May At the completion of their current contract with Boston United the following players have been released from the squad: Mark Angel, Stuart Balmer, Ben Chapman, Steve Croudson, Stuart Douglas, Matt Hocking, Dene Cropper and Jermaine Brown. Graeme Jones has left to take up a new appointment as Head Coach at Darlington College. Discussions are being held with Paul Bastock, Ryan Clarke, Simon Rusk and Lee Thompson concerning extending their contracts with Boston United. Kevan Hurst has returned to Sheffield United at the end of his loan period. Work is under way to attract new players to the club.

The current offer for existing season ticket holders to renew their ticket at a discounted price expires on Sunday 16 May 2004. The Club Office at 14-16 Spain Place, Boston is open at the following times this week for the renewal of season tickets: Tuesday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Wednesday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.30pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.00 noon and Sunday 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Membership of the Vice Presidents Lounge for the 2004 / 2005 season is now available at £195.00 for the season.

Car park space tickets for the 2004 / 2005 season are now available at £69.00 for the season. There are 35 spaces on which existing ticket holders have first option.

Beat the car parking price increase in Boston by contacting Boston United. There are 35 spaces available on a weekly basis at a cost of £9.00 per week. The car park has hard standing marked out in bays, CCTV is in operation and the car park is close to the town centre. For more details contact the Club Office at 14-16 Spain Place, Boston on 01205 364406.


Awards

9 May The following awards have been presented at the Celebration Evening in the Sports Bar.

Award
Presented By
Winner
Player's Player of the Year Dave Henton Lee Beevers
Manager's Young Player of the Year Steve Evans Lee Beevers
Boston Target Player of the Year Craig Singleton Mark Greaves

Football League Visit, Giant Flag

7 May Representatives from the Football League attended York Street yesterday for meetings with Jon Sotnick, at his initiative, and to see the facilities at Boston United. Jon has advised that the Football League were impressed with the improvements made to the infrastructure at Boston United and it was encouraging that they have offered to assist Boston United in their plans to progress as a football club. The Football League have specifically offered to help re-ignite the Football in the Community scheme, which entails Boston United being involved in the local area via schools, etcetera. The Football League were impressed with the Centre of Excellence and the Study Support Centre where Jan McLucas is doing a magnificent job with the Playing for Success scheme, and they are keen to help and offer advice for future developments.

Jon Sotnick wishes to re-emphasise that Boston United have no plans to relocate to Tattershall Road, there are no plans to close down Boston Town Football Club and Jon has nothing to do with former chairman Des Wood.

Boston United are still in discussions with other members of the squad regarding contracts for next season.

Nationwide Giant Flag Tour Supporting Sport Relief

Football League sponsor Nationwide Building Society is embarking on a tour of all Football League and Premiership grounds in England to raise money for Sport Relief.

Nationwide, Who is also an Official Partner of the England Team, has produced a giant St George Cross Flag which will be taken across the country giving football fans the chance to sign the flag and demonstrate their support for as they prepare for the Euro 2004 in Portugal this Summer.

The tour will start with all Football League and Premiership clubs - giving their fans the chance to sign the flag first. In order to support Sport Relief, Nationwide would also be delighted if all clubs would donate a piece of signed merchandise in order to raise funds for this worthwhile cause. These items will be auctioned by Sport Relief on the Internet.

Comic Relief created Sport Relief, in association with BBC Sport, in July 2002 and in doing so brought the world of sport together under one banner for the first time, raising an impressive £14.4 million. Nationwide is one of Comic Relief's official corporate partners and is supporting Sport Relief with football related activities during the Summer.

The tour commenced on Monday 26 April 2004, it is scheduled to visit Boston United at 10.30am on Tuesday 11 May 2004 and will take approximately two weeks to complete.


Noble, Umbro Isotonic Players of the Season

6 May David Noble has today signed a two year contract with Boston United.

HUCKERBY, COUGHLAN AND MCINDOE NAMED UMBRO ISOTONIC PLAYERS OF THE SEASON

Norwich City’s Darren Huckerby, Plymouth Argyle’s Graham Coughlan and Doncaster Rovers Michael McIndoe have been named as the Umbro Isotonic Players of the Season - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League.

Huckerby clinched the award for Division One after having a huge impact on Norwich’s promotion and title win. The 28-year-old former Newcastle United and Manchester City star joined the Canaries on a permanent deal on Boxing Day 2003 after a successful three-month loan spell during which he won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month award for September. Huckerby’s pace and direct style have made him a firm favourite with the Carrow Road faithful and in addition to scoring 13 goals he has created countless others. Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon, speaking on behalf of the awards judging panel, said: “Darren Huckerby has had a major part to play in Norwich City’s hugely successful season. His pace and dribbling ability has caused havoc among Division One defences, and he has either scored and created goals in nearly every game. He will be looking forward to pitting his wits against Premier League defences again next season.”

Plymouth defender Coughlan scooped the Division Two award after a hugely impressive season during which he was a rock at the heart of Argyle’s defence. The 29-year-old former Livingston defender, who won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month in January, also contributed seven goals, but it was his defensive credentials that helped establish the foundation for Argyle’s title winning campaign. Christon said on behalf of the judging panel: “Graham Coughlan hasn’t missed a League game for Plymouth Argyle this season and in almost every one of those games he has made a huge contribution, whether that be scoring important goals or snuffing out the opposition threat. Every successful team has a strong base and Coughlan has provided the foundation for Argyle to build on in what has been a hugely impressive campaign.”

McIndoe clinched the Division Three award after spearheading Doncaster Rovers title winning campaign. The former Luton and Yeovil midfielder’s pace troubled Division Three defences all season and he won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month award in October. The 24-year-old has scored 10 goals this season, but has also provided the ammunition for his team-mates to push the club to back-to-back promotions. His performances also saw him called up for international duty with a substitute appearance for the Scotland Future squad against Turkey. Christon said on behalf of the judging panel: “Michael McIndoe is recognised in many quarters as the best player in Division Three and he has consistently proved that this season. He has provided a constant threat with his pace and skill and has played a major part in Doncaster Rovers success.”

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Trialists

5 May The team for the Pontins League Division One East match against Grimsby Town included the following trialists: Ashley Probetts (Arsenal), Ben Muirhead (Bradford City), Duane Mattis (Huddersfield Town), Ben Surey (Crystal Palace), Justin Richards (Stevenage Borough), Chris Hall (Lincoln United) and Dean McDonald (Arsenal). Stuart Douglas had a penalty saved by Paul Fraser, Grimsby Town's goalkeeper on 55 minutes. Grimsby Town's first goal was scored by Liam Nimmo after 40 minutes, Liam is the son of Ian Nimmo from Wyberton the former Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers forward.


Awards, Season Tickets

4 May Tickets for the Celebration Evening in the Sports Bar on Sunday 9 May 2004 at £10.00, which includes a hog roast and dancing to a disco, are available from the Club Shop. Admission is by ticket only, which must be purchased in advance, there will be none sold on the night. The event will include the presentation of the following awards: Boston United's Player's Player of the Year, Manager's Young Player of the Year and Boston Target Player of the Year. The Directors, Manager and all the Players will be in attendance.

Boston United's credit card facility for season tickets (see item dated 3 May 2004) includes the ability to take payment by telephone when the cardholder isn't present on the club's premises.

The following message has been received from Les Smart a Doncaster Rovers supporter:

"I am a Doncaster Rovers fans who visited York Street on Saturday, I can only pass on praise for the way I was treated by Boston fans a number coming up to me to congratulate Rovers on promotion and being Champions. But I wish to say a big thank you to the group of Boston fans who stayed on at the end of the game who applauded Rovers for quite sometime, they were a credit to their club. All the best to Boston next season, hope you enjoy the success that your fans deserve.

Best wishes

Les"

JOHNSON, BOYD AND GRAHAM WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS FOR APRIL

A trio of strikers - Crystal Palace’s Andrew Johnson, Hartlepool’s Adam Boyd and Torquay’s David Graham - have won April’s Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League. And Boyd made it a double celebration by also winning the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Johnson collected his second Division One award of the season following his success in January after another hugely impressive month for Crystal Palace. The speedy striker scored five times as the Eagles won five of their six games to move into Play Off contention. Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon, speaking on behalf of the awards judging panel, said: “Andy Johnson’s pace and skill make him a real handful for opposition defences. He had scored 26 League goals by the end of April, a fantastic effort that could yet take Crystal Palace into the Premier League.”

Boyd only made his first start of the season for Hartlepool United on March 20, but eight games and 10 goals later he has helped resurrect the north-east club’s season. The 21-year-old striker, who had struggled to hold down a first team place and had been sent out on loan to Boston United, has proven his ability and a devastating run of seven goals in six games during April helped him clinch the Division Two award and the Goalscorer of the Month honour. Christon said on behalf of the judging panel: “Adam Boyd appears to be finally delivering on his undoubted promise. His skill and goalscoring ability has helped push Hartlepool into the Play Off picture. After his seven goals during April he could yet prove to be the man to take Hartlepool to Division One.”

Graham has been consistently impressive throughout Torquay United’s Division Three promotion challenge and his form during April clinched the award and has helped give the Gulls a chance of automatic promotion. The skilful centre forward took his goal tally to 20 for the season with two strikes during April, but his all round play is what has caught the eye. Christon said on behalf of the judging panel: “David Graham’s consistently impressive form has helped Torquay in their push for promotion. He is a skilful player with an eye for goal, and his all round play has been very impressive this season. “

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Season Tickets

3 May Below are the prices for individual match entry and Season Tickets for home Third Division matches in the 2004 / 2005 season at York Street. The Season Tickets go on sale at 10.00am tomorrow. Boston United can now accept payment for Season Tickets by credit card. Concession prices are for people aged 65 and over. Junior prices are for people aged 16 and under. Any variations on these prices will be announced as required. The York Street seated area has been designated a Family Section where all adults must be accompanied by at least one junior spectator.

Finn Forest Stand

 
Adults
Juniors
Concessions
Individual match entry
£15.00
£7.50
£10.50
Season Tickets
     
From 4 May 2004 to 16 May 2004. Offer open to existing season ticket holders only. The offer includes a six game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop
£255.00
£127.50
£178.50
From 17 May 2004 to 31 May 2004. The offer includes a five game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop.
£270.00
£135.00
£189.00
From 1 June 2004
£300.00

£150.00

£210.00

Spayne Road Terracing

 
Adults
Juniors
Concessions
Individual match entry
£13.00
£6.50
£9.50
Season Tickets
     
From 4 May 2004 to 16 May 2004. Offer open to existing season ticket holders only. The offer includes a six game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop
£221.00
£110.50
£161.50
From 17 May 2004 to 31 May 2004. The offer includes a five game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop.
£234.00
£117.00
£171.00
From 1 June 2004
£260.00

£130.00

£190.00

York Street Terracing

 
Adults
Juniors
Concessions
Individual match entry
£13.00
£6.50
£9.50
Season Tickets
     
From 4 May 2004 to 16 May 2004. Offer open to existing season ticket holders only. The offer includes a six game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop
£221.00
£110.50
£161.50
From 17 May 2004 to 31 May 2004. The offer includes a five game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop.
£234.00
£117.00
£171.00
From 1 June 2004
£260.00

£130.00

£190.00

York Street Family Section - Adults must be accompanied by at least one junior spectator.

 
Adults
Juniors
Concessions
Individual match entry
£13.50
£4.00
£10.00
Season Tickets
     
From 17 May 2004 to 31 May 2004. The offer includes a six game discount and a £5.00 voucher off a home replica shirt from the Club Shop.
£229.50
£68.00
£170.00
From 1 June 2004
£270.00

£80.00

£200.00

Cup Finals, Doncaster

2 May The Lincolnshire County FA Under 14 Cup Final, which was played at York Street today, resulted in East Coast Juniors of Skegness three Sleaford Juniors two.

The Boston Sunday Cup Final between Napoleon and Duke of York, which was postponed today, has been rearranged for next Sunday, 9 May 2004 at 10.30am.

The following message has been received from Wayne Page, a councillor with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council:

"I would like to thank everyone in Boston yesterday for the friendly reception ( and the great fish and chips) given to Rovers travelling supporters yesterday. I would also like to extend a particular thanks to the Boston supporters who stayed long after the final whistle to applaud the Rovers players on the pitch - it was a very gracious response and was much appreciated by myself and the people around me on the terrace. Good luck for next season - I do hope you get promoted but I also hope we still won't be playing you as Rovers will be going for a 3rd consecutive promotion.

Best wishes"

Wayne Page

Councillor for Bessacarr Ward Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council


Awards, Match Postponed

1 May The following awards were presented before today's match at home to Doncaster Rovers.

Supporters' Player of the Year

Boston United Supporters Player of the Year Sponsored by R Dunmore & Sons and The Sports Bar

Winner: Paul Ellender

BUSA Player of the Year

BUSA Player of the Year - Presented by June Egan and Luke Clayton

Winner: Paul Ellender

BUSA Junior Members Favourite Player of the Year

BUSA Junior Members Favourite Player of the Year - Presented by Stacey Fixter and Pauline Chapman

Winner: Lee Thompson

BUSA Special Recognition Award

BUSA Special Recognition Award - Presented by Glen Chapman

Winner: Jason Hatfield

York Street Veterans Player of the Year

York Street Veterans Player of the Year - Presented by Derek Richmond

Winner: Paul Ellender

Tomorrow's scheduled Boston Sunday Cup Final between Napoleon and Duke of York, which was due to kick off at 2.00pm at York Street has been postponed. This is as a mark of respect to the manager of the Duke of York whose partner was killed in the local road traffic accident near Boston earlier this week.


Doncaster, Micky Nuttell, Prices, Shirts

30 April On police advice no tickets are to be sold tomorrow for the match against Doncaster Rovers.

The Chairman, Directors, Officials, Manager and Players of Boston United would like to send their deepest condolences to former Pilgrims favourite Micky Nuttell and his family at this most difficult time, as a sign of respect there will be a one minutes silence prior to kick off for tomorrow's match against Doncaster Rovers and the Boston United player's will be wearing black arm bands for the match.

Their will be a slight increase in the admission prices for Third Division matches at York Street next season. Adult prices are due to increase by £1.00 and the prices for concessions and juniors are due to increase by £0.50 as below.

 
Finnforest Stand
Spayne Road and York Street Terracing
Adults
£15.00
£13.00
Aged 65 and over
£10.50
£9.50
Aged 16 and under
£7.50
£6.50

The York Street seated accommodation is to be a Family Section next season, the prices will be announced later.

The closing date for votes in the poll for the design of the new home shirt is Wednesday 12 May 2004.


Doncaster Tickets, Contracts

29 April A further reminder that admission to the Third Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004 is by ticket only. The Club Office is remaining open until 7.30pm tomorrow evening for the purchase of tickets. People wishing to attend the match must have purchased their ticket before the office closes at 7.30pm tomorrow. There are tickets still available for all parts of the ground which are allocated to Boston United supporters.

Lee Beevers and Danny Thomas have signed their contracts to extend their stay with Boston United for a further two years.

Best wishes are extended to former player Micky Nuttell from everyone at Boston United at this time of the sad loss of his wife in a road accident last night.


Tickets, New Kit, Contracts

28 April Jon Sotnick has advised that season tickets for the 2004 / 2005 season will be on sale from Tuesday 4 May 2004 until the end of the month at a discounted price . The prices will be announced later and Boston United will have the facility for payment to be made by credit card. Family Tickets will also be available for the seated area of the York Street Stand.

Possible new shirts

In association with the Boston Target, Pilgrims' supporters can now vote on the new home kit to be introduced next season. Seen above are Paul Ellender, Lee Beevers and Mark Greaves modelling the three alternatives (Photo courtesy of the Boston Target). Fans can lodge their votes by calling the kit line on 0901 030 1629. Calls cost 25p and you will be asked to key in the two digit number for the shirt of your choice (01, 02 or 03). You could even send a SMS text message to 87025 (50p) with the keyword being Bostonkit followed by the two digit shirt number of your choice.

Lee Beevers has agreed the terms of his contract offer, an offer of a contract has been made to David Noble and discussions are still ongoing with other players.

Jon Sotnick has met with John Rose, Chairman of Boston Town, the discussions went well. John Rose was assured that Boston United want to work harmoniously with Boston Town and the possibility of the Centre of Excellence teams playing at Tattershall Road was discussed.

This evening's Pontin League Division One East match at home to Lincoln City has gone ahead following three pitch inspections due to the amount rain which has fallen in Boston. The team includes new trialist Chris Hall from Lincoln United together with Simon Gould another trialist from the Lincoln area.

LEAGUE APPOINTS FIRST INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

The Football League has appointed Ian Ritchie to the newly created post of Independent Non-Executive Director.

Ritchie, 50, is currently Vice President of Global Business at the news agency Associated Press. A former barrister, he has a wealth of media and managerial experience, including being Chief Executive Officer responsible for the start up of Channel 5, Group Deputy Chief Executive of Yorkshire-Tyne Tees Television Holdings Plc, and Managing Director of the London News Network.

Ritchie will sit on The Football League’s Board of Directors and the new role will bring greater independence and continuity to The League’s existing Board structure.

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: “I am delighted to welcome Ian to The Football League. He is a high-calibre individual whose experience in senior management roles and the media will prove invaluable to The League.

“This appointment represents a major step forward by The Football League and is a first for English football. The post of Independent Non-Executive Director will add stability to The League Board and help promote good governance by providing an independent voice in football’s decision-making process.

“Ian’s appointment supplements the strong platform we have put in place through the recent management re-structuring and will assist The League and its clubs to progress.”

Ian Ritchie, Independent Non-Executive Director, said: “I’m delighted to be given such an important role and I look forward to playing my part in The Football League’s future development.

“The League has shown it is progressive and at the forefront of change and I’m aware this new role is the first of its kind in football. I’m excited by that and am looking forward to using my knowledge and expertise to assist in raising the profile of the organisation and continue the excellent progress that has been made in recent years.”

Ritchie will take up his post with immediate effect.


Graeme Jones

26 April Boston United are disappointed that striker Graeme Jones has turned down the offer of a one year extension to his contract. Graeme has decided to take up a post outside of the Football League, namely Head Coach at Darlington College. Boston United wishes Graeme every success in this role and thank him for his services. Manager, Steve Evans, understands Graeme's reasons but now must consider options from elsewhere, "Graeme is a quality striker and will be a major signing for any ambitious Nationwide club."


Doncaster Tickets, Flag

23 April Admission to the Third Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004 is by ticket only. Tickets are available from the Club Office in Spain Place until 7.00pm on Friday 30 April 2004. No tickets will be sold on the day of the match.

Nationwide Go On Tour For England and Sport Relief

Nationwide Building Society, an official partner of the England team, has produced the World's biggest St George's Cross Flag to embark on a tour of all Nationwide League and Premiership grounds in England to raise money for Sport Relief.

The 50 foot flag will be taken across the country to give football fans the chance to sign the flag and demonstrate their support for England as the nation prepares for Euro 2004 in Portugal this summer. The tour - which will take approximately two weeks - will start with all the London clubs on Monday and also supports Sport Relief, the sporting element of Comic Relief. Nationwide will be collecting a piece of signed merchandise at every club in order to raise funds for the cause through an online auction at the conclusion of the tour.

Nationwide's Chris Hull said: "The flag will be presented at the England team's base in Lisbon ahead of Euro 2004 and will be a demonstration to Sven and the squad of the level of pride, passion and belief in the nation. It is an ambitious target to get to every club in two weeks but it is a great chance to give the public the opportunity to sign the flag and show their backing for England. Nationwide is one of Comic Relief's official corporate partners and is supporting Sport Relief with football related activities during the summer. Comic Relief created Sport Relief, in association with BBC Sport, in July 2002 and in doing so brought the world of sport together under one banner for the first time, raising an impressive £14.4 million. Hopefully this initiative will help to raise further funds for the cause and the profile of Sport Relief even further."


Awards, Contracts

22 April The Chairman has decided that Boston United supporters can have the opportunity to witness their favourite players being presented with their annual awards. The following trophies will be presented at around 2.40pm prior to the Third Division match against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004: Boston United Supporters Player of the Year Award, BUSA Player of the Year, BUSA Junior Player of the Year, Townenders Player of the Year, and York Street Veterans Player of the Year. The following trophies will be presented during the Celebration Evening in the Sports Bar on Sunday 9 May 2004: Boston United Player's Player of the Year, Manager's Young Player of the Year and Boston Target Player of the Year. Please note that the Directors, Manager and all the Players will be in attendance at the Celebration Evening. The £10.00 ticket for the Celebration Evening enables admission to the event, the hog roast and the disco.

The Chairman would like to remind all supporters to purchase their tickets for the Doncaster Rovers match early as possible as it is possible there could be a sell-out attendance.

Paul Ellender and Mark Greaves have signed the contracts to extend their careers with Boston United for a further two years and Danny Thomas has agreed the terms of a two year contract. Discussions for new contracts are ongoing with other players.


Trialists

21 April The team for this evening's Pontins League Eastern Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers featured two trialists from Arsenal. Forward Dean McDonald was born in Lambeth on 19 February 1986, he joined Arsenal in 2002. Dorian Small can play in defence or midfield, he was born in Stevenage on 5 October 1985 and also joined Arsenal in 2002.


Doncaster, Celebration, Kit

20 April Tickets for the Third Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004 must be purchased in advance of the match, they will not be available on the day of the match. Junior supporters are reminded that they must also purchase their tickets in advance of the day of the match.

Boston United are holding an end of season Celebration Evening in the Sports Bar on Sunday 9 May 2004 commencing at 7.30pm. The event will be attended by Steve Evans and the players and will include the presentation of the end of season awards, a hog roast and dancing to a disco. Tickets priced at £10.00 ( a maximum of 150 will be available) will be on sale from the Club Shop in York Street from Friday 23 April 2004. It has been decided to include the presentation of awards in the Celebration Evening instead of after the final home game of the season for health and safety reasons. The final home match of the season is against Doncaster Rovers who are expected to have a large number of supporters at York Street and may either be celebrating being Champions of the Nationwide League Third Division or may need points from the match to become Champions.

To reduce stocks for the end of the season, The Club Shop have reduced the price of home replica kits. Home replica shirts in adult sizes have been reduced from £35.00 to £25.00 and children's sizes have been reduced from £28.00 to £20.00. Home replica shorts have been reduced to £10.00 per pair.


Doncaster Tickets, Bennett

19 April Admission to the Third Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004 is by ticket only. Tickets will be on sale from the club office in Spain Place from 10.00am tomorrow. Boston United will accept postal applications for people who are unable to get to the club office. People who wish to use this method should send details of the tickets required, a contact telephone number, a cheque (made payable to Boston United Football Club Limited) for the required amount of tickets together with a stamped addressed envelope to the club office at 14-16 Spain Place, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6HN. The ticket prices for the match are on the Ground page. Doncaster Rovers are selling tickets for their supporters.

Boston United are talking to Tom Bennett about a contract for next season.

This Thursday, 22 April 2004, York Street hosts the Lincolnshire FA Senior B Cup Final. The match between Sleaford Town and Wyberton kicks off at 7.00pm, admission is £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for concessions.


Boston Town, Contracts

16 April Jon Sotnick has had two conversations today with John Rose, Chairman of Boston Town, to discuss how Boston united and Boston Town can work together harmoniously. Jon wishes to make clear that there is no agenda for Boston United to close down Boston Town and wishes to quash any rumours that may be circulating. Jon Sotnick and John Rose are to meet next week for further discussions. Items on the agenda include Boston United using the facilities at Boston Town for training sessions and a possible pre-season friendly between the two clubs for the fortieth anniversary of Boston Town. Jon Sotnick believes that there is a role for both clubs, there is a need to put the legacy of the past to bed and work together for the mutual benefit of both clubs and respect the existence of each other.

Paul Ellender and Mark Greaves have accepted the terms of the new contracts which have been offered to them.

The Club Shop now has in stock Boston United coats at £39.99 each.


Sponsorship

15 April Jon Sotnick is planning to have meetings with prospective sponsors for next season shortly. Details of sponsorship and other commercial opportunities for next season will be available in due course.


Oxford, Contracts, Study, Player of the Year

14 April Jon Sotnick has advised that he is upset by the reported incidents which occurred at Oxford on Good Friday and they will be thoroughly investigated. The Board are aiming for Boston United to be a family friendly club, the reported aggressive behaviour at Oxford is not acceptable and will not be tolerated as this will detract from the aim of attracting more people to the club. Boston United are looking to set up a Family Section for next season. It is recognised that this will entail the provision of improved facilities for spectators. This will require investment which won't be allowed to be jeopardised. Jon will be discussing this matter with PC Scott.

Paul Ellender and Mark Greaves have been offered extensions to their current contracts and talks are ongoing with other players.

Work on the feasibility study for the future of the club is on course and it is hoped it will be available for publication in early June.

Vote now for the Boston United Football Club Supporters Player of the Year award for season 2003 / 2004 sponsored by R Dunmore and Sons and Boston United Sports Bar. Voting forms will be available from the Club Shop, Club Office and Sports Bar from Saturday 17 April 2004. All votes must be returned to the Club Shop or Club Office in 14-16 Spain Place, Boston by 5.00pm on Thursday 29 April 2004.


Oxford Incidents

12 April There were several unsavoury incidents at the match against Oxford United on Friday 9 April 2004, which were believed to involve people from Boston. These incidents are not wanted at football matches. If anyone has any information on these incidents they are requested to contact either Boston United or PC Scott at Boston Police Station on 01205 312224.


Manchester United and Pontins

8 April Manchester United will be entering a team in the Pontin’s Holidays League from next season.

The Old Trafford giants, who were founder members of the reserve team league in 1911 and have won the title eight times, have announced their intention to return to the competition after a five-year break.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided that the competition, which attracted Newcastle United last season, is the ideal testing ground for the wealth of young talent at his disposal.

Sir Alex said: “It is imperative that young players get the opportunity to play games. A window has opened in the Pontin’s Holidays League and it offers the opportunity of a competitive situation with the likes of Burnley and Preston. It is a terrific league and I am delighted that Manchester United are taking part.”

David Cookson, Pontin’s Holidays League Secretary, said: “We are delighted to welcome Manchester United back to the competition. The Pontin’s Holidays League allows clubs to test out developing players in a highly competitive environment. United’s crop of young talent will add to the existing quality of the competition and I’m sure there will be great interest in the team.” 

A spokesperson for Pontin’s Holidays said: “We are delighted to learn that Manchester United reserves are joining the league and reinforce Sir Alex’s message that even more young players will have the opportunity of gaining valuable experience on the field. Pontin’s have, for many years, been linked to football and are very pleased with our current sponsorship of the Pontin’s Holidays League.”


Awards

6 April CAHILL, HUME, SODJE AND HURST WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS FOR MARCH

Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill, Tranmere winger Iain Hume and Huddersfield defender Efe Sodje have won March’s Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League. And Chesterfield striker Glynn Hurst completed the award-winning quartet by winning the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Cahill, Millwall’s goalscoring hero in their FA Cup semi final win against Sunderland on Sunday, has been in consistently impressive form all season. He claimed March’s Division One honour after contributing three League goals to help the Lions maintain their promotion push and earning his first cap for Australia. Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon, speaking on behalf of the awards’ judging panel said: “Tim Cahill is regarded as one of the best players outside the Premiership. The strong-running midfielder has been one of the driving forces behind Millwall’s hugely successful season and has continued his remarkable goalscoring record.”

Canada international Hume showed his eye for goal and some wing wizardry for Tranmere during March to claim the Division Two award. Hume scored four goals and helped create several others to prove why he is being watched by scouts from higher division clubs. Christon said on behalf of the awards’ panel: “Iain Hume has been in excellent form during March. Whether it has been playing up front, on the wing or coming on as a substitute he has consistently made an impact with his skill and intelligent play.”

Sodje has become a talismanic figure for Huddersfield and a series of solid defensive performances, coupled with two important goals, earned him the Division Three award. The much-travelled centre half, famed for wearing a bandana, has helped provide the defensive stability needed in Town’s push for promotion. Christon said on behalf of the judging panel: “You are guaranteed 100 per cent commitment and leadership by example every time Efe Sodje takes to the pitch. He has become the focal point for Huddersfield’s promotion challenge and if he continues in this form he should help them achieve their goal.”

Hurst won the Goalscorer of the Month award by bagging six goals during March, including two in the local derby win against Sheffield Wednesday and another brace in the vital win against Tranmere. His goals have proved invaluable in Chesterfield’s fight against relegation.

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Injuries

5 April Danny Thomas suffered an injury to his foot when he was substituted during Saturday's match against Darlington and had three stitches inserted in the top of his foot. It is hoped he will be fit to play against Oxford United on Friday but it will be touch and go. Stuart Douglas and Mark Greaves were substituted during the match due to hamstring injuries. There have been some hard matches in a short space of time recently. The injuries will be assessed better when the players have had an opportunity to rest over the weekend.


Ladies Day, Newcastle

1 April The winner of the Ladies Day competition to design a cover for the Matchday Magazine for the Third Division match at home to Darlington on Saturday 3 April 2004 (see the news item dated 30 March 2004) is Josh Foreman of Butterwick Primary School who has won a a free training session with the Centre of Excellence staff and a free Football Start Up Kit for his school. The runner up is Rebecca Anderson of Amber Hill Toftstead Primary School who has won a free training session with the Centre of Excellence staff for her school. To commemorate their achievement Josh and Rebecca will be presented with a medal prior to the Darlington match. This promotion has been run differently from the previous Ladies Day promotion in being aimed at younger people. Tickets for the Darlington match, issued through the promotion, are only available via the local primary schools who entered the competition.

The team for today's Pontins League Eastern Division fixture away to Newcastle United featured trialist Mark Dowlett from Scotland. A strong Newcastle team formed the opposition and the match was watched by Sir Bobby Robson and Laurent Robert.


Premises, Tickets

31 March Jon Sotnick has agreed terms for Boston United to take a lease on the premises at 48 Wide Bargate, Boston to use as a Club Shop and offices. This is the former premises of Britannic Assurance at the corner of Wide Bargate and Pen Street. This will give Boston United a presence in the town centre which is anticipated to become more popular with the impending opening of the new shopping centre in the area of Silver Street and Pescod Hall. Details of the lease are to be finalised between the solicitors of both parties, then it is hoped to be open as soon as possible. The premises are intended to hold the full range of Boston United merchandise for sale together with offices for the commercial staff, Director of Football Jim Rodwell and Daral Pugh and Neil Richardson of the Centre of Excellence.

The Third Division match at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday 17 April 2004 will all ticket for supporters of Mansfield Town only.

The Third Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 1 May 2004 will be all ticket for all spectators. More details will be announced in due course.

A reminder that Boston United are selling tickets for the Third Division match away to Oxford United on Friday 9 April 2004 which are at a discount from the prices which will be charged on the day of the match.

 
Boston United
Oxford United
 
Advance
Match Day
Adults
£14.50
£17.50
Students
£11.00
£13.50
16 and under
£9.00
£11.50
Pensioners
£9.00
£11.50
Adult with wheelchair
£6.00
£6.00
Concession with wheelchair
£3.00
£3.00

Presentation, Ladies Day, Local Cup Finals

30 March Before tomorrow's Third Division against Hull City there will be presentaions by Jon Sotnick, Chairman of Boston United, of £2,900 to Homestead Boston (a family centre) and £5,000 to St Barnbas Hospice of Green Lane. These are donations from the FA Community Shield Fund in a joint venture between the Football Association and Boston United.

The Third Division match at home to Darlington on Saturday 3 April 2004 has been designated Boston United's second Ladies Day of the season. A competition has been held amongst local primary schools to design a front cover for the Matchday Magazine which promotes ladies in football both playing and spectating. Each school which has entered the competition has received 20 free tickets for the match. The winning entry will receive a free training session with the Centre of Excellence staff and a free Football Start Up Kit for their school and the runner up entry will also receive a free training session with the Centre of Excellence staff for their school. There will also be an Under 14 girls match at half-time in the match against Darlington.

Following are the forthcoming local cup finals to be held at York Street. The Finn Forest Stand will be open to spectators for these matches.

Date
Time
Competition
Teams
Adults
Concessions
22 April 2004 7.30pm Lincolnshire FA Senior B Cup Final Sleaford Town v Wyberton £3.00 £1.00
2 May 2004 10.45am Lincolnshire FA Under 14 Cup Final East Coast Juniors of Skegness v Sleaford Juniors Free Free
2 May 2004 2.00pm Boston Sunday Cup Final Napoleon Sunday v Duke of York TBA TBA
6 May 2004 7.00pm Boston League Sports Cup Final Skegness Town v CFC Napoleon TBA TBA

Turnstiles, Tickets

29 March Following is a clarification of the announcement made on Friday 26 March 2004 concerning the turnstiles to be used to enter York Street.

Stand

Turnstile

Spectators

Finn Forest
1
Adults paying cash
Finn Forest
2

All Finn Forest Stand season tickets

Pensioners paying cash

Away club complimentary tickets

York Street
3

Adults paying cash

York Street
3A

Boston United complimentary tickets

Press tickets

York Street
4

Pensioners paying cash

All York Street Stand season tickets

Spayne Road
5
All Spayne Road Stand season tickets
Spayne Road
5A
Pensioners paying cash
Spayne Road
6 & 6A
Adults paying cash
Town End
7, 8, 9 & 10
Away club supporters

Junior supporters (aged 16 or under) will need to have a season ticket or a ticket for the match purchased in advance and will be able to enter the ground at any appropriate turnstile. The gates will be clearly signed for the above categories of spectators and the turnstile operators will be briefed on the procedures.

Spectators are urged to aim to arrive early at York Street for the match against Hull City on Wednesday as a large attendance is anticipated.

Towards the end of April 2004 announcements concerning next season are due to be made, including a Family Packaged Season Ticket.


Brown, Turnstiles

26 March The loan of Jermaine Brown to King's Lynn is confirmed.

Following an audit of Boston United by the Football League in October 2003 and recommendations from BDO Stoy Hayward, the club's auditors, the procedure for supporters entering York Street at the turnstiles has been reviewed. With effect from the Third Division match at home to Hull City on Wednesday 31 March 2004 until the end of the current season the turnstiles are to be used, as stated below, for the various categories of spectators to enter York Street.

Stand

Turnstile

Spectators

Finn Forest
1
Adults paying cash
Finn Forest
2

Adults with season tickets

Pensioners both with season tickets and paying cash

Away club complimentary tickets

York Street
3

Adults paying cash

York Street
3A
Boston United complimentary tickets
York Street
4
Pensioners with season tickets and paying cash
Spayne Road
5
Pensioners paying cash
Spayne Road
5A
Season tickets for all categories of spectators
Spayne Road
6 & 6A
Adults paying cash
Town End
7, 8, 9 & 10
Away club supporters

Junior supporters (aged 16 or under) will need to have a season ticket or a ticket for the match purchased in advance from the Ticket Office and will be able to enter the ground at any appropriate turnstile. Pensioners are classified as spectators aged 65 or over.The gates will be clearly signed for the above categories of spectators and the turnstile operators will be briefed on the procedures.


Hurst, Brown, Shirt, Motson

25 March Boston United have today signed Kevan Hurst on loan from Sheffield United until 8 May 2004. Kevan can play in midfield or as a striker and will have squad number 22. Kevan played for Boston United in the friendly against Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday; more details are in the news item dated 23 March 2004.

Jermaine Brown is tomorrow due to go on loan to Dr Martens League Eastern Division leaders King's Lynn until the end of the season. Following the latest new signings Jon Sotnick is very assertive that the club is run within the planned budget.

Jon Sotnick has had a meeting with Paulas Benaras, the manufacturers of the club's playing kit, regarding a new design for the home shirt for next season. At a later date it is hoped to display a sample of possible designs to obtain the opinion of supporters to help select the design of shirt. More details will be announced in due course.

On Saturday, John Motson of BBC Television's Match of the Day, will complete watching all 92 Football League clubs when he visits Bury for their match at home to Boston United. John chose this match because of his connections with Boston United. BBC Television are planning to feature the match in a future programme.


Centre of Excellence

24 March As the Centre of Excellence's first season is nearing it's close, we are now looking for some more players to strengthen the Under 9 and Under 12 squad (this years Under 8's and Under 11's). To do This we are holding further sets of trials, details below. The trials will last all day so the trialists will need a pack up lunch. All players MUST be nominated by a coach/manager of their current club or a school teacher.

The dates set aside for the trials are:

6 April 2004 - Under 8's report at 9:15am

7 April 2004 - Under 11's report at 9:15am

NO CHILD WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN A TRIAL WITHOUT BEING NOMINATED.

For further information contact either Daral Pugh or Neil Richardson on 01205 359153 or 01205 369613 Monday - Friday.

There are now only three matches left for the boys this season. The first of which comes on Sunday against Scunthorpe. Our Under 13/14 squad plays at RAF Cranwell kick off 11:00am. While the Under 11/12 and Under 15/16 travel to Scunthorpe.


Noble, Rushden

23 March David Noble has signed a permanent contract to join Boston United from West Ham United until the end of the season.

In today's friendly match at Nene Park, Boston United beat Rushden & Diamonds 2-0 with Dene Cropper (35 minutes) and Ben Surey (67 minutes) scoring the goals.

Boston United's team was: Steve Croudson, Chris Glarvie, David Chick, Ryan Clarke, Matt Hocking, Chris Holland, Daniel Wood, Ben Surey, Dene Cropper, Kevan Hurst, Lee Thompson. Substitutes: Karl Hawley, Lloyd Freeman and Paul Raynor. Karl Hawley replaced Lee Thompson who later came back on for Danny Wood and Lloyd Freeman replaced Chris Holland.

Making their debuts as trailists were Kevan Hurst and Danny Wood, who are both from Sheffield United. Kevan was born in Chesterfield on 27 August 1985, he is 5ft 10in tall and joined Sheffield United as a trainee on 1 July 2003. Kevan, who can play in midfield or in attack, made an appearance for Sheffield United as a substitute in their Carling Cup match against Queens Park Rangers on 23 September 2003. Midfield player Danny was born in Sheffield on 17 February 1984, he is 5ft 8in tall. Danny joined Sheffield United as a trainee on 1 August 2002 and has yet to make a first team appearance.


New Signing

22 March Boston United have signed forward Dene Cropper from Lincoln City until the end of the season. Dene was born on 5 January 1983 and is 6ft 2in tall. Dene commenced his career as a trainee with Sheffield Wednesday on 1 August 2000 and joined Lincoln City on 11 May 2002, he has also had loan spells with Worksop Town and Gainsborough Trinity. During his time with Lincoln City Dene has made 55 first team appearances (22 as substitute) and scored three goals. Dene will have squad number 15.

Boston United are continuing to look to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline on Thursday.

Tomorrow Boston United are playing a friendly match against Rushden & Diamonds, behind closed doors at Nene Park. Boston United's team will include trialists and squad players.

Local MP, Mark Simmonds, was a guest of Jon Sotnick at the match against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.


LDV Vans Final

21 March SHRIMPERS AND SEASIDERS HEAD FOR CARDIFF

Blackpool and Southend United meet at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday in the 2004 LDV Vans Trophy Final.

For Third Division Southend it is the first major Cup Final in the club’s 98-year history, whilst for Blackpool it will be the third appearance at the Millennium Stadium in four years.

The Shrimpers, under the management of Steve Tilson, will go into the game full of confidence following just one defeat in their last 12 games, while Blackpool will be looking to continue their 100% record at the Millennium Stadium after previous success in the 2001 Division Three Play-Off Final and 2002 LDV Vans Trophy Final.

A victory on Sunday would put Blackpool into illustrious company. A third win at the Millennium Stadium would put them level with Arsenal for victories at the Cardiff venue, though still one behind four-times winners Liverpool. Victory will also move Blackpool level with Wigan, Birmingham, Stoke, Port Vale and Bristol City as the only clubs to win this competition more than once.

A crowd of around 30,000 is expected on Sunday – the second largest during the Final’s stay at the Millennium Stadium – meaning that this season’s competition will show an incredible attendance rise of more than 50% on last season. The crowd boom will result in the best aggregate attendances for the competition since 1995.

Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon said: “Attendances in this season’s LDV Vans Trophy competition have been fantastic and demonstrate the enormous progress this competition has made in recent seasons. The LDV Vans Trophy puts the spotlight on clubs from Divisions Two, Three and the Conference and gives their supporters the opportunity to experience the excitement of a Cup Final.

“The chance to see their club lift the LDV Vans Trophy has certainly caught the imagination of the two sets of supporters and we expect Sunday’s Final to provide a great climax to another successful season of Cup football.”

Both clubs will look forward to the financial rewards that a final appearance can bring with a £50,000 prize for the winners taking the victor’s share of the spoils past the £150,000 mark.

Sunday’s Final will also be the last time the ‘Silver Goal’ will be used in domestic football, following FIFA’s recent decision to scrap the use of both the Silver and Golden Goal rules.


Three New Signings

19 March Ahead of the transfer deadline next Thursday Boston United have signed three players, Danny Thomas from AFC Bournemouth, Chris Holland from Huddersfield Town and Steve Melton from Hull City . Danny and Steve are eligible to be selected for tomorrow's match at home to Bristol Rovers, but the registration of Chris Holland wasn't completed prior to the 12.00 noon deadline for him to be selected tomorrow. Danny and Steve have trained with the squad today in preparation for tomorrow's match. Steve and Chris have signed a contract until 30 June 2006, Danny's contract is to the end of the season.

Steve Melton (squad number 9) can play in a number of positions in midfield and on the right, he was born in Lincoln on 3 October 1978; he is 5ft 11in tall. Steve commenced his career with Nottingham Forest as a trainee on 1 August 1996 and has since played for Stoke City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Hull City. During his career Steve has made 99 first team appearances (49 as substitute) and scored five goals.

Danny Thomas (squad number 14) is a quick wide left player, he was born in Leamington Spa on 1 May 1981; he is 5ft 7in tall. Danny commenced his career as a trainee with Leicester City on 1 August 1999 and moved to Bournemouth on 8 February 2002. Danny has made 77 first team appearances (29 as substitute) and scored five goals.

Chris Holland (squad number 10) is an experienced midfield player with a good pedigree who will give us more options. Chris was born in Whalley on 11 September 1975; he is 5ft 9in tall. Chris joined Preston North End as a trainee on 1 August 1993 and has also played for Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town. During his career Chris has made 241 first team appearances (57 as substitute) and scored three goals.

Negotiations are still ongoing with another player for a loan signing who may be eligible for selection tomorrow. In addition discussions are being held with another two players.

Chris Hogg has returned to Ipswich Town and won't be returning to Boston United. A deal has been done with Ipswich Town, for which the assistance of Joe Royle was greatly appreciated, for Chris to return to Ipswich instead of completing his loan with Boston United.


Redfearn, Oxford

18 March Neil Redfearn has joined Rochdale.

For the Third Division match away to Oxford United on Friday 9 April 2004, advance tickets are available from Boston United, which are at a discount from tickets purchased on the day of the match at Oxford's Kassam Stadium. The tickets are on sale from Boston United at the following prices.

 
Boston United
Oxford United
 
Advance
Match Day
Adults
£14.50
£17.50
Students
£11.00
£13.50
16 and under
£9.00
£11.50
Pensioners
£9.00
£11.50
Adult with wheelchair
£6.00
£6.00
Concession with wheelchair
£3.00
£3.00

 


 

Cup, Duffield, Bury

17 March In next seasons Lincolnshire FA Cup Boston United have been drawn away to Lincoln City, the date for the match is to be decided. In the other match Grimsby Town are at home to Scunthorpe United.

Peter Duffield's loan to Carlisle United has been made a permanent transfer.

For the Nationwide League Third Division match away to Bury on Saturday 27 March 2004, Bury are offering Boston United supporters the opportunity to take advantage of their Special VIP Package, which includes:

The cost of the package is £31.00 per person (£25.00 for juniors); it must be booked in advance by calling Bury's Commercial Department on 0161 765 2144.


Players

16 March Jon Sotnick has advised that the Football League have informed Boston United that a further loan signing is available to be used this season.

Boston United are currently talking to players with a view to adding them to the squad, but some clubs are reluctant to release players at the moment. The club will be disappointed if no new players have joined us in time for the match at home to Bristol Rovers on Saturday. Everyone is concentrating on retaining Football League status.


Kids Prices, Sportsmans Dinner

15 March The discounted admission tickets for supporters aged 16 and under will be available on the day of each future home match from the Ticket Office in the York Street Stand, commencing at 1.45pm on Saturday 20 March 2004 for the Third Division match at home to Bristol Rovers. Supporters purchasing these tickets may be requested to provide proof of age.

Boston United are holding another Sportsmans Dinner at the Springfields Exhibition Centre, Spalding on Wednesday 26 April 2004. The guest speaker is Wilf McGuinness, former player and manager of Manchester United and the comedian is John Stiles, a former player with Leeds United and son of Nobby Stiles. Tickets for the event are £27.00 plus VAT (£31.73) which include a three course meal plus coffee. Guests are requested to arrive at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. For more details contact Simone Steventon on 01205 357542.


Sabin

12 March Earlier today Eric Sabin was recalled from his loan by Queens Park Rangers to discuss a permanent transfer to Northampton Town. Boston United discovered what was happening, contacted Eric and offered him a contract for 2 and a half years. Eric was very complimentary about his time with Boston United, but after considering his options he decided to complete the transfer to Northampton Town and is expected to make his debut for them tomorrow against Boston United. Eric lives in London with his wife and two children and a major reason he chose to join Northampton was that it is closer to home than Boston.

Greg Strong incurred an injury during a collision in training today and is expected to be unavailable for two to three weeks. David Noble is hoping to be fit to be selected for tomorrow's match.

Jon Sotnick would like to thank Ken Fox for his efforts in updating the front page of the website, which has been well received by the club's sponsors.


Kids, Health & Safety

11 March For all future home Third Division home matches this season, the admission prices for junior supporters (aged 16 and under) have been reduced by £1.00, to £6.00 for the Finn Forest Stand and £5.00 for the terraces. To gain admission at the reduced price the junior supporters must purchase a ticket in advance from the Club Shop on the York Street Car Park. It will not be possible to pay cash for the reduced admission price at the turnstile.

The club are currently reviewing admission prices for next season and are looking into establishing a Family Section.

Jon Sotnick has today attended a meeting of the Health and Safety Advisory Group. The meeting was very informative and the Board of Directors look forward to working in partnership with the Advisory Group. The health and safety of supporters at York Street is paramount and the Board won't compromise on safety issues. During the meeting the issue of Boston United supporters using the Town End of the ground was discussed, unfortunately, the meeting wasn't able to see a feasible way of returning Boston United supporters to the Town End in the short-term. There would be a number of adjustments which would need to be made to the ground. For the long-term Jon Sotnick has promised that Boston United supporters will have a home end to be proud of, both for the view and the acoustics, in a location to be decided. The Board of Directors are conducting a feasibility study to assess whether to re-develop York Street or to re-locate to a new site. The study will include the advice of environmental consultants, planning consultants and architects. It is hoped to have a report available before the end of the season. Jon is sorry not to be able to return Boston United supporters to the Town End in the short-term.

Boston United have agreed a severance deal with Daryl Sutch for his contract for the remainder of the season. Daryl is due to have an operation in two weeks time and is unlikely to be fit again this season to be selected for matches.

Chris Hogg, who is on loan from Ipswich Town until the end of the season, has been selected as a stand by player for the England Under 19 team for the match away to their German counterparts on Tuesday 30 March 2004.

Greg Strong will have squad number 29.


Strong, Northampton

10 March The transfer of Greg Strong from Hull City has been completed; he is expected to feature for the reserves this evening at Scunthorpe.

For the Third Division match away to Northampton Town on Saturday 13 March 2004, kids will be admitted for £1.00 if they are accompanied by an adult. Before entering the Sixfields Stadium spectators must purchase a ticket from a portable kiosk near to the away end.

Tonight's team against Scunthorpe United featured trialists Karl Hawley and Ben Surey. Karl is a striker who was born in Walsall on 6 December 1981; he is 5ft 8in tall. Karl joined Walsall as a trainee on 1 August 2000 and has had loan spells with Raith Rovers and Hereford United. Karl has made 41 first team appearances (14 as substitute) and scored 11 goals. Ben is a 21 year old midfield player who joined Crystal Palace as a trainee on 1 August 2001.


Strong, Duffield

9 March Jon Sotnick has advised that he has given the go ahead to complete the contract to sign defender Greg Strong from Hull City for two years. Greg trained with Boston United today; he will give us more options in defence. Greg was born in Bolton on 5 September 1975; he is 6ft 2in tall. Greg joined Wigan Athletic as a trainee on 1 October 1992 and has also played for Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, Stoke City, Motherwell, Cheltenham Town, Scunthorpe United, Bury and Hull City. During his career Greg has made 190 first team appearances (15 as substitute) and scored 10 goals.

Peter Duffield has joined Carlisle United on loan for one month with a view to this becoming a permanent transfer. Peter is expected to play for Carlisle tonight in their Third Division match at home to Huddersfield Town.

The Pontins League Division One East match at home to Grimsby Town on Monday 15 March 2004 has been postponed due to both clubs having Football League matches later in the week. The match has been re-scheduled for Wednesday 5 May 2004 at 7.00pm.

Chris Hogg has returned to Boston United and is expected to feature in the reserves squad for tomorrow's match away to Scunthorpe United.

Matt Hocking trained today but David Noble is currently rated as 50/50 for Saturday's match away to Northampton Town due to the ankle injury he incurred against Rochdale.


Hull, Boyd

5 March Boston United have had discussions with two players from Hull City concerning them joining Boston United, but no decisions have been made yet.

Hartlepool United Have rejected the increased offer for Adam Boyd and have requested a higher amount.

Discussions have commenced with the current squad regarding contracts for next season.

The Pontins League Division One East match away to Scunthorpe United has been brought forward to Wednesday 10 March 2004 at 7.00pm and the match at home to Grimsby Town has been brought forward to Monday 15 March 2004 at 7.00pm.


Boyd, Awards

4 March Jon Sotnick has contacted Hartlepool United to make an improved offer for Adam Boyd and is awaiting a response.

Steve Evans is commencing talking to the squad regarding renewal of contracts for next season.

ELLINGTON, SHOWUNMI, GAIN AND JEVONS WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS FOR FEBRUARY

Wigan Athletic striker Nathan Ellington, Luton Town forward Enoch Showunmi and Lincoln City midfielder Peter Gain have won February’s Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League. And Grimsby Town striker Phil Jevons completed the award-winning quartet by winning the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Ellington claimed the Division One honour after playing an instrumental part in Wigan’s continued push for an automatic promotion place. The powerful striker scored in each of Wigan’s games during February to help lift the Latics into third place in the table - just four points behind West Brom with a game in hand. The judging panel said: “Nathan Ellington’s pace and power makes him a very dangerous striker to deal with and he has been in top form during Wigan’s promotion push. He has developed a hugely effective partnership with Jason Roberts and if they continue in this form they could be gracing the Premier League next season.”

Showunmi, who was playing non-league football with Willesden Constantine just six months ago, claimed the Division Two honour after just seven starts with Luton Town. The big striker has made a stunning impact and his four goals during February, including a hat-trick against Brentford, helped lift the Hatters into the play off places. The judging panel said: “Enoch Showunmi is a classic example of a player being given a chance and taking it with both hands. He has made just seven starts since being plucked from non-league football but has already become a real hero with the fans. His pace and skill has proved too much for some defences and he has shown an eye for goalscoring as well as creating countless openings for his team-mates.”

Gain claimed the Division Three honour with a series of virtuoso performances at the heart of Lincoln City’s midfield. The 27-year-old pulled the strings to keep the Imps promotion challenge on track, while also scoring three goals including a spectacular effort against Hull City. The judging panel said: “Peter Gain showed his undoubted ability during February as he proved to be the creative force in Lincoln City’s side. His skill and astute passing created openings for his team-mates while he also scored some crucial goals to keep Lincoln on course for a play off place.”

Jevons won the Goalscorer of the Month award by bagging seven goals during February, including becoming the first Grimsby player for almost 25 years to score four times in one game. His four-goal haul came in the 6-1 demolition of Barnsley as Town continued their recent upturn in form which has lifted them away from the Division Two relegation zone.

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer.

Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Sabin, Hogg, Boyd

3 March Boston United have signed striker Eric Sabin on loan for one month from Queens Park Rangers. Eric was born on 22 January in Sarcelles, France; he is 6ft 0in tall. Eric joined Ajaccio as a trainee on 1 August 1997, moved to Nimes on 1 August 1998, moved to Wasquehal on 1 August 1999, he then joined Swindon Town on 26 June 2001 and move to Queens Park Rangers on 10 July 2003. During he career in England Eric has made 151 first team appearances (22 as substitute) and scored 17 goals. Eric is a strong, quick, centre forward who was signed in time to be eligible for selection for tonight's match against Southend United.

Hartlepool United have requested a transfer fee for Adam Boyd which is above the amount originally agreed and above Boston United's valuation. The deal is now dead unless Hartlepool make contact again to re-commence negotiations.

Chris Hogg has returned to Ipswich Town.

Boston United have now used up their allowance of loan signings for the season. Other players are still being talked to about joining the squad, but any future signings will be on permanent contracts for the agreed length of time.

Tomorrow's scheduled Pontins League Division One East fixture away to Newcastle United has been postponed due to heavy snow in the area. The match has been re-arranged for 1 April 2004 at 2.00pm.


Centre of Excellence

2 March Jon Sotnick has today met Daral Pugh and Neil Richardson to offer his support to the Centre of Excellence. It is realised that the development of players via the Centre of Excellence is a long term objective. The funding for the Centre of Excellence from Sport England is due to increase from the current 70%, for running teams aged from 9 to 16 inclusive, to 100% next season for the introduction of scholarship's for students over 16. A scholarship is a three year course where the non-football training is tailored to the individual's requirements. The football part of the course has to be run for the first two years, at the end of the second year the football part of the course can be dropped, at the instigation of either the student or the club, and the non-football part concentrated on for the final year.

There have been no further developments in the possible transfer of Adam Boyd from Hartlepool United.


Director of Football

1 March The transfer of Adam Boyd from Hartlepool United is still to be completed, Adam is keen for the deal to be concluded but negotiations with Hartlepool are still ongoing. At the same time the search for other players is still being pursued.

Jim Rodwell is to become Director of Football; it is still to be decided if this will entail being a member of the Board of Directors of Boston United Football Club Limited. Jon Sotnick can't be available to be totally involved with Boston United due to commitments with his other businesses. Jim will, therefore, be available for day to day issues as they arise together with liaison between the football manager (Steve Evans) and the other administrative staff and to investigate for possible efficiencies at the club.


Signings Update, Coke

27 February The signing of David Noble (see below) on loan from West Ham United is confirmed. David will have squad number 27 and Jermaine Brown will have squad number 23.

 

A BRAND NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE & COCA-COLA

IT’S THE REAL THING

The Football League has agreed the largest title sponsorship agreement in its history with Coca-Cola Great Britain.  The new partnership, at the heart of the country’s best loved sport , will run for three seasons from the beginning of the 2004/05 campaign and represents       Coca-Cola’s biggest ever commitment to domestic football, helping to bring excitement and enjoyment to the game via the League’s 72 clubs.

Playing a major role within the new partnership are a number of Coca-Cola Great Britain’s growing range of soft drink brands.  Coca-Cola will be the title sponsor of The Football League competition; Coca-Cola and diet Coke will become The Official Soft Drinks of The Football League, Dasani becomes The Official Water of The Football League and Powerade will become The Official Sports Drink of The Football League.

In announcing the new partnership Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: “This new agreement is good news, it provides a tremendous boost for League clubs and, on their behalf, it is a great pleasure to welcome Coca-Cola to this partnership.  I am grateful for their support.  For our part we will ensure that we continue to deliver a quality product.

“Attracting a brand of the stature of Coca-Cola is clearly a coup for The League and demonstrates the enduring appeal of our competition.  This partnership will contribute significantly to the proposed re-branding of The Football League.

He continued, “Attendances at League games are at their highest levels for 40 years and our clubs play an integral part in their local communities.  We look forward to building upon that in the coming years.”

Charlotte Oades, President, Coca-Cola Great Britain said: “This partnership confirms our long-term commitment to football - Coca-Cola Great Britain has been investing in the game for over 30 years in this country at all levels from grassroots to international tournaments.  We are very excited to be associated with The Football League at the heart of English and Welsh domestic football.”

“We are particularly pleased to bring some of our key brands – Coca-Cola,  diet Coke, Powerade and Dasani Water – to enhance enjoyment and access to fans and players in their local communities.”

‘Coca-Cola’, ‘Coke’, ‘diet Coke’, ‘Powerade’ and ‘Dasani’ are registered trade marks of

The Coca-Cola Company


More Signings

27 February Boston United have agreed terms with Adam Boyd for Adam to sign a contract until the end of next season. The terms are a better deal for the club than when the negotiations initially commenced. The club are currently awaiting confirmation of acceptance of the transfer from Hartlepool United whose Chairman is out of the country.

Boston United have agreed terms to take midfielder, David Noble, on loan from West Ham United until the end of the season. David was born in Hitchin on 2 February 1982; he is 6ft 0in tall. David joined Arsenal as a trainee on 1 August 1999, he joined Watford on loan from 9 July 2001 to 22 April 2002 and moved to West Ham on 31 January 2003. During his career David has made 22 first team appearances (13 as substitute) and scored one goal.

Steve Evans has received approval from the Football Association for him to become Manager of Boston United with effect from Wednesday 3 March 2004.


Signing

26 February Boston United have signed former Arsenal striker, Jermaine Brown from Colchester United until the end of the season when he is planning to join Crystal Palace. Jermaine was born in Lambeth on 12 January 1983, he joined Arsenal as a trainee on 1 August 2001 and moved to Colchester on 14 October 2003. During his time with Colchester Jermaine has made six first team appearances and scored one goal. Jermaine is a pacy striker who is eager to do well for Boston United and sees this as a good opportunity to gain first team experience.

Steve Evans has advised Jon Sotnick that all the outstanding fines due to the Football Association have been paid.

Mark Greaves is suspended for Saturday's match away to Torquay United.


Boyd, Hogg

25 February Jon Sotnick has advised that talks are ongoing with Adam Boyd with a view to extending his stay with Boston United; it is hoped there will be a satisfactory conclusion before the weekend.

A number of other players are due to meet the management over the next few days to discuss signing for Boston United either permanently or on loan. The management will be disappointed if there are no new signings before the weekend. Boston United are able to utilise a further two loan signings this season.

The management are keen to assess the potential of Chris Hogg to see what he is capable of. Chris is a young player and if things progress well it is hoped he will part of the future of Boston United.

The team for tonight's Pontins League Division One East match at home to Darlington features trialists Lee Caulkin from Burton Albion, Michael Brough, Stephen Brackstone from York City, Chris Glarbie and Jack Cudworth from West Bromwich Albion.

Stephen Brackstone was born in Hartlepool on 19 September 1982; he is 5ft 11in tall. Stephen joined Middlesbrough as a trainee on 1 August 2000 and moved to York City on 27 February 2002. Stephen has made nine appearances for York this season and 48 in total (13 as substitute) scoring four goals.


To have and have not

23 February Jon Sotnick has advised that Steve Evans has been offered the position of manager of Boston United with the following conditions:

If the appointment of Steve Evans proceeds as planned, Jim Rodwell is to stay with Boston United in an administrative capacity. Jim may assist the commercial staff with fund raising. Jon Sotnick is to retain control of financial matters at all times and is looking to develop good relations with all suppliers and other people connected with Boston United.

The squad had a day off today after having three hard matches in eight days. When the squad return tomorrow it is planned to have talks with Adam Boyd with a view to extending his stay with Boston United. Two other players with clubs in higher divisions are being looked at with a view to trying to recruit them to the squad.


For Whom the Bell Tolls

13 February The following statement has been issued by Jon Sotnick:

"Following my successful acquisition of BUFC on Wednesday, I spent yesterday meeting the key personnel across this proud football club.

Neil Thompson, the manager of the club - it was agreed by mutual consent that he would step down from his post.

I'm sure all the supporters would join me in thanking Neil for all his efforts over the current and last season in helping to maintain the Club's survival in the Football League under sometimes very difficult circumstances. He has been well liked and respected at the Club and I wish him every success in the future.

We have different vision for the club and mutually agreed that this was the best way for Neil to go.

Yesterday I appointed former player James Rodwell as caretaker manager. He will hold this post until the new Working Board, that I have assembled, agree on who should replace Neil and take the club forward. The board will be meeting on Monday to commence shortlisting and to set aside dates to commence interviewing.

At present there have been three local appointees to the new board, Phillip Hanby, Senior Partner of The Ringrose Law Group, Ralph Jenkins - a former Mayor of Boston and Dale Allitt - the Chairman of Boston United Supporters Association. I also look forward to re-instating Colin Woodcock as Board Secretary.

The Club also saw the departure of Chief Executive, David Pickett. After spending much time with David yesterday I was genuinely sorry to see him go. He has worked diligently throughout his time again under massive financial pressures. I wish him the best for the future and look forward to seeing him again supporting his team on match days.

I know for some, that this take over took forever, but it was only after our last meeting with Customs & Excise on Monday of this week were the consortium sure that they could undertake to offer this club a financial platform to move forward. I am under no illusion that we will be judged by our results both on and off the field, but this time you have a chairman that is here to stay with a passion for football & most importantly of all, for winning."

BBC Radio Lincolnshire have the whole press conference on their website.

Graham Potter has joined Macclesfield Town.

Jim Rodwell is in charge of selecting the team for tomorrow's match away to Cheltenham Town assisted by first team coach and former Boston United player Paul Raynor.


Statement, Reserves, MPs Report

11 February The following statement has been issued by Des Wood and Jon Sotnick.

Today Des Wood, Chairman of Boston UFC, and Jon Sotnick on behalf of his investing consortium, are delighted to announce that the consortium has acquired the controlling interest in the Club after a lengthy period of negotiation.

Jon Sotnick said that he was delighted with the acquisition, which was completed at 3.15pm today, and recognised the efforts of all parties involved in bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion. In particular he thanked Des Wood and his team for their cooperation throughout and recognised their intent in seeing the best result for the Club, its staff and its supporters. He also acknowledged some 73 years of Malkinson involvement and thanked them for their efforts on behalf of the Club over those years and for their support during the past few months.

Des Wood said he was extremely pleased that rumour and conjecture could now be put to bed and he believed that the platform his team had provided over the last two years would give the consortium every opportunity of success for the future. The Club needed new investment and this Mr Sotnick was committed to provide which could only benefit the Club for the future. He took the opportunity of expressing his grateful thanks to all the staff both on and off the field and praised the efforts of Chief Executive David Pickett, Manager Neil Thompson and General Manager John Blackwell. "Under all the circumstances Neil and John particularly have shown real character and support for this proud Football Club and the players have kept the Club in an excellent position given the spate of home games to come. I have enjoyed my time at Boston and wish everyone involved success and happiness for the future" he said.

Jon Sotnick went on to add:

"I am personally delighted with today's events and we must now focus on our short term objectives which are to bring financial stability, growth and of course league status safety.

My role here will be to make this the Towns' Club. Its supporters are of prime importance to me and I intend to make sure that they have every opportunity to have a say in future changes.

This Club going forward will have a strong professional infrastructure to support it and a commitment second to none.

To the retiring directors Des Wood, Trevor Killick and Tim Ruck all the very best for the future and I am now looking forward to getting in the driving seat and meeting everyone connected with the Club and in particular the players. I come from an environment that places great emphasis on motivation and team spirit and I can promise that will be high on my list of priorities for both players and staff at Boston United”

The existing Board of Directors will step down with immediate effect and make way for the new Board headed by Jon Sotnick.

Reserves

This evening's Pontins Holidays League Division One East match against York City featured trialists David Chick, Greg Crane and Michael Brough. David and Greg are from Norwich City's Academy. Michael is a midfield player who was born in Nottingham on 1 August 1981 and is 6ft 0in tall. Michael joined Notts County as a trainee on 1 August 1998 and was released by them on 31 January 2004, during his time with them Michael made 103 first team appearances (27 as substitute) and scored 2 goals.

FOOTBALL MPs CALL FOR GREATER WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION

Football needs to tackle the financial divide between the haves and have-nots, according to an influential report by the All Party Football Group.

Following a detailed nine-month inquiry by a panel made up of MPs and peers, the APFG report, which was unveiled on Wednesday, recommends greater redistribution of wealth through the game.

One of the main recommendations of the report calls for the Premier League to double the broadcast revenue it redistributes to the rest of football – which would equate to approximately £30m.

Alan Keen MP, Chair of the All Party Football Group, said: “Football is richer today than ever before, but more clubs than ever are going to the wall. Why? It was this paradox that our inquiry looked to answer.

“After nine months of detailed investigation, we have concluded that the financial divide in football between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ must be tackled urgently.”

The inquiry, which heard evidence from the football authorities, club chairmen, fans, and journalists, has also called for detailed research into the financial impact of transfer windows, which The Football League has highlighted and continues to fight against, and gives strong support to the introduction of sporting sanctions for clubs going into administration.

Other recommendations include:

the consideration of wage capping within the Premier League following the example set by The Football League;

the immediate introduction of a ‘fit and proper person test’;

football clubs being brought into line with existing corporate governance practice;

the disclosure of all payments to agents;

the representation of supporters’ views at Board level;

tax breaks for Supporters’ Trusts;

greater redistribution of TV money within the Premier League; and

the introduction of a licensing system similar to that operated by UEFA.


Lincoln

9 February Neil Thompson has commented that we did well against Lincoln City on Saturday, in front of 1284 Boston United supporters in the Co-op Stand. It was a good performance to gain a point considering we had not played a match for three weeks. We finished the match strongly and were aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty which may have enabled us to win the match. The match was a typical derby, being keenly contested with a lot tackles. We had a lot of quality in our play, the two front players held the ball up well which enabled us to bring other players into the attack.

If any Boston United supporter in the Co-op Stand at Sincil Bank on Saturday picked up a wallet which has been lost by another Boston United supporter, please could they contact John Blackwell on 01205 364406. The wallet has sentimental value for it's owner.


Awards

8 February JOHNSON, COUGHLAN, BURGESS AND MOONEY WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS FOR JANUARY

Crystal Palace stiker Andrew Johnson, Plymouth Argyle defender Graham Coughlan and Hull City striker Ben Burgess have won January’s Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League. And Swindon Town striker Tommy Mooney completed the award-winning quartet by winning the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Johnson claimed the Division One honour after hitting a rich vein of form, scoring five goals in the final three games of January, to help Palace boss Iain Dowie make an excellent start to life at Selhurst Park. The former Birmingham striker bagged two goals against Watford and Wimbledon, including a goal of the season contender with a 25-yard lob. The judging panel said: “Andrew Johnson’s pace and movement have made him a thorn in the side of First Division defences. His five goals in January took him to 16 League goals for the season and if he continues in this form Palace could push their way into the Play Off picture.”

Coughlan has proved immense in Argyle’s defence this season, but it was his form at both ends of the pitch that helped him to the Division Two honour. The Irishman, who joined Argyle in 2001, has been the bedrock of a defence that kept seven consecutive clean sheets in December and January to keep the club top of the table. But he also proved to be a real threat in the opposition half, chipping in with two important goals. The judging panel said: “Plymouth have kept a host of clean sheets this season and Graham Coughlan has played a huge part in that. His is the sort of contribution that sometimes goes unnoticed, but just a week after Plymouth blasted seven goals past Chesterfield it was Coughlan’s immense performance that ensured a hard-earned point against Grimsby. His hard tackling and threat from set pieces make him hugely important in Argyles promotion challenge.”

Burgess has been in outstanding form all season and he is a deserved winner of the Division Three honour. He scored twice during Hull’s winning run in January which took them to the top of the table, but he also created a host of opportunities for his team-mates. The judging panel said: “Ben Burgess has been in consistently impressive form this season. He is dangerous in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet - qualities that have made him a real threat in Division Three. He has bagged 12 goals already, but has helped create as many again.“

Swindon striker Mooney, who won the Division Two Player of the Month honour in August, clinched the Goalscorer of the Month award with five goals during January. After a barren spell the former Birmingham and Sheffield United frontman returned to form with five goals in four games, including a stunning 25 yard crucial strike against Sheffield Wednesday and a late winner against Notts County.

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Lincoln

6 February Matt Hocking (hamstring) and Simon Rusk (thigh) are rated as 50/50 to be available for tomorrow's match away to Lincoln City, they will have a fitness test before the match to see if they are available for selection. Daryl Sutch will also miss the match due to his achilles injury. Daryl is finding the injury frustrating and is planning to see a specialist again next week.

Due to the weather we have had an unexpected mid-season break, which has enabled some injuries to clear up. We have had a good week of training and are now ready for the match tomorrow where we are expecting a big derby match with a cracking atmosphere.


Fixtures, Prices

5 February The Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Hull City has been re-arranged for Wednesday 31 March 2004 at 7.45pm.

The Pontins Holidays League Division One East match at home to Doncaster Rovers has been re-arranged for Wednesday 21 April 2004 at 7.00pm.

For the Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Swansea City on Wednesday 18 February 2004, children aged 12 years and under will be admitted to any part of the ground for £1.00. Admission to the ground under this offer is by ticket only. The tickets are available from Saturday 7 February 2004 and can be purchased from the Club Office at 14-16 Spain Place or the Club Shop on the York Street Car Park.


Reserves

3 February The Pontins Holidays League Division One East at home to Doncaster Rovers scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed as the pitch at York Street is waterlogged. A new date for the match is still to be arranged.


Grimsby

2 February The scheduled Nationwide League fixtures of both Grimsby Town and Boston United were postponed on Saturday. Following the postponement Grimsby Town invited Boston United to play a friendly match at Blundell Park today. The match was a good work out for both teams and ended 0-0.

Boston United's starting team was: Paul Bastock, Lee Beevers, Mark Greaves, Paul Ellender, Ben Chapman, Tom Bennett, Simon Rusk, Graham Potter, Neil Redfearn, Graeme Jones and Adam Boyd. After 60 minutes all the players, apart from Lee Beevers and Mark Greaves, came off and were replaced by: Steve Croudson, Chris Hogg, Neil Thompson, Lee Thompson, Ryan Clarke, Stuart Balmer, Stuart Douglas, Mark Angel and Peter Duffield.


Match Postponed

31 January Due to heavy overnight rain the match referee made an earlier inspection of York Street than was planned yesteday. Unfortunately, due to the amount of water on the ground the referee deceided to postpone today's match against Hull City. A new date for the match is to be decided.


Pitch Inspection

30 January The referee for tomorrow's match at home to Hull City has travelled to Boston tonight from his home in the north of England, he visited York Street at 7.15pm and was very impressed with the work which has been done to prepare the ground for the match. The referee has decided to inspect the pitch at 11.00am tomorrow to see if there are any adverse effects from the weather overnight.


Hull,Boyd

30 January Tomorrow's Third Division match at home to Hull City is due to go ahead as scheduled; no pitch inspection has been planned.

Apart from Daryl Sutch with his long-term achilles injury, all the other members of the squad are available for selection for tomorrow's match. Earlier in the week there were injury doubts over Mark Angel (hamstring), Stuart Balmer (back), Simon Rusk (knee), Stuart Douglas (hamstring) and Matt Hocking (knee) but they have all trained today and didn't appear to suffer any adverse effects. They will be assessed tomorrow to see if there has been any reaction overnight before selecting the team for the match. Adam Boyd has re-joined us on loan for a further month from Hartlepool United, which will give us time to try sort out a permanent deal for him.

Training has been disrupted this week by the snow, but it has now cleared in Boston and we are looking forward to the match tomorrow. It should be a great match, Hull are a big club and a decent team, but we are playing them on our own patch and shall need to play our own game and make it hard for them.


Reserves

27 January The Pontins Holidays League Division One East match at home to Darlington which was due to be played tomorrow has been postponed and re-arranged for Wednesday 25 February 2004 at 7.00pm at York Street.


Trials

26 January The Centre of Excellence is holding further trials for the under 8 to under 16 age group teams. All trials are to be held at Boston Grammar School. If you are interested in a trial and wish to put your son's name forward please contact the office on 01205 369613, Daral Pugh on 07971 616063 or Neil Richardson on 07905 281891. Please remember to ring to make sure of a place.

The dates and times for the trials are as follows:

Under 8/9 - 16 February 2004 report at 9:15am

Under 10 - 16 February 2004 report at 12:15pm

Under 11 - 17 February 2004 report at 9:15am

Under 12 -17 February 2004 report at 12:15pm

Under 13 - 20 February 2004 report at 9:15am

Under 14 - 20 February 2004 report at 12:15pm

Under 15 - 19 February 2004 report at 9:15am

Under 16- 19 February 2004 report at 12:15pm


Weatherstone

23 January The transfer of Simon Weatherstone to Yeovil Town was completed late this morning. We wish Simon well for the future and acknowledge the important part he has played in the history of Boston United by being part of the squad who were Champions of the Nationwide Conference in the 2001 / 2002 season.


Weatherstone

22 January Boston United and Yeovil Town are in discussion regarding the possible transfer of Simon Weatherstone to Yeovil Town. Talks are ongoing and it is hoped that they will be finalised before Saturday.


League Director

21 January LEAGUE  APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

The Football League has appointed Michael Tattersall to the newly created position of Deputy Operations Director. 

Tattersall, 28, is currently Chief Executive of Netball Scotland and was previously Licensing Manager for the Football Association of Ireland.  He is a former financial analyst and in 2001 completed a FIFA Master Degree in the Management, Law and Humanities of Sport.  He will take up his new post on February 23.

The appointment of a Deputy Operations Director was agreed by League clubs at an EGM in September and is part of a re-structuring of The Football League executive management team. Tattersall will work closely with and be accountable to the League’s Director of Operations Andy Williamson.  Additionally, he will be responsible for representing the interests of Division Two and Three clubs within the League’s management structure. 

Commenting on Tattersall’s appointment Andy Williamson, Director of Operations of The Football League said: “I am delighted to welcome Michael to The Football League, his impressive track record in sports governing bodies makes him an excellent acquisition.  He brings with him great enthusiasm and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Michael Tattersall, Deputy Operations Director of The Football League said: “I am delighted to be joining an organisation that I believe has made significant progress in recent times to meet the many challenges facing football. I relish the opportunity to play my part in the development of football’s future.

“I also look forward to representing the views of Division Two and Three clubs within the League’s management team and doing what I can to ensure that professional football continues to thrive at all levels.”


Huddersfield

19 January Neil Thompson has commented that we worked hard and gave Huddersfield Town a good game on Saturday but they had a better cutting edge than we did and some good quality in their team. It was a tough game but we were in with a shout of picking up some points for most of the match. We defended well but we could have used the ball better when going forward and held the ball better up front. Huddersfield's forwards, Jon Stead and Nat Brown, had quality and were a handful for the defence.

Adam Boyd has reached the end of his second month on loan from Hartlepool United. We would like to keep Adam and intend to talk to Hartlepool to see what we can do. There is no match for two weeks which will give us more time to try to reach an agreement.


Huddersfield

16 January Graeme Jones misses tomorrow's match away to Huddersfield Town due to a suspension and Mark Angel is likely to be unavailable due to a hamstring strain. Daryl Sutch is still suffering from a problem with his achilles tendon; he has seen a specialist and is waiting for the results. Daryl is very frustrated with the injury, but it can't be disguised and needs to have the correct treatment. Stuart Balmer is doubtful for tomorrow due to his back injury.

Huddersfield Town are a team with quality who work hard, they are ambitious for promotion back to the Second Division either automatically or via a play-off place. When we played them earlier in the season at York Street they showed what they are capable to lead 2-1, then we equalised through a good strike from Paul Ellender. We shall play them on level terms, but are expecting another tough game, and are looking forward to our first visit to the impressive Alfred McAlpine Stadium.


Directors

15 January The following statement has been issued by the Directors of Boston United.

14th January 2004

The Board of Directors are able to confirm that further discussions have taken place over the past week with the prospective purchasers of the Malkinson family shares. These discussions have been of a positive nature and the Directors will continue to seek a resolution in the best interests of the Football Club.

The Directors have also seen a copy of the recent Malkinson family press release dated 14th January 2004. In view of the crucial stage of the discussions with the prospective purchasers, and in order to help provide a more favourable platform for negotiations, they do not propose to make any comments on the contents of that press statement at this time.

It is anticipated that a further statement updating the position will be made within the next seven days.

Trevor J Killick

Company Secretary


Reserves

14 January The team for today's Pontins League match away to Hartlepool United featured Craig Smith and Nicky Heinemann. Craig Smith is a 19 year old midfielder from Bradford Park Avenue who has previously been with Halifax Town. Nicky Heinemann is a 18 year old defender from Halifax. Hartlepool United are currently top of the Pontins League Division One East.


Programme, Lincoln

13 January Boston United's Matchday Magazine has had the following review published in the January edition of PROGRAMME MONTHLY AND FOOTBALL COLLECTABLE:

BOSTON UNITED - 48 B5 pages (up 8) £2.30 (up 30p), 19 advert pages (down 1). A highly attractive and very polished and professional programme from the Pilgrims, belying their youth in terms of League status. Unfortunately, it does not make the step from very good to spectacularly good due to the fairly heavy and intrusive advertising and commercial content. That's a pity, although the right (and need) of clubs to generate revenue cannot be denied, because a little more of what is already offered could turn this into a potential award winner. The second half would benefit from a bit more to read. Edited by Shelley Winwood, printed by Queensway, North London.

The Nationwide League match against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Saturday 7 February 2004 has not been designated as all ticket, admission will be by paying at the turnstile.


Macclesfield

12 January Neil Thompson was pleased with the performance against Macclesfield Town on Saturday and more importantly we gained a valuable three points. We played well in the first half, created some good chances, and led by two goals at half time. At the start of the second half we appeared to sit back and Macclesfield built up their momentum. Then we made a double substitution which got us back on track, we scored the third goal which clinched the match for us. The performance was encouraging and the three points moved us up the League table, but there are some more tough matches to come.

Adam Boyd is approaching the end of the second month of his loan from Hartlepool United; we are currently in discussion with Hartlepool with a view to extending Adam's stay with Boston United.


Swansea, Macclesfield

9 January The Nationwide League match at home to Swansea City has been re-arranged for Wednesday 18 February 2004, kick off at 7.45pm, due to Swansea being involved in the FA Cup on the original date of the match. Consequently the Pontins League match at home to York City has been transferred to Wednesday 11 February 2004, kick off at 7.00pm.

Simon Weatherstone and Ben Chapman will miss tomorrow's match at home to Macclesfield Town due to a one match suspension; Ben also has an ankle injury. Daryl Sutch is still suffering from an achilles injury and is unlikely to be available. Mark Angel (tight hamstring) and Paul Ellender (virus) will be assessed prior to the match to see if they can be considered for selection. On the other hand Simon Rusk and Lee Beevers are available again after serving a suspension for the previous match against Carlisle United. Stuart Balmer is also available after recovering from a back injury and not having an adverse reaction after playing 70 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday. We have already played Macclesfield Town twice this season and know they are a decent team. The first match was the opening match of the League season, which was played in unusually hot conditions, where we were the better team but weren't able to put the ball in the net. The second occasion was in the FA Cup when we played poorly and Macclesfield were the better team. We know that Macclesfield are a decent team and they have gained some decent results lately under John Askey.


First Division Director

8 January The Football League has appointed Stewart Regan to the newly created position of First Division Director. 

Regan, 39, is currently Director of Strategic Planning at Coors Brewers Ltd. During his twelve years at Coors he has held a number of senior directorships within its sales operation.  He will take up his new post on March 1.

The appointment of a First Division Director was agreed by League clubs at an EGM in September and is part of a re-structuring of The Football League executive management team. Regan will join Andy Williamson, the League’s Director of Operations and Richard Masters, its Commercial Director, in a new three-man executive management team, accountable to the League Chairman and Board of Directors.

The Football League is also in the process of appointing a Deputy Operations Director, part of whose remit will be to represent the interests of Division Two and Three clubs within the League’s management team.

Commenting on Regan’s appointment Sir Brian Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League said: “I am delighted to welcome Stewart to The Football League, his passion for football combined with an impressive business record will make him a first-rate addition to our team.

“In introducing this new management structure to the League we have been able to provide greater representation for individual Divisions within the running of the League without disrupting either its constitutional framework or its financial distribution mechanisms. 

“We have now put in place a strong platform from which the League and its clubs can move forward together.”

Stewart Regan, First Division Director, said: “To be given such an important responsibility at such a challenging time for The Football League, and the football industry as a whole, is a tremendous opportunity and one I look forward to. 

“Essentially, I see myself as representing the views of Division One clubs within the League’s executive management structure.  I will also be seeking to develop the profile of the Division One competition in order to attract new supporters, as well as identifying new sources of revenue and investment, so that clubs can begin to close the damaging financial gap that exists between Division One and the Premier League.”


Awards

7 January FULLER, BERESFORD, PREECE AND THORNE WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS FOR DECEMBER

Preston North End stiker Ricardo Fuller, Luton Town goalkeeper Marlon Beresford and Carlisle United striker Andy Preece have won December’s Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards - the OFFICIAL awards of The Football League. And Cardiff City striker Peter Thorne completed the award-winning quartet by winning the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Mercurial Jamaican striker Fuller has been in devastating form for Preston North End this season after recovering from a knee ligament injury that curtailed much of last season. He scored five goals during December, including a hat-trick in the derby victory against Burnley, to take his tally to 14 for the season and help push North End towards the Division One Play Off zone. The judging panel said: “Ricardo Fuller has been a favourite with the North End fans since his arrival in June 2002. This season he has been in fantastic form and his goals have helped Preston make a real challenge for the Play Off places. His pace, power and undoubted skill have made him a real handful for defenders and his hat-trick against local rivals Burnley will surely secure his place in North End folklore.”

Luton goalkeeper Beresford has been in impressive form all season as the Hatters have mounted another serious challenge for promotion from Division Two. The veteran keeper, who joined Luton in October 2003, has helped shore up a defence that had conceded 29 goals in 15 League games before his arrival. He conceded just two goals during December. The judging panel said: “Marlon Beresford’s commanding presence at the back and shot-stopping ability helped save several points during December to keep Luton’s promotion challenge on track. He has brought valuable experience into the side and the fact that Luton have only conceded seven goals in the nine League games since his arrival demonstrates his importance.”

Veteran striker Preece started December as manager of Bury but ended it by helping mastermind an incredible change in fortune at Division Three basement club Carlisle United. The Cumbrians had lost 12 League games in a row and were 15 points adrift at the bottom of the table before the 36-year-old was snapped up following his departure from Gigg Lane. But since Preece’s arrival Carlisle have been unbeaten, winning two and drawing one in December to close the gap and make survival a real possibility again. The judging panel said: “It is rare that one player has such an impact on a club, but Andy Preece’s arrival and Carlisle’s turnaround in fortunes cannot be a coincidence. He has been using his undoubted experience to lead the line brilliantly and after scoring on has debut he has helped create many of Carlisle’s goals.”

Thorne has followed his Cardiff City teammate Robert Earnshaw by picking up the Goalscorer of the Month award. The 30-year-old scored seven times during December to take his season’s tally to 12 goals. He scored in five out of six games during the month including a hat-trick against his former club Stoke and a vital last-minute equaliser against Preston.

These new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Tickets

6 January Admission to the Nationwide League match at home to Hull City on Saturday 31 January 2004 is by ticket for Hull City supporters; the tickets are available from Hull City.

The Nationwide League match against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Saturday 7 February 2004 has not been designated as all ticket, admission will be by paying at the turnstile.


Carlisle, Swansea

5 January Neil Thompson has advised that too many players didn't play as they are capable of doing in the defeat away to Carlisle United on Saturday. Carlisle's first goal was a shocker which resulted from sloppy defending. For Carlisle's second goal Ben Chapman got injured at an inopportune time, but we should still have dealt with the cross better. We weren't as dangerous in attack as we should have been but this improved after the substitutions were made. When Stuart Douglas and Neil Redfearn came on we looked more likely to score than we had before. It is frustrating that we don't seem able to achieve consistency at an acceptable level of performance. We appear to make progress then take a step backwards. We are not losing by a lot in recent matches but we are suffering for the mistakes we are making.

Due to Swansea City progressing to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup the Nationwide League match scheduled for Saturday 24 January 2004 will need to be re-arranged for an alternative date.


Carlisle

2 January For tomorrow's match away to Carlisle United Lee Beevers and Simon Rusk are suspended. In addition Graeme Jones is struggling with an ankle injury and will be assessed tomorrow to see if he is available for selection. Lee and Simon are due to serve their suspensions tomorrow and be available for the next match but Simon Weatherstone and Ben Chapman are then due to serve a suspension.

Carlisle United have had some better results lately but they were likely to have an upturn in form at some stage this season after making a bad start. We haven't had any easy matches this season; tomorrow won't be an exception and we shall need to be ready for Carlisle.


Beevers, Hogg

31 December The appeal to the Football Association concerning Lee Beever's dismissal in the match away to Rochdale has failed, therefore Lee has incurred a one match suspension which is due to be served for the match away to Carlisle United on Saturday 3 January 2004.

Chris Hogg has signed on loan from Ipswich Town until the end of the season.


Book, Chairman

30 December

The Sunday Times have provided the following review of Grahame Lloyd's book One Hell Of A Season.

"To be honest, the prospect of reading a book that charts a season in the lives of Lincoln and Boston is about as appetising as being told that you will have to live on a diet of tripe and chips for the rest of your life. But don't be put off.

One Hell of a Season will ring bells with every fan who has stood on the terraces with a lump in his throat, beseeching hapless heroes to find some way of getting the ball into their opponents net more often than they manage to get it in ours. It's a sorry all-to- familiar tale.

Lloyd's gift is in making us care about the fate of Lincoln City and Boston United - clubs whose players and officials, highs and lows and contrasting fortunes mean nothing to us in the beginning, but whom we end up rooting for just as surely as if we were standing on the terraces with the diehards.

One Hell of a Season shows how the other half lives, introducing us to the characters who make football in the lower divisions tick, and highlights the sacrifices made by players, club officials and fans alike. Ultimately, it is a feel-good story, but it should nevertheless serve as a salutary warning to every club in the land.

The Sunday Times

The following statement has been issued by Des Wood.

29th December 2003.

Pilgrims Progress? The Story so far!

Firstly I must congratulate our team on a tremendous second half display against Lincoln on Boxing Day. We didn't pick up any points but we certainly deserved a share of them. Our position in the league does not in my view reflect the way we are playing with so many losses to the odd goal, and we certainly outran Lincoln with only 10 men on the park. It was fantastic to see the away trend bucked at Scunthorpe when we ran out winners by that odd goal after a fighting display and which has lifted us to 18th position.

Its sad that the efforts on the field are being overshadowed by those off the field and that as time goes by it tends to be the recent events that get the attention and the historical gets forgotten and pushed into the background. I have made it a policy to ignore the small ill informed minority, including our past Secretary, who sadly writes on Pilgrims Patter with such passion yet with such a lack of knowledge or understanding. Perhaps in the interests of the true fans they should be corrected. We all know that my options on the Malkinsons BUFC shares and their personal ownership of the ground, expire on 31st December, and that the New year will say goodbye to the opportunity we had for setting the finances of the Club right and relocation to a stadium worthy of Boston. Probably what has been lost sight of is the detail of the original deal with the Malkinsons and the events over the last two years, which have led up to the position pending in 2004. When my team and I came on the scene in 2002 we had an agreed plan with the Malkinsons to relocate the Club and turn York Street into a supermarket thus making the Malkinsons a bucket load of money. At the same time out of the profits my development company would make we would plough back sufficient to help fund a new stadium and to set the Clubs finances right. We never intended to invest in the football club although we did agree that we would help raise loans of £400,000 from banks supported by the security of the Malkinsons land. It was our intention when the property deal had been concluded to find a way to pass the Club over to the supporters.

So what went wrong?

Well first of all when we got into the management of the Club we found that figures given to us and supposedly reflecting the financial position were grossly inaccurate and that the debts were a lot larger than we were led to believe. The projections provided were wildly out and writs and winding up orders were flying about as a daily routine. It took us time to negotiate with creditors and stabilise the position only to find that the former management had been very naughty and that we were in the midst of an FA enquiry. There was a great deal of doubt as to whether or not the Club would take its place in the Football League but the new management provided by my team was a large influencing factor in securing recognition and acceptance by the FA. There was a tremendous effort made by our team to achieve ground and stadium standards and improve the infrastructure of the Club, however the price paid by the Malkinsons and their appointees were personal bans and fines and the Club suffered a deduction of 4 precious points and fined £100,000. Despite all of this we, not the Malkinsons, achieved acceptable ground and stadium standards, maintained the Club in the Division in its first year, and kept it afloat.

During all of this very time consuming period the Malkinsons had failed to raise the agreed £400,000 and in the absence of anyone else, the only option was for me to provide that money. My company injected £200,000 on the security of the land and when the next £200,000 was needed the Malkinsons refused to honour the agreed business plan and would not extend the security. Since that time the Malkinsons have consistently refused to give any help, have put block after block on our requirements to achieve planning, and have withdrawn from the Board of Directors, the last resignation being Andrew Malkinson in January 2003. We always encouraged Andrew to remain on the Board and he carried out day-to-day duties and was fully informed on all matters right up to his resignation. All we required was an extension of 12 months to our options and cooperation from the Malkinsons to achieve all that we had dreamed of for Boston United FC, and still do to this day.

With the Malkinsons refusing to give any support we set about raising the Clubs profile by forming a separate promotions company in 2003 with the sole purpose of raising monies for the Club. I have put in excess of £110,000 of my Company's monies into BUFC (BP) Ltd and this has gone over to help fund the Club in its time of need. We have also funded on numerous occasions the clubs additional requirements on a short-term basis, even last week we helped fund again the staff wages having had refusals from the Malkinsons and the so called new buyer. We have actively sought out investors for the Club but the Malkinsons have always insisted on retaining 76% of the Ordinary Share Capital so when we found an interested party in October of this year willing to invest £100,000 in ordinary shares they blocked it. The arrangement with the Clubs major creditors are backed by my group and you only have to ask the staff and the business's we now deal with in and around Boston to confirm that they are happy and confident in the existing management.

I can confirm that we received, just last week, from the Malkinsons the original £200,000 back, but only following our appointment of a receiver to sell the ground and recover the money. There has never been any danger from this action as the Club has always had a lease to protect it. We have now been advised by the Malkinsons that they intend to review the rent in January 2005 and we have had official notice of that. I have already used some of our recovered monies to fund the Club ongoing and the balance will make a very useful war chest to repel any unwanted boarders seeking to hinder The Pilgrims Progress.

I have openly said we would not oppose a genuinely interested party who may want to buy the Malkinson family shareholding and provide sufficient financial support to take the Club forward. It appears that opportunity does not go both ways. We have already cooperated fully with an interested buyer provided by the Malkinsons but they will not even entertain a meeting with any other party provided by us even though this may be in the best interests of the Club. The Club needs new money and it needs someone to stand in our boots and provide all the support and expertise that we have given over the last two years.

So we come to the burning question what is going to happen in 2004? BBC's Scott Dalton asked me on Boxing Day, why don't you just walk away? Well my answer to that question is many fold but the following are foremost in my mind:

1. If I had walked away last week who would have paid the salaries?

2. I want to ensure that despite comments made indirectly that our very worthy staff are protected at all times.

3. Are the Malkinsons going to come back in and manage the Club? We have asked them on a number of occasions if they want to appoint Directors and if they will be funding the Club in the future, but have had no response.

4. We have put hard cash and effort into the Club and we want any investor to stand fully in our place. Bear in mind that we only came in to conclude a property deal and in my opinion we have been improperly blocked and as a result given two years effort all for the ultimate benefit of the Malkinsons. Was this their objective all the time? I always recall Richard Tinn Solicitor saying that we had already helped the Malkinsons achieve one of their objectives namely to keep them out of football for two years. Was this their plan from the start?

5. We want to be reassured of any investor's financial position and ability to fund the Club going forward and to be convinced that there is nothing lurking that may damage the good work done for the Club to date. In this connection we discovered a connection between our so-called buyers and banned former manager Steve Evans. Our questions on this issue to the Malkinsons Solicitor remain unsatisfactorily answered, although it was good to hear Steve on BBC set the record straight by publicly confirming that he is not a part of the so called consortium and that he will not return to York Street under any new ownership.

6. We still have to settle the issue with the Malkinsons over the sale value of Spain Place property. The property was incorrectly sold to the family whilst they were represented at Directorship level, and at a low value, and we have an offer on the table to pay £68,000 compared with the £23,000 paid by the Malkinsons. Needless to say at the present time they are blocking the rectification of that position. This is just plain cheating and at a time when the Club is in dire need of these funds.

All of these issues I consider essential to resolve or have satisfactory answers to, and the Board believe it to be their responsibility to deal with them. We have honoured our part of the 2002 agreement with the Malkinsons to the full and will continue to carry out our contractual duties. The Board of Directors remains myself, Tim Ruck and recently appointed Trevor Killick and the day-to-day running remains in the hands of this Board until legally changed. As they say "watch this space". My team remain dedicated to doing the very best for BUFC, this can still be achieved by someone tabling an acceptable package, or by the Malkinsons coming back to the table and trying to do the honourable thing by renegotiating the property deal, or even a combination of both. Whatever is best for Boston.

May I take this opportunity of thanking for all their efforts during 2003, our Manager Neil Thompson, his team and players, our very long suffering staff and of course all our loyal supporters. We look forward to achieving the results on and off the pitch in 2004. A very happy New Year Boston.

D Wood

Chairman


Scunthorpe

29 December Neil Thompson was pleased with the performance and to gain three points in yesterday's victory away to Scunthorpe United. We changed the team tactically after assessing the opposition, worked hard, were fluid and played with a spirited determination. We defended terrifically well, winning headers and getting bodies in the way of the ball; Paul Bastock hardly had to make a save all match. By playing with three defenders and wing-backs we were able to give Scunthorpe's wingers close attention as well as cover their strikers. The formation also provided us with three strikers which gave us more options up front. It was tough to play two matches in three days, but after the draws and defeats in the previous four matches it was good to bounce back with a win especially away from home. It was an important three points which has given everyone a boost.

We now have another important match away to Carlisle United on Saturday when further changes will be needed as Lee Beevers and Simon Rusk are suspended for one match. Simon's suspension is due to an accumulation of five bookings and Lee's is due to his dismissal away to Rochdale which we have appealed against and are awaiting a decision.


Lincoln

27 December Neil Thompson has commented that yesterday's match against Lincoln City was nip and tuck between two committed teams and that we did well when we had 10 men on the pitch. The players are very down as in the last two matches there has been a bit of detail which is missing in our game which we will try to put right. We didn't create a lot of chances and do enough in the final third of the pitch.

There was a good training session today in preparation for tomorrow's match away to Scunthorpe United. Daryl Sutch is expected to be unavailable due to achilles injury and Mark Greaves trained today with a sore calf. Simon Rusk had cramp after yesterday's match but all the players were sore as they had worked hard on a heavy pitch.


Lincoln, Shop

24 December For the Boxing Day match at home to Lincoln City, Simon Rusk (hamstring) and Daryl Sutch (achilles) are unlikely to be available. Adam Boyd has a groin strain but it is hoped he will be available for selection. Paul Ellender and Tom Bennett are available again after serving a suspension and recovering from injury respectively. A derby match is always a great occasion for supporters, we hope to have a good crowd and expect another tough game. The action can be fast and furious but we want the players to use their heads and to stay in control.

The Club Shop now has in stock:

The Club Shop will close after the Lincoln City match on Boxing Day and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2004.


Lincoln Tickets, Rochdale, Potter

22 December The current situation regarding the tickets for the Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Lincoln City on Boxing Day is:

Neil Thompson was disappointed with the result away to Rochdale on Saturday. We didn't play bad, it was a tight game, but we didn't have sufficient threat in the last third of the pitch. We conceded a poor goal when we didn't deal with the ball well enough on a number of occasions before Rochdale actually put it in the net. We had one or two chances, especially in the first half, but we didn't do the most important part of actually putting the ball in the net. We felt that the sending off of Lee Beevers was a harsh decision and shall be making an appeal. There were also harsh decisions for the bookings of Simon Rusk, Adam Boyd and Simon Weatherstone. The first two were fouls but weren't dangerous and Simon Weatherstone isn't a diver in the penalty area. We must now move on and prepare for the match at home to Lincoln City on Boxing Day.

Graham Potter has now returned to Boston United following the completion of his month's loan to Shrewsbury Town.


Book

21 December Grahame Lloyd will be at York Street before and after the derby match on Boxing Day to sign copies of his book One Hell Of A Season and will have another session at WH Smith in Lincoln between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm on Saturday 27 December 2003.

The following review has been received from BBC Radio Gloucestershire Web Page.

At first glance, a book about the fortunes of Lincoln City and Boston United in the 2002/3 season may not be a promising topic, but in fact, for any Cheltenham Town follower it is a must read. Why? Because Lloyd has been given real access into how a club actually runs - from players to directors to management. It makes sobering reading - especially about the real issues of finance that clubs face. This puts it all into perspective - life in the lower leagues is a real struggle. Buy this outstanding book!!


Rochdale, Shop

19 December There are a number of players due to have fitness tests prior to tomorrow's match away to Rochdale to assess their availability for selection, Stuart Balmer (back), Tom Bennett (knee), Daryl Sutch (achilles). Stuart Douglas and Mark Greaves have had flu symptoms which has affected other members of the squad earlier in the week, but it is hoped they will be available. In addition Paul Ellender is suspended for the match. If Neil Redfearn is selected he will complete 900 appearances; this will be a fantastic achievement for someone who is a credit to his profession and a good role model. Neil has tremendous enthusiasm and desire and plays every match at full throttle.

Rochdale are know as a passing team and they got back on track last week with their victory over Bury. We are expecting another tough match as in this division no-one lies down and gives the points away.

The Club Shop now has the following new stock items:


Logan

18 December Richard Logan has joined Peterborough United on a free transfer.


Boyd, Shop, Book

16 December Adam Boyd has completed the forms to extend his loan with Boston United for a further month.

The following new items are now available from the Club Shop.

The following reviews of One Hell Of A Season by Grahame Lloyd have appeared in the Independent and the Lincolnshire Echo

Book of the Week by the Independent's Nick Harris

Eighteen months ago, Lincoln City were a financial basket case on the verge of extinction and Boston United were football's pre-eminent scandal merchants, their promotion to the Football League tainted by the shame of having achieved it by nefarious means.

As the 2003 festive season looms, Lincoln are punching their weight just outside the Third Division play-off zone despite uncertainties surrounding their manager, Keith Alexander, who is recovering, albeit slowly, from a brain haemorrhage. Boston are days from discovering whether their chairman, Des Wood, is about to walk away, and if he does, whether a fresh financial crisis looms.

This book effectively fills the interim period, detailing the "hell of a season" that was the 2002-03 campaign, when Lincoln unexpectedly reached the play-offs and Boston, controversially allowed to take their place in the League, survived. The nitty gritty of Boston's prior malpractice, uncovered by the FA "enforcer" Graham Bean, is especially intriguing. Cover-ups, cash in brown envelopes and intimidation were just part of it.

With the rider that this story will be of prime interest to partisans, there is plenty for the neutral. The key characters - players, managers, fans, physios, accountants, etc - tell their stories in a format based loosely on the structure of The Canterbury Tales. Some owe a greater debt to Alan Partridge than Chaucer for inspiration. The obsessive, trainspotterish tendencies of supporters Andy Butler (Boston) and Chris "amiable anorak" Ashton (Lincoln) exemplify life at the non-glamour end of the game's spectrum.

There is no shortage of lewd tales from the physio's couch, serial forgetfulness of managers' instructions or unusually candid details about coping in football's age of financial crisis.

Where else have you ever seen a senior executive be as frank as to admit that "the collapse of ITV Digital was a godsend from a PR point of view"? Those words come from Lincoln's finance director, Kevin Cooke, reflecting that Carlton-Granada's shameless shafting of the Football League didn't really cause football's woes. It does not take much reading between the lines to understand how a bunch of amateurs (that is, many club directors) let passion for their team nullify their powers of rational thought. Hence you find Polly Bradley, the wife of the Lincoln chairman Rob, discovering via a local newspaper that her husband has re-mortgaged their house to keep the club afloat.

An antidote to the hype of the Premiership and a revealing snapshot of a more earthy people's game.

LLOYD'S ROLLERCOASTER IS WELL WORTH A RIDE by Leigh Curtis, Lincolnshire Echo

Despite what professional footballers might hope, supporters are not oblivious to what goes on behind the scenes at their clubs. Many terrace know-it-alls get tantalisingly close to the real stories through pub gossip and rumours. Unfortunately for them though, most Chinese whispers are never confirmed. The only stories they see concern the facts - courtesy of the back pages of local papers like the Echo, or verbal musings on the radio. It can leave football fans feeling like that great X-files detective Mulder, whose bid for the truth, is often hushed up by the men in suits.

That is until now. Grahame Lloyd's book One Hell of a Season lifts the lid on one of the most scintillating seasons Lincolnshire's professional football clubs have ever seen. It details both Lincoln City and Boston United. Lloyd's offering encapsulates all the "Ooh I didn't know that!" and the "I told you so's!" of the dreaded terrace whisper. Remember the rumours which surfaced at Sincil Bank last season surrounding Lincoln City boss Keith Alexander being brassed off with his playing budget? And the rumours he might quit? What about Boston Neil Thompson and his decision to resign - despite a good start to the Pilgrims' first ever season in the Football League? And who can forget the Evansgate scandal? Big bodyguards and more envelopes than a stationary shelf at WH Smith! It's all in Lloyd's book. For real fans, this is a fine insight into the behind-the-scenes goings-on at both clubs, warts and all. It's told from the chairman's view, right down to the most experienced players and the book gives personal accounts of events from the respective camps. Readers can relive Boston's escape from relegation while at the same time savour the Imps' red and white invasion of Cardiff for the play-off final against Bournemouth last May. It's all in there and it's told in a different slant from those stories you read or heard at the time.

Amusing, surprising and sometimes shocking, Lloyd's book is the perfect stocking filler for any Imps or Pilgrims fan.

Grahame Lloyd is at Oldrid's in Boston between 10.30am and 11.30am and then WH Smith in Boston between 12.00noon and 1.00pm on Wednesday 17 December 2003 and then at WH Smith in Skegness between 11.30am and 1.00pm and WH Smith in Lincoln between 5.30pm and 8.00pm for late-night shopping on Thursday 18 December 2003. Grahame will also be signing copies of the book before and after the Boxing Day derby at York Street.


Northampton, Fixtures, Lodgings

15 December Neil Thompson has commented that we gained a fair point against a decent team from the match at home to Northampton Town on Saturday. It was a tough game in testing conditions, Northampton gave us a good examination and we showed good character to come back from going behind. We had our backs to the wall for part of the first half but were better in the second half when it was nip and tuck for a while. Adam Boyd had a good chance but Paul Bastock made some important saves. Northampton have some quality players and appear to be finding their feet in recent weeks. It was one of the hardest matches we have had this season.

The Pontins Holiday League match at home to Doncaster Rovers schedule for Wednesday 17 December 2003 has been postponed. The match has been rescheduled at York Street for Wednesday 4 February 2004 at 7.00pm.

The Pontins Holiday League Cup Group Four away to Sheffield Wednesday which was due to have been played at Hillsborough on Tuesday 20 January 2004 has been switched to York Street on Wednesday 21 January 2004 at 7.00pm. The fixture change is due to Sheffield Wednesday playing a LDV Vans Trophy semi-final at Hillsborough.

Lodgings are required for young players in the local area. Anyone who can help is requested to contact John Blackwell on 01205 364406.

Richard Logan, whose three month loan with Peterborough United expires on Wednesday 17 December 2003, is expected to join them on a permanent basis before the weekend.

Former striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa, has joined Rushden & Diamonds on non-contract forms and was included as a substitute in their 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City on Saturday, but he did not come on to the field.


Northampton, Isotonic

12 December Chris Hogg and Sam Morrow have signed their loan agreements with Boston United.

For tomorrow's match at home to Northampton Town Tom Bennett (knee), Daryl Sutch (achilles) and Stuart Balmer (back) are due to have fitness tests prior to the match to assess their availability. In addition Paul Ellender is suspended for the match. Northampton spent a lot of money on their squad in the Summer, they have had two managers so far this season and appear to going through a transitional phase. We are aware that Northampton have players with quality and experience in their squad and expect another tough match tomorrow.

Umbro Isotonic Goes Online

Umbro Isotonic, the official sports drink of The Football League, now has its own website (www.umbroisotonic.co.uk) where consumers can click their way to money-off vouchers and win Umbro sports kit by beating the goalie in an interactive penalty shoot-out.

“All sport is as much about fun as it is about competition, and we’ve combined both these elements in a website designed not only to encourage people to sample Umbro Isotonic through their local retailer but also by giving them the chance to share in the excitement of Britain’s national sport,” says Richard Cooke, marketing director of Calypso Soft Drinks, which developed the new sports drink in conjunction with Umbro.

The website has been launched to coincide with a novel pitch-side promotion the Umbro Isotonic People’s Performance Championships in which spectators at a number of Football League fixtures can take part in a live penalty shoot-out with a chance of winning £250-worth of the latest Umbro sports kit.

Action shots of the winners will be published on the Umbro Isotonic website, alongside a leaderboard listing the top scores of those who prefer to score with the mouse, rather than the boot.

As well as promoting the drink itself, the website features winners of the new Umbro Isotonic awards for player of the month and goalscorer of the month in each of the three Football League divisions. It also includes links to the individual websites of Calypso and The Football League.


Boyd

11 December Hartlepool United have agreed to extend the loan of Adam Boyd for a second month when his current month's loan expires on Monday 15 December 2003.


Reserves, Chairman

10 December The team for today's Pontins Holidays League match away to Grimsby Town included Chris Hogg and Sam Morrow, it is hoped that they will both join Boston United on loan for one month from Ipswich Town on Friday. Chris Hogg is well known to us following his month with Boston United earlier this season and we are pleased to have him back. Sam Morrow is a young striker (he scored one of the goals this afternoon), he will be an addition to the squad during a busy period and have an opportunity to show what he is capable of. Sam was born in Londonderry on 3 March 1985; he is 6ft 0in tall and has played for Northern Ireland from Under 14 to Under 20 level. Sam joined Ipswich as a trainee on 1 July 2003 and has made a substitute appearance for their first team in the Carling Cup against Notts County on 23 September 2003.

It is hoped that the loan of Adam Boyd from Hartlepool United will be extended and this looks favourable at the moment. Adam has done well for us, especially his two goals against Kidderminster Harriers, and will be needed during the forthcoming busy period. Scott Brough has been helping us out again. Scott has the opportunity of match practice; he has done well and may be considered for the future.

The following statement has been issued by Des Wood.

I have been pressed on a number of occasions recently to make a statement concerning the position of the Club, given the fact that on 31st December, options that my companies hold on the Freehold land and the Malkinson family shares both expire. It has been, and still is my sincere desire, to see the Club prosper and to that end I continue to work in the best interests of the Club. Over the two years of my involvement we have achieved much and this period has seen the infrastructure of the Club strengthened and the playing performances improved to secure some level of permanency in the third division.

The financial position continues to remain extremely tenuous. We walked into a far worse position two years ago than we were ever led to believe, promises of financial support were not forthcoming and we had to battle our way through the FA enquiry and the financial ramifications of that. The Shareholders have had two years of dedicated effort for no cost and we are still continuing with the property deal which we rely on to fund the Club out of its financial difficulties and to relocate it to a Stadium worthy of Boston. I am happy that the Club is in a far better position than it was before I arrived.

I am still Chairman and along with Tim Ruck, Director, and we recently asked Trevor Killick to join the Board to help see us through the next stage in the Club’s development. As Directors we have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that the best is done for the Club and although it was never our intention, nor was it agreed, to inject monies into the Club, this we have done on regular occasions given the fact that the Malkinson family have consistently refused to help despite agreements made. We have loaned some £300K in cash to help the Club to survive but this is not enough and the Club needs more new money. Of this loan some £100,000 was loaned by us to our Business Promotions company set up specifically to generate new income. That Company has loaned £100,000 to the Football Club over and above the net income generated by it. The Shareholders will recall that at the last AGM the Directors questioned the value for which Freehold Property belonging to the Club had been sold to the Malkinsons. I am pleased to advise Shareholders that the property has now been professionally valued and this value shows that the property was undersold by some £35K. The Directors will now action the AGM resolution to ensure that monies properly due to the Club are recovered by on selling the property at its correct value. Despite comments made by third parties at the time of the AGM this result now confirms the Directors belief that the Club had at the time been deprived of cash rightfully due to it.

There has been much press comment about a “mystery investor” and I can confirm that Trevor Killick and I have met with a potential investor and have allowed him and his financial team to carry out detailed financial due diligence. A further meeting is arranged for this week and we have impressed upon the investor the level of support required by him, not just in immediate cash terms but also in supporting arrangements we have made with major creditors. It is early days but in the meantime, in order to honour payments due to staff and players, we again provided additional monies last week to meet the wage bill. I know that the Malkinson family have gone on record as saying that they cannot understand why I continue to support Boston financially given that my options expire within the next few weeks. My answer is simply that the Board of Directors has an interest in Boston United FC surviving both for the players and staff and for the supporters and community generally. We as a Board of Directors intend to be in office for some time yet, certainly beyond 31st December but we would welcome and support any initiative to put in a saving package for the Club. Of course with my Property Developers hat on, a change of heart by the Malkinson family could go a long way to providing that package.


Christmas is coming!

6 December The Club Shop has many items that would make ideal Christmas presents for Boston United fans. From replica shirts to mugs to children's pyjamas, the shop has a large range to choose from. Grahame Lloyd's book about the fortunes of Boston United and Lincoln City during the 2002/3 season also makes a great gift. The Club Shop is open on matchdays at York Street and it will also be running a stall in Boston Market on 5th and 6th December. The stall is near Poundstretchers' shop in the Market Place.
Pyjamas
Christmas tree
Snowman
BUSA are running a Grand Christmas Prize Draw this year. Tickets can be purchased from the BUSA representatives around the ground and in the Sports Bar on match days. There are some substantial prizes on offer (£1000 first prize) and two good causes (The Special Baby Care Unit at Pilgrim Hospital and BUSA) will benefit. The draw will take place on Boxing Day at the derby game with Lincoln City.
Empire Direct
The club also benefits if you make purchases from the web site affilliates via the links on this site. You can get books, CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games and toys from Amazon and all kinds of electrical goods from Empire Direct. Not only do you get some great prices but you also help the club.
In Association with Amazon.co.uk
Half year season tickets, commencing with the game against Macclesfield Town on 10th January are also available from the club offices.


Doncaster, Market, Review

5 December Due to both Boston United and Doncaster Rovers being out of the FA Cup a full-scale friendly match between the two clubs was arranged. The match was played earlier today, behind closed doors at Doncaster, in the style of three 30 minute sections. The match finished 1-1, Adam Boyd scored after 46 minutes and Doncaster equalised after approximately 75 minutes. All of Boston United's squad (including Scott Brough) played in the match apart from Stuart Balmer and Mark Greaves. The team which commenced the match was: Paul Bastock, Simon Rusk, Lee Beevers, Matt Hocking, Paul Ellender, Tom Bennett, Simon Weatherstone, Lee Thompson, Adam Boyd, Graeme Jones and Neil Redfearn. Numerous changes were made after 60 minutes to include the remaining squad members.

The Club Shop's stall for the market today and tomorrow is situated near Poundstretcher's shop in the Market Place.

The following review of One Hell of a Season have been received from The Sunday Times.

Lloyd's gift is in making us care about the fate of Lincoln City and Boston United - clubs whose players and officials, highs and lows and contrasting fortunes mean nothing to us in the beginning, but whom we end up rooting for just as surely as if we were standing on the terraces with the die-hards.

The Sunday Times


Charter

4 December Boston United's new Customer Charter has been added to the Information page.


Reviews, Notts County, Awards

3 December The following reviews of One Hell of a Season have been received from FourFourTwo magazine and When Saturday Comes magazine.

Full marks to Grahame Lloyd for getting this rather unusual book published...lively and interesting. As a framework for allowing varied and colourful characters to tell their own stories, the structure makes this more original than your average football book...the good stories are very good indeed. Humour and quirkiness are certainly to the fore and for anyone with an interest in what football offers to the community, it is essential. There is an understandable paucity of books about lower league football, so it is pleasing that the gap should be expertly filled.

FourFourTwo magazine

One of the book's main strengths is the way it tells the two clubs' stories. Lloyd thankfully eschews the lazy, day-by-day diary approach by focusing the chapters on two key staff at each club. So we not only hear the captains', strikers' and managers' tales, but also find out how the unsung stalwarts of lower division football - the acountants, the commercial managers, the secretaries and the physiotherapists - made it through a year of chronic financial restraints, severe lack of experience (in Boston's case) and everyday obstacles like poor pitches, lack of equipment to treat injuries, the scramble to sign on-loan players, and merely finding a decent portakabin for staff to work in.... Lloyd conveys the sense of community at both clubs in sticking together through hard times, while telling football's hidden stories. The book is rooted in mundane but fascinating anecdotes.

It is also quite touching to read how two ostensible county rivals enjoyed playing each other in gate-swelled derbies and how Lincoln helped the Pilgrims before the season's start with practical advice on administrative matters. The countless examples of co-operation and self-sacrifice at both clubs - Lincoln chairman Rob Bradley took out a £50,000 mortgage on his home to help save the club - are an inspiring reflection of the daily determination it takes to get by for teams like these.

Lloyd has pieced together in a very short time an engaging chronicle of life at the bottom of the league...the content will satisfy anyone interested in How To Survive Endless Crises in Nationwide Division Three.

When Saturday Comes

NOTTS COUNTY EXIT ADMINISTRATION

Notts County Football Club has exited administration following agreement from the Board of Directors of The Football League to the transfer of the club’s League share to its new owners – The Blenheim Consortium. 

The club, which has been in administration since June 2002, had been given a deadline of December 9 to exit administration or face expulsion from The League.

 

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: "After a precarious eighteen months in administration, I am delighted that the Blenheim Consortium has been successful in securing the future of the League’s oldest club.  I hope The League’s deadline helped to focus the attention of all involved.

“I would like to pay tribute to the Supporters’ Trust for their tireless efforts, in particular the raising of £250,000 which has assisted the club in its exit from administration.

“I would also like to thank the other 71 clubs of The Football League, particularly those in Division Two, for their patience in this matter.  It is right that clubs that suffer financial difficulties are given a reasonable opportunity to re-structure their affairs.  But it is also right that this opportunity is not indefinite, as clubs in administration gain a competitive advantage. 

“By setting an initial limit of eighteen months on club administrations The League has established a fair balance between the interests of all its member clubs.”

 

KOUMAS, CARLISLE, BEAGRIE AND MACLEAN WIN UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS

West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas, QPR defender Clarke Carlisle and Scunthorpe United winger Peter Beagrie have won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Awards for November.

And striker Steven Maclean has made it a double celebration for Scunthorpe United by winning the Umbro Isotonic Leading Goalscorer of the Month award.

Playmaker Koumas clinched the Division One honour after a string of outstanding performances and stunning goals for the Baggies. He was also the star man for Wales in their unsuccessful Euro 2004 Play Off battle with Russia.

The judging panel said: “Jason Koumas has been in fantastic form for West Bromwich Albion. He has great natural talent and has been the inspired playmaker and driving force behind the Baggies promotion challenge. He added to that in November with some early contenders for goal of the season.”

Carlisle has overcome personal problems off the field and shown great strength of character in returning to action and producing a string of outstanding performances that clinched the Division Two honour. He has been instrumental in QPR’s rise to the top of the table, helping marshall the defence to three clean sheets during November.

The panel said: “Clarke Carlisle has been magnificent at the heart of Queens Park Rangers defence during November. He is looking stronger and fitter than ever and was the bedrock of a defence that kept three clean sheets during November and helped take the club to the top of Division Two.”

Scunthorpe’s veteran midfielder Peter Beagrie clinched the Division Three honour after a sparkling month of creating and scoring goals. He still has the mesmeric dribbling skills that he showed in higher divisions with Everton and Manchester City and has tormented Division Three defences.

The judging panel said: “Peter Beagrie has been showing that there is plenty of life left in this midfielder at the age of 38. He still has incredible dribbling and crossing ability and has made life extremely difficult for Division Three defences.”

Beagrie has supplied much of the ammunition for Scunthorpe’s on-loan striker Steven Maclean, who has clinched the Leading Goalscorer award with seven goals during November.

Maclean, who is on loan from Rangers, hit two hat-tricks during the month  - one in a 4-0 victory against Cambridge United and the other in a six goal blitz against Huddersfield Town. He has now scored 17 goals this season and has been rewarded with a call up to the Scotland Future squad.

The new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer.

Each player will receive a trophy at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Cards

2 December The Club Shop now has Boston United Christmas Cards and Birthday Cards in stock. The cards are individually wrapped and are priced at £2.49 each.

Tomorrow's Pontins Holidays League Cup match at home to Hull City kicks off at 7.00pm.


Kidderminster, Market, Reviews

1 December Neil Thompson has commented that we gained a good point at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. Kidderminster went ahead with the award of what appeared to be a fortuitous penalty. At the start of the second half Kidderminster increased their lead following some poor defending. We then showed a lot of character to come back into the match, score two goals, and gain a point. It was good for Adam Boyd to score the goals after joining us from Hartlepool United, he had had a quiet game up to his first goal but the goals gave him a boost. Lee Thompson incurred a bang to his ankle during the match but he is expected to recover OK.

The Club Shop will be having a stall at the market on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December 2003. The full range of Boston United merchandise plus other Christmas gifts will be available.

The following reviews of One Hell of a Season have appeared in recent editions of The Times and The Guardian

One Hell of a Season by Grahame Lloyd (Celluloid £14.99) is a great insight into life at the indigent end of the Football League. It follows two local rivals, Lincoln City and Boston United, over the course of the 2002-03 season. While Lincoln struggled to stay afloat, Boston were bought by a property developer with little interest in football and Steve Evans, the manager, was suspended for contract irregularities. Lloyd's diligence ensures the presence of many revealing little details. There is even an interview with Graham Bean, the heavily-criticised former FA compliance officer. The intricacies of Evans's dealings are more interesting than the unfolding of Boston's debut league season. Lincoln were a better story: the relegation favourites reached the play-off final under Keith Alexander, the manager, who was sadly taken ill last week.

Alexander and his chairman, Rob Bradley, give candid interviews. Bradley, a fervent supporter whose obsession with the Imps almost cost him him his marriage, remortgaged his house to keep them alive. Having led Lincoln close to promotion, Alexander is not surprisingly vexed when told his wage budget for the next season is to be cut from an average of £600 a week per player to £470. Senior squad members are released because their appearance clauses mean that Lincoln cannot afford to play them. A row over bonuses threatens to undermine morale on the brink of the play-offs.

While obviously focused on Lincolnshire, One Hell of a Season will seem relevant to fans of any small club; and entirely irrelevant to the likes of Chelsea - which is almost the book's point.

TOM DART, The Times, Monday, 17th November 2003

A big-hearted and heartening tale of the league's bargain basement

FRANK KEATING, The Guardian, Friday 28th November 2003


Kidderminster, Ladies

28 November Simon Weatherstone failed a fitness test on his groin this morning and is unlikely to be available for the match at home to Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow. In addition Tom Bennett is suspended for the match. Kidderminster have recently appointed Jan Molby as Director of Football, Jan has been there before and this has given Kidderminster a pick up, we can expect another tough match. Our home form has been good this season and we hope this will continue.

Female spectators attending the match against Kidderminster Harriers as part of the Ladies Day event must collect their ticket, either from the Club Office in Spain Place or from the Ticket Office in the York Street Stand, prior to entering the ground. The free tickets are for the York Street Stand. The spectators half of the ticket should be retained for the prize draw at half-time. Female supporters who are season ticket holders will be entered into the prize draw by the club.


Tie

26 November The Club Shop now has in stock an official club tie at £12.99 each. The tie is amber with fine black stripes and the Boston United ship logo at the bottom.


Stock, Ladies

25 November The following new items are the latest to arrive in the Club Shop.

The Third Division match at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday 29 November 2003 is Ladies Day. Female spectators can gain free admission to the match by obtaining a ticket to the match in advance from the Club Office in Spain Place during normal office hours or from the Ticket Office in the York Street Stand on the day of the match. Every female who attends the match will be entitled to be entered into a half-time prize draw for three bouquets of flowers.


Doncaster

24 November Neil Thompson has commented on a disappointing match away to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. For the first half-hour the match was in the melting pot for either team, then we conceded a sloppy goal when we didn't put any pressure on their player who crossed to enable Chris Brown an opportunity to score. The two goals after half-time were another set back. Doncaster were the better team on the day, they thoroughly deserved to win the match, and they have been one of the best teams we have played this season. Another disappointing aspect was that we didn't do enough with the ball when we had possession, we appeared to want to get rid of it and didn't have enough composure to build forward momentum. We now have to get on with the season and prepare for the next match; with that in mind there was a good training session today. We may have to re-think how we approach away fixtures but we know the players are capable.

Neil Thompson, Neil Redfearn and Stuart Balmer have tonight represented Boston United at the BBC Sports Awards in Harrogate.

Tickets for the Boxing Day match at home to Lincoln City are now on sale from the club office.


Season Tickets

23 November Boston United are selling Half-Year Season Tickets commencing from the Third Division match at home to Macclesfield Town on Saturday 10 January 2004. The tickets are available at the following prices:

 
Finn Forest Stand
Terraces
Adults
£135.00
£120.00
Concessions
£95.00
£85.00
Under 16
£65.00
£55.00

The season tickets will make ideal Christmas presents. For more details contact the club office.


Doncaster

21 November The injury situation in the squad is much better than recent weeks in preparation for tomorrow's match away to Doncaster Rovers. Simon Weatherstone is expected to miss the match as he is still recovering from his groin strain. Matt Hocking suffered a heavy blow to his face during the reserves match on Wednesday which required stitches. Matt has trained today and is expected to be available for selection tomorrow. Doncaster have made a good start to the season due to the excellent work of Dave Penney and Mick Walker, but we can give anyone a game and are looking to maintain our current League form.

The loan of Graham Potter to Shrewsbury Town for one month was completed earlier today.


Potter, Financial Gap

20 November Tomorrow, Graham Potter is expected to join Shrewsbury Town on loan for one month.

Last night's Pontins League Cup match against Doncaster Rovers featured trialists Jason Liburd and Daniel Bent together with Lloyd Freeman, Stuart King and Brett Williams from the Centre of Excellence. Brett replaced Matt Hocking after 20 minutes due to Matt suffering a facial injury which required stitches as part of the treatment.

MAWHINNEY VOICES CONCERN AT FINANCIAL GAP

The Football League has described the gulf in cash between itself and the FA Premier League as "extremely serious" and growing - but also indicated that it did not intend to go begging for a handout.

League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney delivered his concerns to the final session of the All Party Football Group inquiry into football finance, at Westminster earlier this week.

Sir Brian addressed the Members of Parliament who will now act on his evidence - along with information provided by the other football authorities - to produce a report on the state of the game in January next year.

"The financial gap between the Premiership and Division One is extremely serious and has only been made worse by the introduction of transfer windows," he said.

The new transfer system currently restricts Football League clubs from selling to their Premier League counterparts outside of the Summer and Winter windows.  The effect has been a 47% drop in transfer spending during the first year of operation.

However, Mawhinney insisted: "I'm not one to go knocking on the Premier League's door.

"But if the opportunity arose to talk behind closed doors about what money might come along, I'd be the first into the room."

Mawhinney also took the opportunity to offer his gratitude to Premier League clubs for their ongoing support of the Carling Cup - support that ensures the competition remains a valuable asset to the League and the most important method for sharing wealth throughout the professional game.


Ladies Day, Doncaster

18 November Boston United are taking part in the Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow scheme. Nationwide, an Official Partner of The Football Association and women's football, is supporting clubs as they encourage women to attend Football League matches. Boston United have designated the Third Division match at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday 29 November 2003 as Ladies Day. Female spectators can gain free admission to the match by obtaining a ticket to the match in advance from the Club Office in Spain Place during normal office hours or from the Ticket Office in the York Street Stand on the day of the match. Every female who attends the match will be entitled to be entered into a prize draw with the winners to be announced at half time in the match.

The seating tickets for the match at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday have arrived and are now on sale at £13.00 for adults and £7.00 for concessions.


Orient, Matalan, Doncaster

17 November Neil Thompson has commented on a good win at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday. It was a tough game, Orient played their part and kept trying. We played our own game, wore down Orient, created chances and showed what we are capable of. In the first half we needed to play a better final ball in the forward third of the pitch. We improved this aspect in the second half, scored two late goals to get the three points. It was good to bounce back from the defeat at Macclesfield in the FA Cup on the previous Saturday and also to keep a clean sheet again. We have been on a good run of form at home, the last five home Third Division matches have produced four victories and one draw. In addition the last three home Third Division matches have seen us score ten goals and concede one. Adam Boyd had a good debut and enjoyed the match; he has a good all round game, is intelligent, tricky and with two good feet. We hope to see similar performances in future matches.

Boston United Have had numerous complaints from neighbours Matalan Retail Limited regarding supporters parking their vehicles in the Matalan car park on matchdays. Also, some staff members at the store have been abused by football supporters. Boston United advise all spectators coming to a match at York Street not to park in Matalan's car park. If football spectators continue to park in Matalan's car park their car may be clamped and a large fee charged to release the car.

A limited amount of seating tickets will be available for the Third Division match away to Doncaster Rovers at Belle Vue on Saturday. The tickets are expected to arrive at Boston United's office tomorrow and will be on sale for the rest of the week.


Signing, Orient

14 November Boston United have signed forward Adam Boyd on loan from Hartlepool United for one month. Adam was born in Hartlepool on 25 May 1982; he is 5ft 9in tall. Adam joined Hartlepool as a trainee on 1 August 1999, since then he has 76 first team appearances (48 as substitute) and scored 15 goals. We are thin on the ground in the forward positions, a number of players were looked at and when Adam became available we initiated negotiations to sign him. Adam is a young skilful player who can take the opportunity to get first team action and help us out at the same time.

Graeme Jones trained yesterday and hopefully will be fit for the match at home to Leyton Orient tomorrow, but Simon Weatherstone is unlikely to feature as he is struggling with his groin injury. Mark Angel had an injection yesterday and trained for the first time in five weeks; he may be considered for a place on the bench tomorrow as he is unlikely to be ready for a starting place after being out for so long. Chris Hogg has returned to Ipswich Town and various options are available for the right-back position.

We had a bad performance away to Macclesfield Town last week which we need to recover from. We came back from a similar performance in the first half away to York City so we know it can be done. Leyton Orient have some decent players and no teams come to York Street to lie down. We need to get back to what to have been doing as we want climb up the League table.


Keith Alexander

13 November The Chairman, Directors, Players, Staff and Supporters of Boston United wish a complete and speedy recovery to Keith Alexander from his collapse on Tuesday evening. Best wishes go to Keith and his family.


Transfer, Tickets

12 November Stuart Douglas and Graham Potter have been made available for transfer.

The Third Division match at home to Lincoln City on Boxing Day is all-ticket for all spectators. Tickets will go on sale for the match from Boston United's office and Lincoln City's Sincil Bank office on Monday 17 November 2003. Season ticket holders will not need another ticket; they will gain admission to the match by using the relevant voucher from their book.

The Pontins League Cup match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday 19 November 2003 kicks off at 7.00pm.


Macclesfield, Doncaster

10 November Neil Thompson has commented on the first bad performance in eight games on Saturday away to Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup. It was a big disappointment that this should happen in the FA Cup, we were nowhere near the required standard and let a lot of people down, especially the supporters who had travelled to Macclesfield. Too many players had an off day and weren't up to their usual standard. We didn't defend very well, allowed Macclesfield too much room and contributed to all of their goals. We need to get back on the training pitch and prepare for the weekend. Graeme Jones was a big loss for us due to his injury against Mansfield Town the previous weekend, it is hoped he will be fit for the weekend, and due to the regulations for registering players for the FA Cup there was no time to bring anyone in for Saturday.

Chris Hogg is now returning to Ipswich Town. Ipswich have assisted with Chris's wages during his month with Boston United, but we would have had to fund the full cost of Chris's wages if he stayed any longer. Chris has done well during the month and now is a good opportunity for him to assess what he has achieved and look to his future progress. Ben Chapman and Daryl Sutch are now fit again and able to play in the full-back positions. Chris would be considered again in the future if a loan signing is required or the opportunity and circumstances are right for a permanent signing. BUSA had discussed a 50/50 arrangement to assist with Chris's wages, but it was felt best to use the budget in more appropriate areas. This was a tremendous gesture and Neil would like to thank Dale Allitt, BUSA Chairman, and everyone else concerned. We currently appear light in forward positions and will be looking to strengthen in this area.

Doncaster Rovers are offering Boston United supporters the opportunity of using the facilities of their Executive Lounge for the Third Division match at Belle Vue on Saturday 22 November 2003. The facilities include:

The above facilities are available at £50.00 plus VAT per person and the dress code for gentlemen is a collar and tie. Foe more details and to book places contact Alick Jeffrey on 07876 780517.


Macclesfield

7 November Neil Thompson anticipates a different match away to Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup to when we played them in the first match of the League season in August. The weather is unlikely to be as hot as it was in August and cup matches are normally a different type of game to League matches. We are looking to progress in the competition but we realise Macclesfield have the same aim. It is hoped that Mark Greaves and Simon Weatherstone will be available following the groin injuries they incurred away to Brighton in the week. Simon Rusk is struggling with his thigh injury and Mark Angel is struggling with his hamstring strain. Graeme Jones is recovering from his knee injury, it is planned for him to have a fitness test prior to the match tomorrow to see if he is available for selection. Tom Bennett is available for selection after completing his suspension. It is hoped that Stuart Balmer will be able to return from his compassionate leave. It is the last match of Chris Hogg's current loan spell tomorrow and he is available for selection.


Ladies Night, Notts Couty, Awards

6 November There will be a Ladies Night in the Sports Bar on Thursday 20 November 2003, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets at £6.00 each, available from Monday 10 November 2003, will be on sale from the Club Office, Club Shop and Sports Bar.

NOTTS COUNTY RECEIVE FINAL ULTIMATUM FROM LEAGUE BOARD

The Board of Directors of The Football League have delivered a final ultimatum to Mr. Paul Finnity, the administrator for Notts County FC, to secure the future of the club and exit administration by December 9 or be expelled from The Football League.

At its monthly meeting, attended by Mr. Finnity, the League Board re-iterated its position that eighteen months was ample time for any club in administration to re-structure its affairs and that any extension to this period would undermine fair competition between Division Two clubs.

The Board also underlined that it had now reached its final decision and that the matter would not be discussed further.  Should the club fail to exit administration before the Board’s next meeting on December 9 its League membership would automatically be withdrawn and it would cease to compete in Division Two.

Commenting Sir Brian Mawhinney , Chairman of The Football League, said:

“Notts County Football Club has been in administration for a period of 17 months, during which time it has received court protection from its historic debt.  While such a situation is tolerated initially because it enables a financially stricken club to restructure, it cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely, as it brings fair competition between clubs into disrepute.

“The Board of The Football League has reached its final decision.  Should the club fail to secure its future and exit administration by December 9 it will no longer be a League member.

“There is nothing but goodwill from the Board towards Mr. Finnity and his efforts to save Notts County and we wish him every success.  It is now essential that those in a position to save Notts County act with the utmost urgency.”

REID, FRIIO, McINDOE AND FORBES TAKE OCTOBER’S UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS

Andy Reid, David Friio and Michael McIndoe have won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month awards for October.

And Luton Town’s Adrian Forbes has scooped the Umbro Isotonic Goalscorer of the Month award.

Nottingham Forest winger-cum-striker Reid clinched the Division One honour despite his side experiencing mixed fortunes during October. The Republic of Ireland U21 international has been Forest’s star man since the start of the season showing flair, creativity and consistency. The highlights of a series of excellent displays in October were stunning goals against West Ham and Bradford.

The awards judging panel said: “Andy Reid deserves this award not just for his exploits during October, but for his consistency all season. He is a player who excites the crowd with his dribbling skills, incisive passing and crossing, and his stunning goals.”

David Friio claimed the Division Two honour after playing a huge part in Plymouth Argyle’s incredible string of results during October, which saw them score 18 goals in just four games.  The Frenchman scored five goals during the month to enhance his reputation as the Division’s best midfielder.

The awards judging panel said: “David Friio has been simply outstanding during Plymouth’s rise to the top of the Division Two table. His skills have marked him out as a player to watch and he has been a real goalscoring threat with five goals during the month.”

Doncaster Rovers striker Michael McIndoe won the Division Three award after his five goals helped Rovers to six wins out of six. Since his move from Yeovil Town in August, McIndoe has proved an inspirational signing and has helped his new club to  move firmly into promotion contention. The awards judging panel said: “Michael McIndoe is widely regarded as one of the best players in Division Three. His goals and all round play have been one of the major factors in Rovers excellent form on their return to The Football League.”

Luton Town striker Adrian Forbes won the Goalscorer of the Month trophy with six goals in six games. Forbes used his pace and directness to great effect during October to top the monthly scoring charts for all three divisions and the former Norwich City player time and again showed a goalscorer’s instinct for being in the right place at the right time, plus some skill and coolness when it came to taking the chances.

The new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer.

Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.


Brighton

5 November In last night's LDV Vans Trophy match away to Brighton and Hove Albion, Neil Thompson thought that over the 90 minutes we deserved to win the match. We made a good start for the first 15 to 20 minutes then Brighton had a burst of pace to score their first goal via a deflection. In the second half we played our game and were unfortunate not to score more than the equaliser. In injury time we had used our substitutes and then Simon Weatherstone had to leave the pitch due to a sore groin. Brighton, therefore, had fitter players on the pitch and were able to go on to win the match with a Silver Goal. It is encouraging that we were able to perform positively with a injury hit squad against a team who were in the First Division last season and are pushing for a return promotion and that we could hold our own in that company.

Simon Rusk wasn't able to be considered for the match due to a thigh problem, Chris Hogg was substituted at half-time as he was suffering from concussion, Mark Greaves tweaked his groin during the second half and was replaced by Daryl Sutch and in extra time Simon Weatherstone also tweaked his groin. These players will be assessed tomorrow to see how they have recovered.

The squad is being assessed, the most pressing need is for another striker with Graeme Jones incurring an injury against Mansfield Town last Saturday and Adebayo Akinfenwa deciding to join Leyton Orient instead of extending his contract with Boston United.


Boston Tea Party, Mascot, Book, Mug

4 November Boston United in conjunction with Oldrids are holding a Tea Party in aid of the BBC Children In Need Appeal 2003 in Oldrids Restaurant from 4.00pm to 5.00pm on Friday 21 November 2003. Boston United players will be at the party and there will be a draw for Boston United souvenirs. Tickets at £5.00 per head are available from Oldrids with the proceeds going to Children In Need.

The draw for Boston United's new mascot, live on BBC Radio Lincolnshire this morning, was won by Pilgrim Panther with 55.4% of the votes. It is hoped to launch the new mascot at the Third Division match at home to Northampton Town on Saturday 13 December 2003. The mascot is being sponsored by Pizza Hut who open a restaurant in Boston at the end of November. Congratulations are due to Fraser Overton who won the prize draw. Fraser has won a meal for four at Pizza Hut, a VIP day for two at Boston United and to run out on the pitch with Pilgrim Panther.

Grahame Lloyd, the author of One Hell Of A Season which charts the fortunes of Boston United and Lincoln City during the 2002/2003 season, will be available to sign copies of the book before and after the Third Division match at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday 15 November 2003. Grahame will be in the Club Shop from 2.00pm to 2.30pm and in the Sports Bar from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.

A new item in the Club Shop is a Magic Mug at £7.99 each.


Mansfield, Brighton, LDV Vans

3 November Neil Thompson has commented that we did well in the first half against Mansfield Town on Saturday when we had our chances and it was unfortunate that a goal by Peter Duffield was given an offside decision. Probably our only mistake in the first half occurred when we were caught with a flat back four and Mansfield scored. In the second half Graeme Jones going off was a big miss for us and Mansfield appeared to raise their game. Mansfield have already scored 20 goals at home this season, they move the ball about well and are expected to be pushing for promotion. We were missing the experience of Tom Bennett, Neil Redfearn (due to illness) and Graeme Jones in the second half. Graeme is important for us as he holds the ball up well in attack. There are some things to work on from the match and some encouraging aspects, one of which is that we didn't give up and kept going right to the end of the match which is testament to the good spirit in the squad.

Graeme Jones will be missing for tomorrow's match away to Brighton and Hove Albion in the LDV Vans Trophy due to his knee injury and it is a race against time for him to be ready for the weekend. Tom Bennett misses the final match of his three match suspension. Neil Redfearn is available and has trained today after recovering from his illness at the weekend. Stuart Balmer isn't available tomorrow due to a family bereavement.

LDV VANS TROPHY CROWDS UP BY THIRD

Attendances for the LDV Vans Trophy are running at an all time high. More than 64,000 fans attended the 28 first round games resulting in an average attendance of 2,316 – an increase of more than 33% on last season and the highest in LDV Vans four-year sponsorship of the Football League Trophy. The average attendances were also the second highest in the competition’s history, with only the 1988/89 First Round average of 2,535 higher in the 21 seasons of the competition. And with the Second Round, which starts this week, including local derbies such as Hull City v Scunthorpe United, Bury v Oldham and Sheffield Wednesday v Barnsley, the competition could yet be on course to break records.

Football League Communications Executive Ian Christon said: “The First Round figures are fantastic and reflect a growing trend of rising support for football generally, and cup football in particular. Supporters have a renewed appetite for cup football and innovations such as the silver goal rule in the LDV Vans Trophy have resulted in more excitement and dramatic football. The LDV Vans Trophy puts teams from Divisions Two, Three and the Conference into the spotlight and gives their supporters the chance of a showpiece final at the Millennium Stadium.”

Tony Lewis, LDV's executive director of sales and marketing said:  "This is great news for all involved with the competition and proves once again that the LDV Vans Trophy plays an important role within the football calendar.  We are delighted that so many clubs and fans continue to support the competition and we're looking forward to another great season."


Akinfenwa, Mansfield, Macclesfield

31 October Adebayo Akinfenwa is unlikely to continue his career with Boston United. Boston United initiated discussions with Bayo concerning extending his contract. This would have involved relocating from his London home to a base in the Boston area, to be able to be train with the rest of the squad on a regular basis. At the same time Bayo may have had another offer from a London club, which he appears to favour. Boston United wish Bayo well for the future and thank him for his contribution since he joined the club.

Matt Hocking and Mark Angel are unlikely to be available for tomorrow's match away to Mansfield Town due to their respective calf and hamstring injuries. Graham Potter and Ben Chapman have trained this week as part of their recovery from their groin and knee injuries. In addition Tom Bennett serves the second match of his three match suspension tomorrow. Mansfield Town are a good attacking side who have scored 36 goals in Third Division matches so far this season and will give us a tough match. However, the players are capable and we have been in good form recently ourselves, which we look forward to continuing.

Macclesfield Town are offering Boston United supporters the opportunity to take advantage of their Matchday Hospitality package for the FA Cup First Round match at the Moss Rose ground on Saturday 8 November 2003. The hospitality is in Macclesfield's Premiership facility, The McIlroy Suite, which opened for the 2001/2002 season. The McIlroy Suite offers superb dining facilities and hospitality second to none. The package includes:

The cost of the package is £35.00 (inclusive of VAT) for adults and children. To discuss requirements contact Macclesfield Town's commercial office on 01625 264693.


Postponed, Withdean

30 October The Pontins Holidays League match away to York City scheduled for Wednesday 5 November 2003 has been postponed due to York being involved in the FA Youth Cup. The match has been rescheduled for Wednesday 7 January 2004.

Withdean

Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club have provided the following guidelines for supporters travelling to the LDV Vans Trophy match at the Withdean Stadium on Tuesday 4 November 2003.

Private Coach or Minibus

Train

Purchase a return ticket to Preston Park station and then use the travel voucher for the remainder of the journey.

Car

Information


Mansfield

28 October Boston United supporters visiting Mansfield Town on Saturday are welcome to have pre-match drink in the only Batemans public house in Mansfield, the Railway Inn near the St Peter Retail Park. Spike is the landlord of the public house which is five minutes from the ground.


Postponed, David Lee, Torquay, Family Learning

27 October The scheduled Pontin's Holidays Legue Eastern Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday 29 October 2003 has been posptponed at the request of Doncaster. The match has bee re-arranged for Wednesday 17 December 2003 at 7.00pm.

David Lee from Hong Kong, who visited Boston at the weekend and attended the match against Torquay United has supplied the following report of his experience.

It was a brand new chapter for me in English Football and hopefully my existence will bring luck to Boston. Everyone knows I am a Norwich City fan but I prefer to miss one of their most important game of the season against the Premiership relegated team Sunderland, instead I caught the 6:51am train to Grantham, then arrived in Boston at 10:40am, but I thought it was worth it. It was also the weekend for Boston United to register their biggest win of the season so far.

I met my hero Daryl Sutch, both on the training ground and on the pitch but again (I had to use the word 'again') he is not playing. I must say Daryl WAS NOT looking very happy on the day, perhaps he was a bit shy but most importantly I still had an 'unwanted' record with him: every time I travelled miles from Hong Kong to England to watch him play, he was out of the first team or even can't squeeze into the bench! Perhaps I am a jinx to him? Anyway I would love it to be third time lucky to see him in the football kit, and not wear a very smart black suit again.

I would love to kick start with the arrival at Boston, the train actually was 15 minutes late from Grantham to Boston and I recall when I go to the toilet at Grantham railway station, it was liked a going to a disco because of their very sharp blue lights! It was my first experience to travel by train and even the toilet on the train was a new fashion -- you pushed the button to make the door open! I never saw that in Hong Kong.

Mr. and Mrs. George Doors met me outside the train and we travelled to the training ground, it was very windy so George lent me his Boston United fleece, I felt a bit warmer with it. We were a bit behind schedule so we travelled to the training ground immediately. The training session kick-start at 11:00am. Graeme Jones didn't have his boots on and we had a nice chat, I posed a photo with him and he asked me 'Are you Sutchy's mate?’ no need to post the answer in here.

The training was light maybe because of the match day was tomorrow with the players jogging a few laps, with a defending and attacking training, then crossing and shooting practise, Bastock was training by himself at the other side of the field. I was still working hard on the player's profiles but they gave me impression liked this: Redders can shoot from anywhere with either right or left foot, Duffield was superb inside the box even in training and he had some nice finishes, Weatherstone had some nice volley into the net but of course nobody pressured him, Croudson made some brilliant saves from long range and had safe hands, Clarke supplies a few right wing cross and Thommo's left foot cross, you must say it was accurate to the striker's head!

Finally it was Sutchy, the first kick of the ball in the defend and attack training went astray! He was with Duffield on the shooting practise so he wouldn't has much chance to shoot. One thing I was quite sure about I will start to wear the Puma football shoes -- as him. The training lasted for 50 minutes, to be honest it was not enough for the professional footballer, I hope they will work out in the gym after that since 2 to 3 laps jogging cannot maintain your fitness, it keeps your heartbeat low.

After the training Mr. and Mrs. Doors took me to a good and neat buffet lunch in a Chinese restaurant. Mind you it was the best meal I had ever had in England so far! It was just like coming home, chow mien and egg fried rice were definitely top class! I enjoyed it. We went to Oldrids after meals to search forsome indoor football shoes but no joy to me, there were more outdoor and turf shoes there. We went to have a quick look at Boston Town Football Club but their car park was not awful so was the club I think.

That night I had meat with spaghetti prepared by George's family and we had a good night, finally I had a clear understanding of Chop Suey! I spent some time on the internet as usual and went to bed around 11:00pm, we will had a quite busy day tomorrow.

I wake up early at 7.00am as we had a busy schedule. After we had a full breakfast George took me to York Street at 10:30am, as Richard was already there. Richard was a nice guy and it was the first time I saw the flags being put up in the stadium! 6 of them looked very nice! It was definitely my first ever experience and I can't believe it was as easy to put them up. We had a nice walk around every corner of the pitch included the Directors Box, the Press Box, the Announcer's Box, the Guest Box, and where I will sit to watch the game; the most interested to me was surely the Security Box, I didn't even know they had one at every ground and it was new to me. It was different to the Premiership stands I watched on the TV week in week out, if you can watch the match a bit closer to the pitch, it is always nice.

We also got a visit to the Referee's Room, the Treatment Room, the Home and Away Changing Rooms. In the Home Changing Room there was Daryl Sutch's shirt on it but -- it also gave me a hint since there were 17 shirts hang on it and Daryl's shirt -- was in order the last one! The Referee's Room looked very warm and nice and I got few photos with the match ball.

We planned to spend an hour on the stadium tour but instead we were a bit overtime by 10 minutes. We had Fish and Chips at Eagles at 12:15pm and I was definitely full of it. About an hour later I walked to the clubshop with Mrs. Doors, doing some serious business by spending money in the clubshop, the Rubber Kit Key Ring and the Team Photo Magnet looked very nice, I also bought the Mug the Home Socks too. I even had chance to see the Torquary United staff and player's coach arrive at York Street. I had a nice chat with a few Boston United fans outside the Sports Bar. At 2:00pm Mr. and Mrs. Doors and I went to the Vice Presidents Lounge to get some refreshments, they were showing Bolton and Birmingham on TV but my eyes only searching on one man, he's here!

I got the programme and as scheduled at 2:30pm I was walking through the special gate (the gate opened by the steward!) to meet, in the players tunnels. Before I went George told me don't be nervous, repeated the questions I wanted to ask that I had prepared 2 days ago with him. Oh he was there! I met Daryl Sutch on the pitch again! But again, unfortunately he was in a smart black suit!

I asked how's his hamstring injury now and he said he was fine and back in training last week, he has worked hard on his fitness and also had a 20 minutes run out against Newcastle United reserves on Wednesday in the centre of midfield, I told him I still followed Norwich City, the fans and the staffs were shocked when I decided not to stay at Carrow Road to watch them play Sunderland, instead of coming down to Boston to meet him. He asked me how did Norwich play on Tuesday when they played Derby County, without a second Daryl immediately said Iwan Roberts and Phil Mulyrne scored the goals. He knows how Norwich are doing and asked did they play well? I told him Norwich was only a better team with their 3 Premiership loan players in the team. After that Daryl presented the autographed football and the away replica shirt to me, this was camera-flashing time!

As for the match itself, it was my first experience of watching a third division match so it was new for me. If you asked for my expectation, well, much more there was physical contact and a bit more long ball game I would think -- as I expected but as a result with some sharp goal scoring finishing and a Premiership class strike.

  Boston United played 4-4-2 as follows:

Bastock

Hogg  Greaves  Balmer  Beevers

Redfearn  Ellender  L.Thompson  Weatherstone

Akinfenwa  Jones

The game started well for Boston United and we had a big shout for a penalty after Weatherstone's snap shot from the corner was chested down by the Torquay United defender, as the benefit of replay should clarify that but the man in black Mr. Hill was quite sure it was hitting the defender's chest. A moment later as I saw the best goal scored in England so far. A long ball from the right was not cleared by the Torquary defence, Jones wanted to chest down the bouncing ball but he got a shout from player-assistant coach Neil Redferan, as Redders teased it up and hit a brilliant drive from 25 yards to the near post, Kevin Dearden got a hand to it but it was too hot to handle! A perfect start for the home side also a perfect start or me! I didn't see many of the Premiership players can score goals in this kind of angle, most of them were blasting wide.

Torquary United number 12 Jo Kuffour, as George already said before the kick off, he was involved in many of the Torquay attacks. Every time he got the ball he created space and danger for the Pilgrims defence, he had a real chance to equalise in the first half after a through ball on the right, he rounded Bastock but a covering Mark  Greaves cleared off the line, as Kuffour didn't hit it cleanly. Redferan was still our main threatand who said a 38 years old can't play wide? A snap shot in the box after Jones flick on was high and a brilliant cross cum shot on the right wing just missed the far post. The experienced man used his body to shield the ball near the corner flag well and he got some free kicks from it, his 30 yards free kick nearly going in after Akinfenwa deflected the ball to the keeper's hands.

The home fans were impressed before their goal kick taken as captain Paul Ellender said something on the pitch, personally I didn't hear it clearly but encourage words. Bastock's kicking was no problem but I just thought Kevin Dearden's kicking was poor, he hit it much lower. Jones had a few needless physical challenge inside the box and shouldn't be doing that, but he held up the ball quite well and waited for support. Torquay kept knocking onthe door on and a second goal for Boston United can surely kill them off. First half 1-0.

Second half as Torquay still chasing that important equalising goal, and the turning point of the game happened as a good play down the right wing by the Torquay's right wing, Jo Kuffour contacts with the ball well with a back heel flick but just missed inches wide at the far post! It looked much easier to score than to miss it! If they scored at that time then it would be a different game.

Hard working Lee Thompson deservedly got on to the score sheet after Akinfenwa' shot was blocked, it took a lucky deflection but if you didn't shoot you won't have success, a bit nervous look to all the home fans as the referee pointing something to the Torquay defence, but only spoke to their players, the goal stood! The bubble was burst for the visitors. Redfearn still the main threat on the right and his free kick in the second half was way off target. Tiring Jones came off for Peter Duffield, as the front man immediately got into the action, contact with a great cross by Redfearn with a superb diving header, only just wide of the post. That’s quality.

The veteran front man finally registered his second goal of the season, again Akinfenwa created the opening, pulling back to Lee Thompson to shoot outside the box, the ball bobbled in front of the goalkeeper but all  Dearden could do was parry out into Duffield's path to slide it in inside 6 yards. Who cares how you score but the second goal of the season is always important.

Seconds later, crowd favourite Stuart Douglas came on for Akinfenwa, it was standing ovation for all the home supporters for the Nigerian. He had great pieces of skill although he didn't look fit. Duffield finished the game in some style after Beevers headed the ball up field, Douglas was clearly off side but he wasn't going to chase the ball, as Duffield did, a quality finish to the far post for me tostand up before it was going in! 4-0, as I said it was nice to see the home side got 3 points, in some style too.

Match rating:

(1) Paul Bastock, 8, well done to keep the clean sheet, kicking and holding the ball well and had a very safe hands compared with the opposition keeper, he had a great one handed save in the first half from long range but the referee amazingly didn't award Torquary a corner!

(5) Stuart Balmer, 8, a rock in defence, on a few occasions even he lost his balance but still managed to put his foot in the last second to intercept the ball, had a few chance to attack at corners but headed it high.

(20) Lee Beevers, 8, solid and it was interesting to see all the defenders were all right-footed, even the left back! Composed in defence and using the ball well even sometimes he was defending on his own with no one helping him.

(6) Mark Greaves, 8, stayed on his feet and cleared off the line once in the first half.

(24) Chris Hogg, 8, didn't overlap much as Redfearn played brilliantly on the right, very solid and compose at the back, good in the air too. Daryl would need to work hard to get his place I think.

(4) Paul Ellender, 6, did what a captain should do by leading by example, to throw yourself into the tackle but his passing was a bit awful especially in the second half, wasted a few balls to switching sides instead of kicking straight to the opponent.

*(15) Neil Redfearn*, 9, No doubt my man of the match! I asked George after the game was Redfearn 35 years old? I was wrong as he is 38 years old! I can't believe that but when I saw the football card I gave him to autograph, he was born in 1965 so he is 38 years old. The performance, the goals he scored, the way he beat his man on the right by dropping his shoulders, only two words -- Premiership class! If Teddy Sheringham can still play in the Premiership, I think Redders still can! (It would be hard for us to lose him!) I can tell you in the whole Norwich midfield I just can't find anyone would had the same quality to shoot from long range like him. In the second half he was showing his age a bit but still threated when getting the ball.

(18) Lee Thompson, 8, He did all the hustle and chasing job in midfield and nearly covered all the areas, he was described as 'work his socks off' all day. One goal and one assist, the engine room.

(10) Simon Weatherstone, 2, well, it was my first Boston United match and I wasn't like the rest of you who can watch the team playe week in week out, mostly I watch the Premiership football on TV. I definitely can't find any players or any leagues in the world 'did not tackle'! Two points I awarded to our number 10 was because he had 2 shots in the game. I am sure he was the only lowest point for me in Boston. I can't believe a player can make his first tackle of the game in the 80th minute! Sutchy can easy play well in this position. I was not encouraging to play dirty, but you just need to play a bit aggressive in football! We were quite lucky to win 4-0 with 10 men!

(25) Adebayo Akinfenwa, 9, Premiership class with his supreme touches, shielded the ball brilliantly and most importantly he can turn and keep going! His nutmeg (push the ball to the right and running to the left) in the second half through Jason Fowler was quality. What we need to do now is settle him down in Boston, don't try to getting him TOO fit for my personal view, he would be a great signing for the Pilgrims. 

(8) Graeme Jones, 7, didn't had many good chances in front of goal but worked hard, fitness shy too.

(17) Stuart Douglas, 6, come on for Akinfenwa and contributed the build up for Duffield's second goals by not chasing the ball in the off side position. Nice chat with him before the training, enthusiastic player.

(9) Peter Duffield, 8, didn't have many touches on the ball but scored two 'striker' goals and only missed by inches with his diving header, quality players and should be given more time on the pitch.

At last I would also like to point out the reception I received from Norwich and Boston. Last year I came to Norwich at the first time, this time I travelled to Boston for the first time, if you asked me to compare it, I would like to say, both clubs treated me as a VIP and made me feel very comfortable, but Boston United did much more than that! I was so pleased to be invited as a guest to the Vice Presidents Lounge, I was with all the players before and after the game, there were many backroom scenes I had never seen before, it was also the first time for me to see how the Man of the Match award was presented.

Can I get the 3XL shirts in the size I wanted? Boston had the home, away and even the pre-season shirt for my order and the shirt measurement was as I requested, 60 inches. It was a special order for me, at least it made me believe the club had made an effort for me, they made me feel satisfied; at Norwich, what I received was the tiny 3XL shirt with 53 inches, tiny!

Good luck everyone. I will be back.

Your sincerely,

David Lee from Hong Kong

Neil Thompson has commented that it was good to score goal and get three points against Torquay United on Saturday. It was a tough game but our second goal appeared to finish them off and then it was good for Peter Duffield to score twice after coming on. This was a harder match than when we played Southend and Cheltenham, our finishing has improved in recent matches and we need to keep going. Torquay were a good team, Jo Kuffor and David Graham are two quality forwards with good movement. We have done well recently; in the last two matches we have kept clean sheets and scored six goals and we want to make further progress. Neil hopes to have a chat with Joe Royle at Ipswich Town towards the end of the week regarding extending Chris Hogg's stay with Boston United and also to talk to Adebayo Akinfenwa.

FAMILY LEARNING AT BUFC.

Following on from the recently held Family Learning Morning a four week course for family groups has now been organised.

The details are as follows: Boston United Family Club.

When: Saturday 15 November 2003, Saturday 29 November 2003, Saturday 13 December 2003, Saturday, 10 January 2004. Please note this is a four session course.

Time: Start 9.30 am, finish 11.30 am.

Where: Boston United Study Support Centre.

Cost: Free. This course has been funded by The Learning and Skills Council.

What will we do: A variety of activities in the centre and stadium, use computers, create a video tour of the ground, create a matchday programme and lots more.

Who is it for: family groups (there must be at least one adult per group) and is suitable for children aged 8 -14 years. Maximum of four people per group.

To apply send the names, address and a contact telephone number for the family group to: Jan McLucas, Boston United Study Support Centre, 14 -16 Spain Place, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6HN.

Closing Date for applications: Monday 10th November 2003 Places are limited.


FA Cup

25 October In the First Round of the FA Cup Boston United have been drawn away to Macclesfield Town with the match to be played on Saturday 8 November 2003.


Fan From Hong Kong

25 October A visitor at today's match against Torquay was a supporter who had come all the way from Hong Kong. David Lee has been following Boston United's summer signing Daryl Sutch for many years, since watching him on TV playing for Norwich City. This week David was in the UK on holiday and came over to Boston to meet his hero at his new club. Daryl was able to present him with a signed matchball before the game to remember his vist to York Street.

David Lee meets his hero Daryl Sutch

David Lee meets his hero Daryl Sutch


Torquay

24 October Graham Potter, Ben Chapman and Mark Angel are unlikely to be available for selection for tomorrow's match against Torquay United due to their respective groin, knee and hamstring injuries, but it is hoped they will return to training next week. Matt Hocking still has a slight calf strain and Adebayo Akinfenwa has a chest infection; they will be assessed prior to the match tomorrow. In addition Tom Bennett starts a three match suspension tomorrow. Torquay are one of the best footballing teams in the Third Division, they have three or four players who can unlock doors for them. We shall need to be up for the match which shall give us a different challenge.


Reserves

23 October The Pontins Holidays League fixture at home to Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday 29 October 2003 kicks off at 2.00pm instead of the usual 7.00pm.

The Pontins League Cup group matches involving Boston United are scheduled for:

19 November 2003 home to Doncaster Rovers at 7.00pm.

3 December 2003 home to Hull City at 7.00pm.

20 January 2004 away to Sheffield Wednesday at 7.00pm, to be played at Hillsborough.


Newcastle,Southend, Special Guest

22 October Tonight's Pontins Holidays League match against Newcastle United featured the following trialists: Alon Hemmerdenger who has been playing in France and Spain, Lee Hardy who was Macclefield Town last season and previously with Oldham Athletic, Danny Murphy who has had a months trial with Swindon Town and was previously with Wimbledon, Clark Smith who played for the reserves at Darlington and has played for Middlesbrough at under 19 level. The Newcastle United team was:Adam Bartlett, Lee Norton, Philip Case, Steven Taylor, Peter Ramage, Andrew Ferell, Martin Brittain (scored 78 minutes), Kris Gate (sent off 6 minutes), Guy Bates, Lewis Guy (scored 56 minutes), Alan O'Brien (scored 89 minutes) with substitutes: Ben Webster, Matthew Pattison (replaced O'Brien 90 minutes), Christopher Farman, Craig Baxter, Mark Walton.

Neil Thompson has commented that we played well last night in the 2-0 victory away to Southend United, there were good performances throughout the team from the back to the front. The first half was nip and tuck, which enabled us to have a look at Southend, then in the second half we stepped up a gear to score the goals to win the match. There was a terrific performance from the players, we got the first half at York on Saturday out of our system, played at a good tempo and looked excellent throughout the match. Adebayo Akinfenwa was left out of the starting eleven because he is not yet fully match fit but he made a good contribution to the victory when he came on. It is still early in the season, but our league position looks much better than it did a few weeks ago. There is good confidence amongst the squad but we are aware that we need to keep going as results can change quickly.

Boston United will have a special guest at the home match against Torquay United on Saturday 25 October 2003, in the form of David Lee a supporter from Hong Kong. David has supported Daryl Sutch for many years whilst he has been with Norwich City, a short spell with Southend United last season, and now Boston United. David has appreciated Daryl's loyalty to Norwich City (13 years from 1990 to 2003) during a time when other footballers have gained financially by transferring from one club to another. David has sponsored Daryl Sutch's kit this season and has purchased various items from the Club Shop. David is arriving in Boston on Friday when he will watch a training session for the squad. On the match day David has been invited to be a guest of the club in the Vice Presidents Lounge, to watch the match from the guest seats and to have his photograph taken whilst being presented with a matchball, signed by the Boston United squad, by Daryl Sutch. We hope David enjoys his visit to Boston United.


York, Southend, Brighton

20 October Neil Thompson has commented that overall a draw was a fair result against York City on Saturday. We were terrible in the first half and didn't play as well as we have been doing in recent matches, but we almost made it to half-time with the scores level. We picked ourselves up at half-time and produced a much improved performance in the second half where we had chances to have won the match, as did York. Mark Angel was substituted in the first half due to his hamstring tightening and he is unlikely to be available for tomorrow evening's match away to Southend United. Matt Hocking was substituted due to a sore calf and at the end of the match Graeme Jones and Tom Bennett reported sore knees; they will be assessed tomorrow to see it they are available for the match. In addition Daryl Sutch, Neil Redfearn, Simon Rusk and Stuart Douglas have trained today and may be available for selection to play against Southend.

The LDV Vans Trophy Second Round fixture away to Brighton and Hove Albion will be held at the Withdean Stadium, Brighton on Tuesday 4 November 2003, kick off at 7.45pm. The admission prices are £10.00 for adults and £5.00 for concessions. All matches at the Withdean Stadium are all ticket, there is no cash admission on the day of the match. Tickets must be purchased from Boston United in advance of the match, they will be available from Saturday 25 October 2003 at the home game against Torquay United.


LDV Vans, Akinfenwa, Reviews

18 October in the Second Round on the LDV Vans Trophy Boston Uniyed have been drawn away to Bighton and Hove Albion with the match to be played during week commencing 2 November 2003.

New signing Adebayo Akinfenwa playing for Boston United against Lincoln City in the Pontins Holiday League match on Wednesday 10 September 2003.

Reviews

The week's edition of the Target and the Standard featured reveiws of Grahame Lloyd's book One Hell Of A Season which is available from the Club Shop at £14.99 each.

Target

OVERVIEW AND LAUNCH NIGHT

EARLY-SEASON criticism of Boston United boss Neil Thompson drew short shrift from the man who has spent more than a year charting the Pilgrims' progress. Author and journalist Grahame Lloyd used the launch evening for his new book entitled One Hell of a Season, Imps Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected to deliver a strong riposte to fans who have called for a change in the United management. Lloyd said: "I find it very disappointing that a handful of so-called supporters have been consistently launching attacks on the manager as the Pilgrims have struggled to find their feet in the Third Division so far this season. "I fail to understand what such people are hoping to achieve by their vindictive behaviour, especially those cowards who hide behind pseudonyms as they post their vitriloic comments on the club's official website. "All supporters have a right to an opinion, and we all know football is a game of opinions, and as a football reporter, I've done my fair share of asking managers awkward questions after a game. "But some of the remarks aimed at Neil this season are beyond the pale. They are pathetic, petty and disrespectful, not to mention far too premature. And the people responsible should be ashamed of themselves. "They should get behind the team and the man who, against all odds and in the most difficult of circumstances, kept the Pilgrims in the Football League. Neil did it last season. And he can do it again."

Details of that aforementioned extra-ordinary season are documented in depth by Lloyd who, throughout the campaign, repeatedly travelled up to Lincolnshire from his base in Cardiff to research his "warts-and-all" account (see separate review) of life at York Street and at the Sincil Bank home of Lincoln City. The 2002-2003 season was a notable one for both clubs, Boston's first as a Football League outfit (complete with the millstone of a pre-kick-off four point deduction) and Lincoln, freshly escaped from the clutches of administration. Events unfolded in roller-coaster fashion and side-by-side they are featured in-depth and intriguingly in Lloyd's book. He said: "Researching and writing the book was a huge challenge. I probably didn't realise what I was taking on when I said I was going to chart the events at two clubs. "It was very hard work. But I am pleased with the result and hopefully fans of both clubs will enjoy reading what was a remarkable season for United and City." Lloyd acknowledged the assistance given to him by both chairmen for their support in the project, Des Wood at Boston and Rob Bradley at Lincoln. From a Pilgrims' perspective the author said: "I remember when I outlined my idea for the book to Des, he immediately came on board and arranged for me to have complete access to everyone at the club. There has been one delicate subject, though the takeover talks involving the chairman and the Malkinson family which I have not been able to go into too deeply. "But it is my fervent wish that, by the end of the year, a deal will have been struck which secures the future of Boston United to everyone's satisfaction." In the follow-up to the launch of his book, Lloyd undertook signing sessions last week at Oldrids' and WH Smith's stores in Boston and says he will probably be in the area again in the near future for more promotional work.

ACTUAL REVIEW

THE book certainly lives up to the title! Grahame Lloyd's detailed account of events concerning Boston United and Lincoln City in an historic 2002-2003 football season, One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected, is a compelling read. Intriguing recollections of on-the-field action are integral parts of any review-type analysis, as is the case here. But it is many of the behind-the-scenes activities, mostly hidden from public scrutiny, which will provide hot topics of conversation among readers. From a Boston viewpoint, the still-lingering and well-documented festering sore of the FA hearing, points deduction and £100,000 fine remains a major talking point. And Lloyd has featured the background to the whole issue as a prominent part of his work, notably including a revealing interview with former FA compliance officer Graham Bean. He recalls all the history to what he said was a case where he felt Boston United should have been thrown out of the Football League before they kicked a ball in the Third Division. Former chairman Pat Malkinson and ex-manager Steve Evans were handed fines and bans from football while United clung to their newly won status. Bean is quoted: "I was happy with the sentences, but it wasn't really about the punishment. The inquiry was about rooting out serious malpractice in the game and that's what we did as a result of Evans and Malkinson becoming involved in a course of conduct which went to the very bottom of wrongdoing in football. "I don't think Boston United should have stayed in the Football League because at the end of the day, the ultimate responsibility for a manager's actions lies with the club." Hard-hitting stuff and Bean's comments look certain to raise a few more eyebrows, even nearly 18 months after the scandal first came to light. The former "sleaze-buster" even describes concluding the Boston irregularities affair as the most satisfying achievement in his five years with the FA! Equally enlightening were some of the background events to the early-season problems being encountered by the then caretaker manager Neil Thompson, culminating in his brief resignation before being offered the job permanently in the wake of Evans' official departure. Thompson said: "There were a lot of issues which were stopping us progressing as a club but which had nothing to do with football and I felt they needed addressing. Things had come to a head and I wanted to know where I stood." Adviser at the time, Dave Pickett recalled: "We decided it was unfair to expect Neil to work with one hand tied behind his back. The onus was on us to put up or shut up. It was a boil that had to be lanced." Those were arguably the biggest issues on the York Street scene. But they represented only part of the whole picture. In-depth interviews with chairman Des Wood (including an intriguing potted history of his upbringing and career), talks with accountant Trevor Killick, discussions with stadium manager Dick Carrington and physio Jim Woods all add to an amazing Boston tale. Throw in comments, views and opinions from various other parties, supporters, backroom staff and players, and the recipe is there for an astonishing read. Multiply it all by two when taking in a similar analysis of the trials, tribulations and ultimate success story for Lincoln City, and One Hell of a Season offers the sort of two-club study which will possibly never be replicated. As Lloyd freely admits, it was tough going for one man to produce such a rare insight. But it's a book which definitely packs a revealing kick. And it's one which ought to prove a rewarding experience for readers and author alike.

Standard

One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected by Grahame Lloyd. EASTENDERS, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoakes... forget them all. If it's a far-fetched, truly unbelievable story rich with good, bad and (sometimes extremely) ugly characters you want, look no further than football in Lincolnshire. It all began as a ode to ITV Digital, and the collapse of a deal that sent shockwaves throughout British Football. From this poem writer Grahame Lloyd stumbled across an idea. Lincoln City (due to the ITV Digital collapse) had fallen into administration, nearby rivals Boston had gained promotion to the Football League for the first time. A good idea for a book he thought. But not even Lloyd could have imagined the amazing plotlines he was to uncover as he trailed both clubs throughout the 2003/03 campaign. A cash-strapped City saved by a public campaign and their unbelieveable and unexpected season that took them all the way to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and the play-off finals. And then there was Boston United. A record fine, minus four points, and the season hadn't started. Written in the style inspired by the Canterbury Tales each key figure in both club has their own story to tell – the groundsman, secretary, manager, accountant, captain, striker and more. But the thing that will make this book stand out to Boston fans is, laced with an underlying sense of achievement following last seasons problems, the little things. How faces from the stands and pitch stand out through their own idiosyncracies. The 'Falstaffian' John Blackwell, chopper and plane-flying fisherman Des Wood (whose arrival via trademark Bentley is said to resemble a Tarrantino movie) are prevelant along with less-familar faces, and their own bizarre stories. The commercial duo of Simone Steventon and Shelley Windwood were forced to get used to life without a bath in a shared caravan while, over a meal, Matt Hocking and lodger Richard Logan concocted the goal-celebration that never was. Boston and Lincoln fans may not like to admit the parallels between the sometimes bitter rivals, but for any football fan, One Hell of a Season is a gripping read.


York, Newcastle, Cup

17 October The injury situation in the squad has eased slightly prior to the match away to York City tomorrow. Stuart Balmer, Mark Greaves and Stuart Douglas have trained today, Mark Angel reported a tight hamstring this morning; these four players will be assessed tomorrow for inclusion in the squad. Neil Redfearn and Daryl Sutch have undertaken some fitness work today and it is hoped they will be able to return to training on Monday. Graham Potter and Simon Rusk are recovering form their respective groin and foot injuries but aren't expected to be ready for tomorrow. Ben Chapman is expected to be unavailable due to his knee injury. York City have played the same 3-4-3 formation in the majority of their games this season, they are tenacious and have had a good start to the season. Our confidence has been boosted by the two victories and a draw in our previous three matches and we need to continue the positive frame of mind into the match tomorrow.

For the Pontins Holiday league match at home to Newcastle United on Wednesday 22 October Boston United have issued 20 free tickets for the match to 25 schools in the local area. The junior supporter with the free ticket must be accompanied by an adult to the match.

The draw for the First Round Proper of the FA Cup will be live on BBC1 at 5.05pm on Saturday 25 October 2003 with the matches scheduled for Saturday 8 November 2003.


Swindon

16 October Neil Thompson has commented on a pleasing performance against Swindon Town in the LDV Vans Trophy last evening. We played with a good tempo and scored our second goal in the last minute to defeat our opponents from the Second Division. We are trying to create our own momentum of a run of good results as success breeds confidence. We are now have two testing away games against York City and Southend United where we need to continue the form we have shown in our recent home matches. Adebayo Akinfenwa had a good match on his debut, he is big, strong and powerful with tidy feet which causes problems for the opposition. It is early days for Adebayo, he is young and has been hanging about for a while waiting for an opportunity, over the next few weeks we hope to see what he can do as he improves his fitness and becomes more familiar with the other players. Scott Brough came on for 25 minutes, he put himself about, put in some good crosses and generally did well. Due to injuries the squad was down to the bare bones and last evening was a good opportunity for Adebayo and Scott to show what they can do.

The draw for the Second Round of the LDV Vans Trophy is scheduled for Saturday 18 October 2003 at 10.30am during Sky Sports Soccer Am programme presented by Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain. The matches are due to be played during week commencing 2 November 2003.


Signings, Newcastle

14 October Boston United have received international clearance to sign Adebayo Akinfenwa. Adebayo was born in London on 10 May 1982, he will be available for selection for tomorrow evening's LDV Vans Trophy match against Swindon Town and will have squad number 25.

Midfielder, Scott Brough has signed non-contract forms with Boston United and will have squad number 33. Scott was born in Doncaster on 10 February 1983; he is 5ft 5in tall. Scott joined Scunthorpe United on 1 August 2000 since when he has made 57 first team appearances (36 as substitute) and scored three goals.

Boston United are at home to Newcastle United in the Pontins Holiday League on Wednesday 22 October 2003 at 7.00pm. When Newcastle played Doncaster Rovers in the same competition on 8 October 2003 their team was: Adam Collin, Lee Norton, Robbie Elliott, Chris Farman, Peter Ramage, Daryl Smylie, Norberto Solano, Jamie McClen, Carl Cort, Lomana Lua Lua, Laurent Robert, with substitutes: Phil Cave, Bradley Orr, Lewis Guy, Adam Bartlett and Andy Ferrell.


Cheltenham, Book, Silver Goal

13 October Neil Thompson was pleased with the victory over Cheltenham Town on Saturday. We were more direct than we have been recently but it was good to score three goals and get three points. It was fantastic for Tom Bennett and Stuart Balmer to get their first goals for Boston United and for more people to be scoring goals. The whole team applied themselves well. When Cheltenham had a man sent off we didn't have to chase the game and in the end we ran out comfortable winners. Chris Hogg had a terrific debut, he was composed and settled in well. Lee Beevers was terrific at left back, he is growing in stature and benefiting from the match experience he is gaining.

Stuart Balmer tweaked his achilles tendon during the match on Saturday and Peter Duffield strained his knee during training today. Andy White has returned to Mansfield Town following the completion of his one month loan. We are, therefore, down to the bare bones of the squad for the LDV Vans Trophy match with Swindon Town on Wednesday. This is a competition we want to progress in and whatever team we field on Wednesday will be doing their best to win the match.

Following is an extract from Neil Thompson's Manager's View column in the Matchday Magazine on Saturday.

Consider this... I don¹t think I have ever been at a club where so much has happened in such a short space of time. The fact remains that if Des Wood had not become involved with the club we would not have a Football League club. Who do you think at the end of every month, when there is a short fall in revenue puts his hands in his pocket? The Football League have introduced the Salary Cost Management Scheme to Division Three clubs this season on July 1st. It states that a club can only spend up to 60 percent of their turnover on wages, therefore you don¹t have to be a rocket scientist to work out which clubs have the financial strength. We get on average around 2,000 home supporters through the gate, we then have to cut our cloth accordingly or else the figure don¹t stack up. If you overspend the club will suffer. The financial side of any club is strictly monitored, we have to budgets and stay within guidelines laid down or else we get punished. We as a club should know what happens when people bend the rules. We are now in the Football League, the club has to be run in a professional and disciplined manner. I know what a shambles this club was a little over a year ago and I also know the amount of hard work that has been put in, by a lot of people to get this club running in a professional manner and restore its reputation. A lot of criticism that this club gets is totally unfounded and without substance. Some people think it is clever to jump on the band wagon and try to undermine everything that has been done in the last 12 months. For this club to still be in the Football League has been a terrific effort from everyone. We need everyone to get behind us, on and off the pitch, for this club to grow. This is your football club and we want it to be a club you can be proud of, not just for now but for years to come.

Centre of Excellence... The club¹s Centre of Excellence has been set up, to give the young footballers of the area an opportunity of playing for a club they can relate and identify with. It is in good hands under Daral Pugh and Neil Richardson.

Do we want a Football League Club? If the answer is YES then the people who constantly back bite and find fault in everything we do from board level to the playing, need to take a realistic view of the football club and where it stands today, and what you can do to help. Success in the Football League for a club our size can be achieved, but it takes time and patience to build foundations from which to grow everyone needs to know there are no quick fixes, but with everyone working together it is possible.

Following is an extract from Grahame Lloyd's address at the launch of his book, One Hell Of A Season, on Tuesday 7 October 2003.

I find it very disappointing that a handful of so-called supporters have been consistently launching personal attacks on the manager as the Pilgrims have struggled to find their feet in the Third Division so far this season. I fail to understand what such people are hoping to achieve by their vindictive behaviour - especially those cowards who hide behind pseudonyms as they post their vitriolic comments on the club's official web-site. All supporters have a right to an opinion - we all know that football is a game of opinions - and as a football reporter, I've done my fair share of asking managers awkward questions after a game but some of the remarks aimed at Neil this season are beyond the pale - they're pathetic, petty and disrespectful - not to mention far too premature - and the people responsible should be ashamed of themselves. If any of you are here tonight, for God's sake, get behind the team and the man who, against all the odds and in the most difficult of circumstances, kept the Pilgrims in the Football League - as you can read in the book. Neil did it last season and he can do it again.

 

SILVER GOAL MARKS ANOTHER FIRST FOR LDV VANS TROPHY

This season’s LDV Vans Trophy, which begins this week, will be the first domestic Cup competition to decide ties by using the new “Silver Goal” method.

Under the new format, which came into operation for the first time in last season’s UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup Finals, in matches where extra-time is needed to separate the two teams, a side leading at the end of the first 15-minute period will be declared the winner. Where scores remain tied at the end of the first period, a second 15-minute period of extra time will be played in full.  If scores remain tied the match will be decided on penalties.

The 2003/04 LDV Vans Trophy will be the 21st season of the Cup competition for clubs from Divisions Two, Three and the Conference and the use of the Silver Goal is yet another first for a Trophy which is no stranger to innovation, with both the Golden Goal and the Ten Yard Rule having previously made their domestic debuts in this competition.

Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle said: “The use of the Silver Goal is another interesting innovation for the LDV Vans Trophy.  By providing teams with a ‘second chance’ in the first period of extra-time the Silver Goal has the potential to produce more attacking football and even greater drama.”

Danny Wilson, manager of LDV Vans Trophy holders Bristol City, also welcomed the new rule and said: “It’s a very good idea. I think the fact that you can finish the tie after the first period of extra time gives people an understanding of what needs to be done in that period. It gives you a chance to rectify any mistake that’s been made and will make teams go all out to try to settle things.”

Danny also had praise for the competition itself which City clinched with a 2-0 win against Carlisle at the Millennium Stadium. He said: “We had such a good time in the run up last year and it’s important that we defend the trophy as best we can.

“It was an exciting time for the fans and they had a fantastic day at the Millennium Stadium. The fact we took 40,000 fans to the Millennium Stadium shows the competition was a big, big success.”

The draw for the Second Round of the competition will take place live on Sky Sports’ Soccer AM on Saturday 18 October 2003.


Signings, Cheltenham

10 October At 10.00am today Boston United signed defender Chris Hogg on loan from Ipswich Town for one month to cover for the injuries in the squad. Chris commenced his career as a trainee with York City's Centre of Excellence on 1 August 2000 and was transferred to Ipswich Town on 13 July 2001 where he was a former team mate of Lee Beevers. Chris is a shade under 6ft tall and he can play anywhere along the back line, earlier in his career he has captained England at Under 15 level and represented the Under 19 team. Chris has trained with the squad today and will have squad number 24.

Forward Adebayo Akinfenwa has been offered a one month contract, he has been registered with the Football Association and the Football League. Earlier this season Adebayo played for Barry Town in the Welsh League, therefore, international clearance has been applied for to FIFA via the Football Association but it is yet to be received. Prior to Barry Town Adebayo was with Atlantas Klaipedas of the Lithuanian Virsliga. Recently Atlantas won the Lithuanian Cup with Adebayo scoring in the final. Adebayo is big and strong and has good feet for a big lad, he needs to build up his match fitness and shall be assessed as the month progresses.

Lloyd Freeman, a midfielder who has played for the Reserves and the Centre of Excellence this season, has been brought into the squad for tomorrow's match to cover for the extensive injuries in the squad as we are down to the bare bones. Lloyd is from Kesteven School, Lincoln and Boston United had to obtain permission from the school for Lloyd to be in the squad for tomorrow.

Due to their respective injuries Mark Greaves (groin strain), Ben Chapman (medial ligament strain), Stuart Douglas (ankle ligament strain), Neil Redfearn (foot), Daryl Sutch (hamstring), Simon Rusk (foot) and Graham Potter (groin) are unlikely to be able to be considered for the squad for tomorrow's match against Cheltenham Town. Neil Redfearn has started running again and Daryl Sutch has been struggling with his hamstring but is hoped there will be an improvement with Daryl next week. Tomorrow's opponents Cheltenham Town were relegated from the Second Division at the end of last season, they are a big, strong and aggressive team. Cheltenham have been scoring goals and conceding them this season. We made progress last week against Oxford United which we need to continue to get back to the form we showed at the end of last season when we were resilient and dogged in matches.

There are some new items available from the club shop.


Mansfield

9 October Mansfield Town are offering Boston United supporters the opportunity to take advantage of their Executive Package in the Provincial Homes Loan Lounge for the Third Division match at Field Mill on Saturday 1 November 2003. The package costs £30.00 plus VAT (£35.25) per person and includes

To take advantage of the Executive Package call Bob Gorrill, Commercial Manager, at Mansfield Town on 0870 7563160.


Reserves, Awards, Road Safety

8 October Tonight's reserves match away to Darlington featured trialists Chris Hogg from Ipswich and Chris Smith from Middlesbrough along with Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Darren Huckerby, Sam Collins and Jonathan Stead have won the Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month awards for September.

And Cardiff City and Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has scooped the Umbro Isotonic Leading Goal Scorer of the Month award.

Norwich City striker Huckerby started a three-month loan spell with the Canaries in September and has made five appearances – scoring in three consecutive games at the end of the month. He has been a major factor in the club’s rise up the Division One table, proving a real handful for opposition defences.

“Darren has proved an inspirational signing for Norwich,” said the award scheme’s judges.

“His pace makes him a constant threat and he has terrorised Division One defences since his arrival at Carrow Road. He has had a hand in the majority of Norwich’s goals since his arrival, either scoring or creating.”

Port Vale captain Collins, has been consistently impressive as Port Vale rose to the top of the Division Two table, making his mark as a no-nonsense defender whose armoury also includes goal scoring.

“Last year’s club Player of the Year, Collins has proved the defensive rock behind the Valiants’ excellent start to the season,” said the award scheme’s judges.

“He has been consistently impressive in snuffing out opposition attacks, but has also proved a real goal-scoring threat at set pieces, scoring two goals in September including a last-minute free kick which salvaged a draw against Stockport County.”

Huddersfield Town striker Jonathan Stead is a product of the Terriers Academy and the 20-year-old has been marked down as one to watch in Division Three.

He has already caught the eye of scouts from several clubs in higher divisions, and has proved a constant threat to opposition defences. He scored three goals in the League, but also played a large part in Town’s Carling Cup win against Division One side Sunderland, scoring one and making another.                                                                                                      

 “Jonathan is a home-grown talent and has a big future in the game,” said the award scheme’s judges.

“He is big and strong, but also has skill and pace. He has proved a constant threat to Division Three defences and is a classic example of the type of young talent that Football League clubs are producing through their youth systems.”

Cardiff City and Wales star Earnshaw collected the Umbro Isotonic Leading Goal Scorer of the Month award after hitting a rich vein of form during the month, scoring seven times in the League – including four in one game against Gillingham – to help the Bluebirds rise up the Division One table. He also scored twice against West Ham in the Carling Cup to cement his reputation as one of the best strikers outside the Premier League.

The new awards for Season 2003/2004 form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer.

Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE TEAMS UP WITH DfT TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY

 

The Football League has joined forces with the Department for Transport (DfT) in a new two-year initiativeaimed at delivering Road Safety messages to football supporters across England and Wales.

The significant six-figure per season agreement will provide the DfT and their local Road Safety teams with perimeter advertising at televised Nationwide Football League games in Divisions 1,2 &3, the Play-Off Finals and the LDV Vans Trophy Final. Additionally, The Football League, through its member clubs, will provide matchday sponsorships to local Road Safety teams and access to club logos and players to help reinforce Road Safety initiatives in local communities.

Football League Chairman, Sir Brian Mawhinney, said:

“The Football League is delighted to enter into this new partnership with the Department for Transport and to play an important role in its  ‘Think! Road Safety’ campaign.

“League clubs are at the hub of their local communities and we are pleased to be able to help deliver such a socially important message.”

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said:

"The Government is committed to continuing to improve safety on our roads and this sponsorship deal will enable us to get our road safety messages across to an even wider audience.

"I am delighted to be working with The Football League to extend our national road safety messages even more widely through local partnerships with clubs and players. We already have a successful sponsorship arrangement with the Rugby League and I hope that we will enjoy an equally successful relationship with The Football League."


One Hell Of A Season

7 October One Hell Of A Season the book by Grahame Lloyd charting the progress of Boston United and Lincoln City during the 2002-2003 season will be on sale in the Club Shop from tomorrow.


Oxford

6 October Neil Thompson has commented on the match against Oxford United on Saturday. Whilst it was disappointing not to have gained three points from the match due to conceding an equaliser from a free kick in the 88th minute against a team who were third in the league the performance was an improvement on the previous two matches. Oxford are big, strong and dogged and try to wear teams down but the players stood up and delivered a strong performance. Matt Hocking received the Man of the Match award but it is a team game. Other players deserving a mention are Lee Thompson for a strong performance in midfield, Graeme Jones for leading the line effectively and scoring the goal, Stuart Balmer for good organisation. Mark Greaves for solid defending and Lee Beevers who did well initially on the right of midfield and then in defence after Mark Greaves was substituted. Mark Greaves was substituted after suffering a groin strain, Stuart Douglas incurred an injury to his ankle ligament due to a bad tackle and Ben Chapman has strained the medial ligament in his knee. The injuries will be assessed during the week.

The following e-mail has been received from an Oxford United supporter.

FAO JOHN BLACKWELL

GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Mr Blackwell

I visited your ground for the first time yesterday. I enjoyed the match and thought the result was a fair one. I was born in Oxford and do not get to see them very often.

I would like to share a few thoughts from yesterday:

Overall a very pleasant afternoon with a lot of helpful, efficient staff to congratulate.

Well done.

Adebayo Akinfenwa is due to train with the squad tomorrow with a view to playing for the reserves away to Darlington on Wednesday.


Oxford

3 October Neil Redfearn and Daryl Sutch are expected to miss tomorrow's match at home to Oxford United due to their respective foot and hamstring injuries. Paul Ellender is suspended for tomorrow's match due to an accumulation of five bookings so far this season, he has also missed training this week due to illness and would have been unlikely to be fit for the match. Graham Potter (groin strain), Tom Bennett (sore knee) and Simon Rusk (sore foot) will be assessed prior to the match before the squad for the match is decided. Oxford are a big strong team, Ian Atkins has done a good job to enable them to have a good start to the season. We shall need to be resilient to withstand Oxford and play our own game.

Lee Thompson has signed the contract which was offered to him earlier in the week.


Yeovil, Contract

1 October Neil Thompson has commented on last evening's match away to Yeovil Town. In the first half Yeovil moved the ball about terrifically well which we struggled to deal with. We went behind due to a debatable penalty and should have dealt better with Yeovil's move for their second goal. We made changes for the second half which improved the performance, but we still need to be more effective in front of goal. It was good to get Graeme Jones back in action last evening, he played for 70 minutes and did well. It was also good for Stuart Balmer to get 90 minutes of action, Stuart has had injury problems lately but last evening he got better as the match went on. We need to improve in both penalty boxes, the problems are being assessed and worked on.

Lee Thompson has agreed to sign a new contract with Boston United from today to 30 June 2004.


Darlington, Yeovil

29 September Neil Thompson was again disappointed with the performance at Darlington on Saturday. There was a similar story to previous matches in that we competed for an hour and then conceded a goal. On Saturday we conceded the first goal through not clearing a free kick, we then had a great chance to equalise which wasn't taken, Darlington then broke away to score their second goal. We are falling short in both penalty areas. The current situation is very frustrating but we are a resilient bunch and will keep working at it.

The squad left Boston at 9.15am today to travel south for tomorrow evening's match away to Yeovil Town. Today and tomorrow they are using Bristol City's facilities for training. Neil Redfearn is still suffering from the knock to the bottom of his foot he incurred against Bury and is unlikely to be available tomorrow. Graeme Jones has trained today and will be assessed tomorrow for possible inclusion in the squad. Lee Thompson has been offered a contract until the end of the season.


Radio, Football League EGM

28 September BBC Radio Lincolnshire apologises to Boston United fans for not being able to bring them full-match commentary from the game at Darlington on Saturday. Despite assurances that there would facilities to be able to broadcast the game from the Reynolds Arena, this proved not to be the case. All ISDN lines - the technology used to broadcast the matches - were not working after being disconnected. Normal service will be resumed on Tuesday night for Boston's match away at Yeovil. There's coverage of the match in a Sports Special on 94.9FM with Michael Hortin and Scott Dalton between 7.00pm and 10.00pm.

LEAGUE CLUBS BACK MAWHINNEY REFORMS

The Football League has voted to introduce a 10 point penalty for clubs entering administration from the start of the 2004/2005 season.

At an EGM at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium, clubs also voted in favour of new regulations governing the activities of agents and a new management structure for The Football League.

The League’s new insolvency policy, incorporating sporting sanctions, also means that clubs will only be permitted to remain in administration for a maximum period of 18 months. 

Clubs will have the right to appeal against a sporting sanction, but only on grounds of ‘force majeure’ (where company insolvency has been caused by events that are deemed unforeseeable and unavoidable).

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: “I believe this is a very significant decision, primarily because it prevents the erosion of fair competition that occurs when clubs shed their debts through administration. It will make an important contribution to enhancing the standards of financial management within football. 

“Sporting sanctions will help make club Directors more accountable to supporters for the way they have run their clubs. In The League’s view this will help foster a more sustainable approach to managing football clubs which ultimately will reduce the number of clubs needing to enter administration.”

The meeting, attended by all League clubs, also introduced new measures to regulate the activities of agents. The new arrangements will make it compulsory for clubs to register with The League all their financial details surrounding individual transfers.  The League will publish the total spending by individual clubs on agents’ fees on a half yearly basis.

Mawhinney added: “Only good can come from making the amount of money leaving the game through agents’ fees a matter of public debate.  This decision will enhance the confidence supporters can have in the business integrity of their clubs. Today’s decision will enable The League to take a lead in encouraging an era of better governance in this area.”

The meeting also saw clubs agree to the introduction of parachute payments for clubs relegated from Divisions One and Two.  Currently only clubs relegated from the Premier League and Division Three receive such payments.

Mawhinney commented: “The introduction of parachute payments is a decision that seeks to balance the realities of running a modern football club with the need to maintain fair competition.  They are not intended to give relegated clubs an unfair advantage in subsequent seasons. Instead they are designed to address the considerable ongoing costs that are faced by relegated clubs.”

Finally, the EGM also saw League clubs reach agreement on a new management structure for The Football League.  The new structure will see The League led by a new three-man management team under the direction of League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney.  The management team will consist of Director of Operations – Andy Williamson; Commercial Director - Richard Masters and a newly appointed Division One Managing Director.

Mawhinney concluded: “By reaching agreement on a new management structure League clubs have created a strong platform from which this organisation can continue to move forward. 

“The Football League is the strongest second tier competition in world football in terms of attendance, stadia and arguably, quality of football and I look forward to working with the new management team to develop our competitions for the benefit of all our 72 member clubs and all their fans.”

The costs of the parachute payments will be met by the clubs promoted from Divisions One and Two, with clubs relegated from Division One receiving £120,000 and Clubs relegated from Division Two receiving £50,000.


Logan on loan to Peterborough

September 24 Boston United striker Richard Logan has joined Second Division club Peterborough on a three month loan from September 24 - December 17. Richard is expected to make his debut in a reserve fixture at Colchester United this afternoon.


Parking Permit Charges at York Street

23 September Parking Permits are now available from John Blackwell at the Football Club Office at Spain Place (01205 364406) at the following rate:-

Weekly Permit £9 per week

Monthly Permit £37 per month

Special rates for Annual Permits are also available from John Blackwell at the Club Office.

All permits will be issued subject to the following conditions:-

1. On match day Saturdays, no parking will be permitted between 8am and 8pm

2. On match day Wednesday (first team fixtures only) no parking will be permitted between 5.30pm and 11pm.

Any vehicles not adhering to these conditions will be removed and have their permit withdrawn.

John Blackwell, General Manager/Secretary


Reserves

23 September the Reserves are playing Hartlepool at home Wednesday 24 September. Kick off is at 7pm.


Darlington

23 September Boston play Darlington on the September 27, tickets are at a discounted price £2 cheaper if you buy at Boston BEFORE Friday.


Bury

19 September Graeme Jones and Daryl Sutch are unlikely to be available for the match at home to Bury tomorrow due to their respective knee and hamstring injuries.


Cambridge, Prices, Turkey

18 September Neil Thompson has expressed his, and the players, disappointment regarding the match against Cambridge United last night. It has been a frustrating start to the season so far, and is a big test for everyone, but we must keep going. Against Cambridge last night we couldn't fault the effort of the players. In the first half we looked anxious and played too many long balls, we improved in the second half but then lost concentration to allow Cambridge to score their late second goal. We need to dig deep and keep going for another big match on Saturday.

Darlington are operating a pre-sold ticket scheme for the away match at The Reynolds Arena on Saturday 27 September 2003. Tickets for the East Stand can be purchased in advance from Boston United's office during normal opening hours at the following prices: adults £12.00, concessions £6.00, disabled and helper free. On the day of the match admission without a pre-purchased ticket costs £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for concessions.

Boston United have arranged the following special admission prices for the LDV Vans Trophy match at home to Swindon Town on Wednesday 15 October 2003. Finn Forest Stand adults £10.00 concessions £5.00, Terraces adults £9.00 concessions £4.00.

A MESSAGE TO ALL ENGLAND FANS FROM THE FA

Dear Football Supporter

You will be aware of The FA's decision not to make tickets available to England fans for next month's European Championship qualifier in Turkey. Given the unfortunate recent history between our countries, we have taken this difficult decision to ensure that this important match passes off as smoothly and as safely as possible for everyone concerned. The FA, supported by the Government, the Police and UEFA, urges anyone thinking of travelling to Istanbul and who might be considering purchasing black market tickets NOT to do so. The Turkish authorities are not expecting our supporters to be present and there will be no segregation in the Sukru Saracoglu stadium in Istanbul for England supporters.

The England team has worked extremely hard to secure pole position in Group 7 and, throughout this qualifying campaign, the vast majority of England fans have provided the team with fantastic support. We are extremely grateful for this. However, due to a number of unsavoury incidents involving some England supporters home and away, UEFA have made it very clear that any further trouble could lead to the team's expulsion from the tournament.

We realise that our policy will prevent some fans from pursuing their hobby. We also realise that our stance penalises innocent fans. However, we are doing all we can to protect the wider interests of the game. The England team is as important to the millions of fans who watch matches on TV as it is to the thousands who watch the team live.

Please do not put our country in a position where our players' and coaches' efforts are undermined by problems off the pitch. Please ensure we do not have to face the shame and indignity of expulsion from a major tournament. On behalf of The FA and all of the England players and coaches, please respect our request for England fans not travel to Istanbul.

Thank you for your support and co-operation.

Paul Barber

Director of Marketing & Communications


Shirts, White

16 September Replica Boston United Away Shirts will be on sale from the Club Shop in York Street from Friday 19 September 2003.

 

In the blue shirt above is new signing Andy White, photographed last season whilst playing for Mansfield Town Reserves in their 3-1 victory over Boston United. The other player is Adam Van Dommel an Australian trialist for Boston United.


Bristol, Book, Dinner, Prices

15 September Neil Thompson was disappointed with match away to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, which to use the cliché, was a game of two halves. In the first half we did well with a different system to put pressure on Bristol Rovers and created one or two opportunities. The second half was different in that we didn't contest the ball to Bristol's strikers well enough which invited pressure on to us, subsequently we were too stretched and very disjointed. During the match we created five or six good chances but unfortunately weren't able to convert them into goals. Andy White did well on his debut, especially in the first half, to cause problems for Bristol's defence. Ben Chapman had treatment near the end of the match but he has trained today and should be ready to play Cambridge United on Wednesday. Matt Hocking shall be available after completing his suspension and other players with injuries will be assessed prior to the match. We have two home matches this week and must start picking up points.

 

"One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected" is a book by Grahame Lloyd which follows the extraordinary progress of Boston United and Lincoln City during the 2002 / 03 season as re-lived through the eyes of the people who ran the two clubs, from the Chairman to the players to the tea ladies.

Boston United were deducted four points for contract irregularities before a ball was kicked and Lincoln City became the first club to go into administration after the ITV Digital fiasco. Other events included an FA inquiry, a bonus dispute, boardroom and budget battles, managerial bust-ups and racist and drunken behaviour, not to mention nerve-wracking performances on the pitch.

Discover how Boston United and Lincoln City not only survived but positively prospered as a mass scouting mission on two rival teams enabled the Pilgrims to secure their place in the Nationwide League and a short-back-and-sides haircut helped to propel the Imps into the Third Division Play-Off Final.

The hardback book has 280 pages and 16 pages of colour photographs and features a foreword by Howard Wilkinson and Graham Taylor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected" is due to be published on 8 October 2003 at £14.99 each. To ensure receipt of a copy of the book complete this order form and send it to Boston United Football Club Limited, 14-16 Spain Place, Boston Lincolnshire, PE21 6HN, together with a remittance of £14.99 for each book required or for payment by credit or debit card call the Club Shop on 01205 357542 and provide the informtion required. If the recipient of the book would like it posted to them there is an additional charge of £2.50 per book for inland postage and packing. Postage and packing for overseas destinations is to be advised.

Name:

Address:

Supply ...... copies of One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected at £14.99 each, plus postage and packing as required.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boston United are holding a Sportsman's Dinner at Springfields Exhibition Centre, Spalding on Monday 6 October 2003. Tickets are £27.00 per head, which includes a four course meal, and are available for tables of ten people. The guest speaker is John McGovern (Derby County and Nottingham Forest) with support from comedian Jed Stones. For tickets and for more information contact Simone Steventon on 01205 357542.

The admission prices for the LDV Vans Trophy match at home to Swindon Town on Wednesday 15 October 2003 are due to be announced later this week.


LDV Vans

13 September In the draw for the First Round of this season's LDV Vans Trophy Boston United have been drawn to play at home to Swindon Town of the Nationwide League Second Division. The match is scheduled to be played week commencing 13 October 2003.


Bristol, Isotonic Awards

12 September Neil Thompson expects another tough game away to Bristol Rovers tomorrow. Bristol Rovers have brought in a couple of players this season and have achieved some good results but we have performed OK ourselves apart from last Saturday against Scunthorpe. Andy White has joined the squad (number 23) on loan from Mansfield for a month. Andy is a big strong forward who we tried to sign last season and will give us other options in attack. Adebayo Akinfenwa is another big strong forward who played for the reserves against Lincoln City on Wednesday. Adebayo scored the first goal and generally did well, we hope to have another look at him later.

Since Christmas Alex Higgins has had problems with injuries and epilepsy and hasn't been able to rediscover his form of last season. We have supported him but unfortunately have had to decide not to extend his contract and we wish him well for the future.

Graeme Jones has started running again and it is hoped that he will be able take part in a match the week after next. Tom Bennett (groin), Mark Angel (knee) and Daryl Sutch (hamstring) are carrying injuries and will be assessed prior to the match tomorrow before finalising the team. Paul Ellender (ankle), Ben Chapman (calf) and Mark Greaves (back) incurred knocks against Scunthorpe last week but are expected to be available. In addition Matt Hocking misses tomorrow's match due to suspension.

FREEDMAN, MOONEY AND TRUNDLE WIN FIRST UMBRO ISOTONIC AWARDS

Dougie Freedman, Tommy Mooney and Lee Trundle have won the inaugural Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month awards.

The trio were selected as the outstanding players in their respective divisions during August by the awards panel, while Trundle also claimed the first Umbro Isotonic Leading Goal Scorer of the Month award.

Crystal Palace striker Freedman has erased all memories of an injury-ravaged 2002/03 campaign to claim the award for Division One. Freedman scored five goals during August to help Crystal Palace into fifth place in Division One and into the second round of the Carling Cup. The award’s judging panel commented: “Dougie Freedman’s goals and consistent performances have been a major part of Crystal Palace’s start to the season. He is an intelligent player who creates goals as well as scoring them. He has the little bit extra all strikers need to create openings out of nothing.”

Swindon Town star Tommy Mooney has capped a dream start following his move to the County Ground by winning the Division Two honour. He scored six goals in a five game run during August to become an instant hero. The former Birmingham City striker scored the winning goals against Southend in the Carling Cup and Colchester in the League, before adding goals against Notts County, AFC Bournemouth and a brace against Blackpool. The award’s judging panel commented: “Tommy Mooney has proved an inspirational signing for Swindon Town. He consistently showed during August that he is still capable of playing football at a higher level and his skill, power and eye for goal have quickly established him as a fans’ favourite at the County Ground.”

Swansea City striker Lee Trundle secured his awards double after his six-goal haul made him the leading goal scorer in The Football League. Lee joined Swansea City from Wrexham on a free transfer during the summer and his six goals helped erase all memories of the Swans narrow escape from relegation last season by taking them to the top of Division Three. A 30-minute hat-trick which brought Swansea back from 3-1 down against Cheltenham to claim a last minute win was the pick of a string of outstanding performances. The award’s panel commented: “Lee Trundle has had a dream start to his first month with Swansea City. He has consistently shown his natural goal scoring ability alongside great skill. But in addition to his goals Lee has also shown his ability to create chances for other players.”

The new awards form part of the agreement which made Umbro Isotonic the Official Sports Drink of The Football League, in addition to becoming the first title sponsor of the Youth Alliance Under 19 and Under 17 competition. The awards have been created to recognise football excellence on a monthly basis in the three divisions of the Nationwide Football League and to reward the League’s top goal scorer. Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the individual clubs.


Loan, Released

11 September Boston United have signed striker Andy White on loan from Mansfield Town for one month. Andy was born in Derby on 6 November 1981 and is 6ft 4in tall. Andy commenced his career with Hucknall Town as a youth trainee on 1 August 1999, he moved to Mansfield on 2 January 2000 and had one month on loan with Crewe Alexandra from 24 October 2002. Since joining Mansfield Andy has made 66 first team appearances (29 as substitute) and scored 11 goals.

It is not intended to renew the contract of Alex Higgins when it expires on 30 September 2003.

The draw for the LDV Vans Trophy on Saturday 13 September 2003 has been brought forward to 9.55am, Boston United will be in the Southern Section of the draw. The four clubs who have received a bye to the Second Round are Bury and Huddersfield Town in the Northern Section and Swansea City and Northampton Town in the Southern Section.


Striker, Škoda

10 September The team for today's Pontins Holidays League match away to Lincoln City included trialist striker Adebayo Akinfenwa who has been playing for Barry Town, the champions of the Welsh Premier League and Welsh Cup Winners last season. Adebayo (20) scored Boston United's first goal after 12 minutes, he signed for Barry Town from Atlantas Klaipedas of the Lithuanian Virsliga. In the 2-1 victory over Lincoln City the second goal was scored by Stuart Douglas after 70 minutes.

ŠKODA BECOMES OFFICIAL CAR OF THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Škoda has become the Official Car of The Football League following the signing of a three-season sponsorship agreement between The Football League and Škoda UK.

The new agreement will see Škoda meet all the vehicle requirements of the League's staff. In return, Skoda will enjoy 'Official' status within the League's official suppliers programme and will receive advertising, display and hospitality rights at the League's five annual finals (Play-offs, Carling Cup and LDV Vans Trophy).

Mary Newcombe, Head of Marketing for Škoda UK, said, "We are delighted to be associated with The Football League. This is a completely new area of involvement for Škoda and provides us an opportunity to work closely with the League's 72 member clubs. All of these clubs have a loyal and passionate fan base; just as Škoda has one of the highest customer loyalty levels within the automotive industry. Our aim is to encourage our retailers to develop links with their local teams, producing relationships that we are sure will be mutually beneficial."

Commenting, Football League Commercial Director Richard Masters said, "As a company Škoda has established a long and successful sporting heritage. To date, the majority of this success has occurred in motor sport, therefore it gives me great pleasure to welcome Škoda to the football fold and to this relationship with The Football League."

Skoda Octavia vRS

Picture of the Octavia vRS with Wayne Routledge, (left) and Curtis Fleming, Captain, from Crystal Palace FC.


LDV Vans, Cards, Attendances

9 September The draw for the First Round of this season's LDV Vans Trophy will take place at 10.30am on Saturday 13 September 2003 live on Sky Sports Soccer AM programme. The draw will consist of 48 Nationwide League clubs and 12 Nationwide Conference clubs with four clubs receiving a bye to the Second Round. The First Round matches are scheduled for week commencing 13 October 2003.

The Boston United Club Shop can now accept payment for goods by credit and debit cards. The Club Shop is able to accept payment by this method either with the cardholder being present when the transaction is completed or by taking the necessary details by telephone. This facility in the Club Shop has been set up for the purchase of merchandise items only; this facility cannot be used to pay for match tickets.

DIVISION THREE CROWD BOOM KEEPS ATTENDANCES ON UPWARD CURVE

Attendances levels at matches in the Nationwide Football League have continued their upward climb during the first month of the new season, largely thanks to an increase of some 26% in Division Three.Across the League, attendances rose by 9%, to an average of 9,298 for the 178 League matches played in August.  In Division One crowds averaged 15,384 (+5%), while in Divisions Two and Three the respective average attendances were 7,235 (+4%) and 5,341 (+26%).  Crowds totalled 1,655,016 for the month as a whole.

Commenting Sir Brian Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League, said: "This is a very encouraging start to the new season, especially when one considers that The Football League recorded its best attendances for 38 years just last season. This further rise in attendances is evidence that clubs throughout The League are marketing themselves very successfully and are nurturing the next generation of football supporters. Our clubs have made significant efforts to ensure that Football is a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment for families to spend time together and their reward has been ever greater numbers coming through the turnstiles."

Attendance Figures For August 2003 (Figures for August 2002 in brackets.)

 
  Overall Division One Division Two Division Three
Total  1,655,016 (1,822,407) 907,680 (1,013,091) 426,877 (503,175) 320,459 (306,141)
Games 178 (213) 59 (69) 59 (72) 60 (72)
Average   9,298 (8,556) 15,384 (14,682) 7,235 (6,989) 5,341 (4,252)
% change +8.7% +4.8% +3.5% +25.6%

Attendance Figures For Season 2002/2003 (Figures for 2001/2002 in brackets.)

 
  Overall Division One Division Two Division Three
Total 14,871,981 (14,716,162) 8,519,866 (8,352,116) 3,892,400 (3,965,449) 2,459,715 (2,398,597)
Average   8,981 (8,887) 15,435 (15,130) 7,051 (7,184) 4,456 (4,345)
% change +1.1% +2.0% -1.8% +2.5%

     


Scunthorpe, Bristol

8 September Neil Thompson was disappointed with the performance on Saturday against Scunthorpe United. We didn't play well but take nothing away from Scunthorpe who did play well and we rode our luck. There were two positives to the match in that we got a point and Simon Weatherstone got some match action during the second half. The substitutions at half time were tactical as we needed to be better at winning the ball. It was a bad day at the office but now we need to get on and get ready for the next match at the weekend against Bristol Rovers. We have a reserve match against Lincoln on Wednesday where the squad members who didn't play on Saturday will get an opportunity to play.

The reserves match on Wednesday 10th September will kick off at 2.00pm at Ashby Avenue.

The match away to Bristol Rovers on Saturday 13 September 2003 is not all ticket but discounted "Earlybird" tickets are available from the Boston United office until 5.00pm on Friday 12 September at the following prices.

  South Stand Terraces
Adults £13.50 £11.00
Concessions £6.50 £5.00
On the day of the match the following prices will apply:
Adults £15.50 £13.00
Concessions £8.50 £7.00

One Hell Of A Season

6 September "One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected" is a book by Grahame Lloyd which follows the extraordinary progress of Boston United and Lincoln City during the 2002 / 03 season as re-lived through the eyes of the people who ran the two clubs, from the Chairman to the players to the tea ladies.

Boston United were deducted four points for contract irregularities before a ball was kicked and Lincoln City became the first club to go into administration after the ITV Digital fiasco. Other events included an FA inquiry, a bonus dispute, boardroom and budget battles, managerial bust-ups and racist and drunken behaviour, not to mention nerve-wracking performances on the pitch.

Discover how Boston United and Lincoln City not only survived but positively prospered as a mass scouting mission on two rival teams enabled the Pilgrims to secure their place in the Nationwide League and a short-back-and-sides haircut helped to propel the Imps into the Third Division Play-Off Final.

"One Hell of a Season: Imps, Pilgrims and Tales of the Unexpected" is due to be published next month at £14.99. The hardback book has 280 pages and 16 pages of colour photographs and features a foreword by Howard Wilkinson and Graham Taylor.

Further details will be announced when they are available.


Scunthorpe

5 September Neil Thompson has advised that there are a few knocks to sort out before the team to face Scunthorpe United tomorrow can be finalised. Graeme Jones and Alex Higgins are unlikely to be available as they are still recovering from their respective knee and thigh injuries. Matt Hocking has a back injury and is struggling to be available. Tom Bennett (groin) and Daryl Sutch (knee) are due to have a fitness test prior to the match. Ben Chapman should be available following his treatment for cramp against Hull City last week. Simon Weatherstone has trained all week and is in contention for a place on the bench tomorrow. Simon is itching to get back into action, he is dedicated and has kept himself generally fit whilst he has been recovering from his knee injury. Scunthorpe normally play a 4-4-2 formation, Peter Beagrie is a threat on the wing and Steve Torpey is a dangerous striker. We have put in some good performances so far this season, we need to keep believing and put the ball in the net to pick up some points.


Radio

4 September Friday's Sporting Lincs on BBC Radio Lincolnshire is moving times to 7.00pm this week to accommodate Lincoln City's match at Cambridge. But despite the Imps being in live action, there'll be plenty of news on Boston United throughout the programme. There'll be interviews with both Neil Thompson and Peter Duffield. There'll also be a chance to hear a full-length version of the interview with the Boston United chairman Des Wood which was broadcast earlier in the week. All this plus full-match commentary of the Imps' game. And because of Lincoln's Friday match, there's a bonus commentary this weekend of Boston against Scunthorpe on Saturday for Pilgrims followers who can't get to York Street.

* Sporting Lincs Special, 7.00pm to 10.00pm, Friday night.

* Saturday Sport, 2.00pm to 6.00pm.

* BBC Radio Lincolnshire broadcasts on 94.9FM and 1368AM.

* BBC website for Lincolnshire at bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire


Chairman's Statement

3 September Below is the statement delivered by Des Wood to yesterday's Annual General Meeting.

CHAIRMANS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2003

The end of the 2003 season was very encouraging and the Management as well as our faithful Pilgrims supporters must have been elated at the mid table finish in our first year in the Third division. I must congratulate Neil Thompson and his team. As we all know Neil took on a difficult position under extremely trying circumstances and developed an excellent squad who in the end fought its way out of the lower regions with ease. I would also like to thank the dedication of many other individuals all of whom have worked hard, often for no reward, to see Boston succeed. It would be remiss of me not to mention the efforts of John Blackwell who this year completed 25 years of service with the Club. The off the pitch battle over relocation and development still continues although I am ever hopeful that our options will be extended beyond 31st December 2003 so that I and my team can complete the work that we undertook by agreement with the Malkinson family back in January 2002.

When I became a Director and Chairman on 11th June 2002 I had inherited a disastrous financial position with a net trading loss for the year 2001/2002 of some £850K caused mainly through the payment of excessive wages and the near devastating FA fine of £100,000 following the lengthy enquiry which left former Chairman Pat Malkinson and his controversial manager Steve Evans banned and fined personally. The threat of bankruptcy was imminent and it was essential to turn around the trading figures by prudent management and careful budgeting and restructuring to increase income levels. We realised that the small budgeted profit for 2003 would not have any impact on the cash flow deficit and assuming the trading deficit could be stemmed then our major task would be to keep creditors satisfied. A daunting task but one that has been miraculously achieved through hours of negotiating and by the reaching of informal agreements with major creditors. It also required a considerable amount of financial support from my own Company. Although the Club’s financial position is still not good we have created an opportunity for it to be resolved.

The Audited accounts to 30th April 2003, which will be placed before you today, show a massive improvement in the trading position. Although Gate Income was below budget, overall Income increased, Costs were reduced and even playing and associated staff costs went down over what was paid in the last year in the Conference. All of this means that the Club has made a gross profit compared with a gross loss in the previous year, an enormous improvement of some £660K, and the net result for the period is a reduction in the trading loss to £83K. If we hadn’t had to pay to get out of onerous contracts, in place before our involvement, and incurred heavy professional costs to keep the Club alive, we would have met our budgeted profit.

All in all the results to date are very creditable both on and off the pitch, and the Club is set up with a strong squad, a realistic budget, and is in a good position to push forward under the direction of our new Chief Executive David Pickett. May I thank everyone associated with Boston United FC for their efforts, support and dedication and we believe that this will be rewarded by some very good results in the current season.


FootballMind Champion Fan

2 September The following press release has been received regarding Nationwide's FootballMind, a new national competition that is aiming to find the most knowledgeable football fan in the country.

FOOTBALLMIND SEEKS BOSTON UNITED’S CHAMPION FAN

FootballMind is a new national cup competition for football fans, sponsored by Nationwide. The aim is to find each club’s and then the country’s most knowledgeable fan.

Round 1 entry lines are open from Saturday 23 August 2003 to Monday 15 September 2003. The competition starts with quite easy questions and then runs in knockout stages all the way through to the grand FootballMind Final on 8 May 2004.

Every fan that reaches Round 3 gets to compete on network radio – on the Nationwide Matchday Programme which is broadcast every Saturday afternoon on the Capital Gold Network and Century Radio Network - presented by Marcus Buckland.

All football fans are invited to enter Round 1 - just call 09065 541 442 or text ‘play’ space ‘club name’ to 83222 (for example PLAY CREWE) or go to www.footballmind.co.uk. (If you know how old Wayne Rooney is; what number Beckham’s wearing at Real Madrid and the number of clubs in the Premiership then you’ll find Round 1 a doddle…and be on your way into Round 2.)

Entry costs: - to cover the administration costs of each individual entrant, round 1 entry via text costs £3, via phone £3 (average), via footballmind.co.uk £2.00. (Less than a pint and a packet of crisps at your local!)

FootballMind questions get a little bit harder each round and are designed to test real football knowledge. So, for example, if you know that it was Paul Bastock who has made the most appearances for Boston United, then you could be the sort to go all the way to the final and even be crowned FootballMind Champion 2004.

FootballMind HomePlay: - Running once a week, for the duration of the radio stages of FootballMind, FootballMind HomePlay questions will be available to play through the internet, SMS and phone. At various stages throughout the competition the best HomePlay scorers will win wild card places through to the third, fourth and fifth rounds of the main competition.

Prizes: - Every one of the 92 ‘club champions’ (all Round 3 qualifiers) each win their chosen club’s replica shirt.

The FootballMind Cup will be awarded in May 2004 to the national FootballMind Champion. (He or she will also receive tickets to watch the England squad train and an exclusive pair of FA Cup Final tickets)

Here’s how the FootballMind Cup works: -

Round 1 entries open Saturday 23 August 2003 to Monday 15 September 2003

Four week initial entry period when you can enter three ways:

1. Go to www.footballmind.co.uk

2. SMS – text ‘Play’ space ‘club name’ (for example PLAY LIVERPOOL) to 83222

3. Telephone 09065 541 442

You will be asked 3 quite easy questions and if you score well, you will be given a unique code number, which gives you access into Round 2.

Round 2 entries open Saturday 20 September 2003 to Saturday 4 October 2003

Have your unique code at hand and enter by calling 09065 541 442 between September 20 and October 4. You will be asked a ‘Fastest FootballMind First’ question which will separate the very best FootballMinds from the rest, and produce the 92 FootballMind Club Champions who go on to the radio for Round 3.

Round 3 radio shows run from Saturday 11 October 2003 to 17 January 2004

Round 3 and onwards is hosted every Saturday 12.00pm to 2.00pm on the Nationwide Matchday Programme, on the Capital Radio Group stations, by Marcus Buckland. Who will emerge in May 2004 as the national FootballMind Champion?

Three contestants per show; a specialist subject round and a general knowledge round.

Round 4 radio shows run from 24 January 2004 to 20 March 2004

The Quarter Finals:- 27 March 2004 to 17 April 2004

The quarter finals and onwards will feature only two contestants per show, leaving the country’s best 8 football minds to battle it out head to head - at the end of which the overall winner will be crowned FootballMind Champion 2004, and awarded the FootballMind Cup.

The Semi Finals: - 24 April 2004 and 1 May 2004

The Grand Final: - 8 May 2004


Hull

1 September Neil Thompson has commented on a harsh result away to Hull City on Saturday. In the first half we let Hull do what they are good at by keeping possession and we could have contested better for the ball when Hull scored. In the second half we produced a much better performance; we took the initiative and put Hull on the back foot. When we equalised it looked as though we could have gone on to win the match, which changed when Matt Hocking was sent off. It was galling to concede a goal so close to the end of the match. There have been some good performances so far this season but the bottom line is that we haven't picked up the points.

Towards the end of the match Ben Chapman received treatment for cramp in his calf and Daryl Sutch had a sore knee at the end of the match but they should both be fit for the weekend.


Affiliates

30 August The Boston United web site now contains links to three top internet based companies that can provide great services for Boston United fans. Each time you do business with any of these companies via the links on the Boston United site then the club will be rewarded. So not only do you get some great deals, you also help the club.

BET IT LIVE WITH 365

If you fancy a flutter on any sporting event then visit the bet365 site. bet365 Group Limited is one of the UK's leading betting and gaming groups with over 500 employees handling over 350,000 bets each week to customers from over 120 different countries. bet365 operates 59 licensed betting offices in the UK.

bet365 call centre
In Association with Amazon.co.uk Amazon.co.uk is the trading name for Amazon.com Int'l Sales, Inc. and Amazon Services Europe SARL. Both companies are subsidiaries of Amazon.com - the leading online retailer of products that inform, educate, entertain and inspire. The Amazon group also has online stores in the United States, Germany, France, Japan and Canada. Amazon.co.uk has its origins in an independent online store, Bookpages, which was established in 1996 and acquired by Amazon.com in early 1998. Amazon.co.uk is famous for selling books, but they now sell millions of other products too. From cameras to coffee machines, exercise videos to Elvis CDs, there's something for everyone.
eBay is the world's largest personal online trading community. eBay created a new market: efficient one-to-one trading in an auction format on the Web. Individuals - not big businesses - use eBay to buy and sell items across thousands of diverse categories, including collectables, antiques, sports memorabilia, computers, toys, beanie babies, dolls, figures, coins, stamps, books, magazines, music, pottery, glass, photography, electronics, jewellery, gemstones, and much more. Users can find the unique and the interesting on eBay - everything from chintz china to chairs, teddy bears to trains, and furniture to figurines. As the nation's favourite online marketplace, buyers are compelled to trade on eBay due to the large number of items available. Similarly, sellers are attracted to the abundance of buyers. At any one time there are more than 10 million items for sale live on the site and more than 1 million new items every day from which users may choose. In the first three months of 2002, 5.6 million items were listed for sale on eBay UK alone.

click here to Buy and sell


Hull

29 August Neil Thompson has advised that the injury situation has eased from last weekend. Matt Hocking and Simon Rusk have trained today and Stuart Balmer and Mark Greaves are 50/50 for being available. The situation will be assessed tomorrow prior to the match with Hull City to see if there has been any reaction overnight before the team is selected.

Simon Weatherstone, Alex Higgins and Graeme Jones are still recovering from their injuries. Simon is continuing with rehabilitation from his knee injury and is planning to up his work load on Monday. Alex is planning to see a specialist to have a scan on his thigh injury; it is the same thigh which he had an operation on last season. Alex isn't having much luck at the moment and is finding the situation frustrating but injuries are something a number of players endure. Graeme still has a problem with his knee but it appears to be settling down and he hopes to be able to re-commence running again next week.


Merchandise

28 August The following new merchandise items are now available from the Club Shop.


Doncaster, Carlisle, Hull

26 August The Pontins Holiday League Eastern Division match at home to Doncaster Rovers scheduled for Wednesday 27 August 2003 has been postponed due to an injury crisis at York Street. The match has been re-arranged for Wednesday 29 October 2003 , kick off at 2.00pm.

Neil Thompson was pleased to pick up three points at home to Carlisle United yesterday. We created a lot of chances but in the end one goal was sufficient. The victory was important to get the season up and running. The starting eleven and substitutes were the only fit players available but it is hoped that three or four of the injured players will be available for selection at the weekend. The defence played very well yesterday, especially as Paul Ellender and Lee Beevers have not played together before. Lee has been terrific, he is competitive has shown a lot of maturity and grown in stature. The injury situation meant that Lee started a match sooner than was envisaged when he joined Boston United but he was brought up right at Ipswich and will keep his feet on the ground. During the match we had good spells where we showed good approach play, built up momentum and kept the ball in Carlisle's half. We are creating goal scoring chances for the strikers and they aren't far away from being converted. During the first half Richard Logan was substituted to brighten up our forward play as things weren't happening for him.

For the match away to Hull City on Saturday 30 August 2003, Boston United supporters are to enter the Kingston Communications Stadium using entrances 47, 48, 49 and 50 only. The admission prices are £15.00 for adults and £8.00 for concessions.


Bristol Rovers

25 August The match away to Bristol Rovers on Saturday 13 September 2003 is not all ticket but discounted "Earlybird" tickets are available from the Boston United office until 5.00pm on Friday 12 September at the following prices.

  South Stand Terraces
Adults £13.50 £11.00
Concessions £6.50 £5.00
On the day of the match the following prices will apply:
Adults £15.50 £13.00
Concessions £8.50 £7.00

Concessionary prices are for supporters aged 16 and under or aged 65 and over.


Swansea

23 August Neil Thompson has commented on a disappointing match away to Swansea City last evening. We played well in the first half to stop Swansea causing us problems. There was ten minutes of madness in the second half which cost us the match. Lee Trundle found some space, which we had denied him in the first half, and shot from 20 yards. Then we had a great chance to equalise but didn’t put the ball in the net. In a subsequent attack Swansea scored their second goal. We made positive substitutions to bring on Mark Angel and Peter Duffield but Swansea exploited gaps at the back to score their third goal. Shortly before Swansea's first goal Ben Chapman suffered a groin injury, which will cause him to struggle to be fit to play on Monday, we re-organised but Lee Trundle may have taken advantage of this to score his goal. Also during the match Matt Hocking suffered a bad bruise to his back and Stuart Balmer strained his groin but hopefully they will be fit for Monday. A positive aspect last evening was the performance of Lee Beevers who did terrifically well especially as the Vetch Field is a hot bed of support for Swansea.

We now have a match against Carlisle United on Monday when the strikers must start converting the chances created as this is their job.


Swansea

21 August Neil Thompson has commented on another challenging match away to Swansea City tomorrow. It will be a tough task as Swansea have started the season well by winning their opening two fixtures; they have scored goals but also conceded some. We have had some decent results ourselves which could have been better if we had taken our chances. We also have a few injury issues to contend with. Mark Greaves incurred a knock to his back at the end of the match against Huddersfield Town. Graeme Jones suffered a knock to his knee also against Huddersfield. Tom Bennett has tweaked his groin. Simon Rusk is suffering from a hamstring strain. Alex Higgins strained his thigh playing for the reserves against Notts County on Tuesday and is unlikely to be unavailable for tomorrow. Simon Weatherstone is making progress, he intends to return to training on Monday and see how he gets on prior to another visit to the specialist.

Two members of the Centre of Excellence, Lloyd Freeman and Jay Mahoney, were involved in the reserves match against Notts County on Tuesday. Jay replaced Alex Higgins at half time and Lloyd replaced Peter Duffield after 65 minutes. They both showed some good touches and enjoyed the experience of being involved in a competitive match at Meadow Lane. It is good for the Centre of Excellence to be involved with the first team squad.


Huddersfield

18 August Neil Thompson has commented on a point gained from a hard game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, which was good entertainment for the spectators. We had enough chances to have had a good lead by half time and we stuck at it well in the second half. Neil was delighted for Paul Ellender to score such a terrific goal when Huddersfield were putting us under pressure, Paul has better feet than a lot of people give him credit for. No substitutions were made because we wanted to maintain the pattern of the team by keeping the same defensive shape and the forwards were causing problems for Huddersfield's defence.


Huddersfield

15 August Neil Thompson has advised that most of the squad are available for selection tomorrow. Tom Bennett is nursing a slight dead leg but he should be available. Mark Angel has had a weeks training and should be ready to play for part of the reserves match against Notts County next Tuesday. Simon Weatherstone's knee was examined by a specialist this week and was told to have it checked again in two weeks time. Following Wednesday's match against Reading there has been one training session to prepare for tomorrow's match with Huddersfield Town. The players were encouraged by the performance against Reading; they did terrifically well to perform as they did against a team as good as Reading.

An indication of how times have changed is that on 26 January 2001 we lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town in a friendly match with Paul Fewings scoring our goal. At the time Huddersfield were in the First Division, the gate was 438 and Paul Bastock was the only Boston United player who is still with the squad.


Huddersfield, Reading, Shop, Reserves

14 August Due to Police advice no tickets for the match with Huddersfield Town on Saturday will be on sale on the day of the match. Tickets will be on sale all day tomorrow from the club office until it closes at 7.30pm.

Neil Thompson has commented on an encouraging performance against Reading in the Carling Cup last night. In the first half we sat off Reading and gave them too much respect, but in the second half we got to grips with them, got the ball forward better and gave them a lot of problems. Graham Jones came in the second half to give us another dimension and then Neil Redfearn gave us a cameo performance for 25 minutes. When Neil equalised from the penalty spot we had a good chance to win the match but then Reading scored their second goal via a deflection and then scored their third when we pushing forward for another equaliser. At half-time the players were disappointed with their performance but at the end of the match they felt encouraged due to cheers from the supporters at the final whistle. Tom Bennett had a good match but so did other players and hopefully we can take this performance into Saturday's match. Another encouraging aspect is in considering the calibre of the opposition we were facing. Reading are a quality team from the top drawer, they almost made it to the Premiership last season, they had a lot of pace and kept possession well. At the end of the match Alan Pardew, Reading's manager, said they knew they had been in a game.

The new Club Shop on the York Street car park will be open from 12.00noon on Saturday until prior to the kick off for the match with Huddersfield Town and again at the end of the match for the sale of new Boston United merchandise. The new replica shirts won't be available on Saturday. The Club Shop will be open on Thursday 21 August from 2.00pm to 7.00pm for the sale of the new replica home shirts and again on Friday 22 August from 9.00am to 5.00pm prior to the away match with Swansea City. It is then planned for the shop to be open during normal office hours and on matchdays.

The reserves Pontins League match away to Notts County has been brought forward a day to Tuesday 19 August 2003 at 2.00pm at Meadow Lane. As last season home Pontins League and Cup matches are scheduled to kick off at 7.00pm and the admission prices are £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for concessions.


Shirts, Tickets

12 August Replica home shirts will be available from the Club Shop on the York Street car park from 2.00pm on Thursday 21 August 2003. An announcement about the availability of away replica shirts will be made later.

Tickets are available for the Third Division match away to Swansea City on Friday 22 August 2003. The tickets are for the Family Stand at the Vetch Field and are £13.00 for adults and £8.00 for senior citizens and spectators aged 16 and under. The tickets will be on sale from the club office from Thursday during normal opening hours.


Tickets, Macclesfield

11 August Tickets for the Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 16 August 2003 will be on sale from the club office during its normal opening hours this week. Tickets will also be available before and after the Carling Cup match with Reading on Wednesday from the office in the York Street car park. The deadline for the purchase of tickets is 7.00pm on Friday and no tickets will be available on the day of the match.

Tickets are not available for the Carling Cup match with Reading on Wednesday; admission is by paying at the turnstiles.

Neil Thompson has commented that we played some good stuff at Macclesfield on Saturday. The performance deserved three points but because we didn't take our chances we came away with only one point. Matty Hocking and Mark Greaves were terrific to enable us to keep a clean sheet and there were also good performances from Tom Bennett and Peter Duffield. On a positive note we have a point on the board and have got the season started. The heat was unbelievable on Saturday; water and isotonic drinks were provided at every opportunity. There was a concern for all of the squad to have recovered for today, but everyone turned up, had their weight checked for fluid retention and took part in training. Simon Weatherstone was the only member of the squad in the treatment room today. Ben Chapman was substituted with cramp in his calf but he had recovered today and was able to train.

The next match at home to Reading in the Carling Cup on Wednesday will be a big challenge. Reading are a good team with Premiership aspirations. The first two home matches of the season, Reading on Wednesday and Huddersfield Town on Saturday, are a good indication of the progress the club has made together with progress in other areas such as the improvement in the pitch, which has benefited from a lot of hard work, and the Centre of Excellence. It is fantastic for the club and supporters to be playing clubs of this calibre in competitive matches.


Macclesfield

8 August Neil Thompson has advised that most of the squad are available for tomorrow's match at Macclesfield. Simon Weatherstone is still under treatment for his knee injury. Mark Angel has resumed training after recovering from his achilles tendon injury but is unlikely to be considered for selection and it could be two to three weeks before Mark is ready. Macclesfield have been watched twice in their pre-season friendly matches. It is more a shot in the dark as to what to expect in the opening match of the season as teams could be trying out different things in the situation of a friendly match. We do know that Macclesfield are a footballing team who like to get the ball down on the pitch and pass it, but we are capable of putting in a good performance ourselves.


Radio

7 August Live football returns to BBC Radio Lincolnshire this weekend. The big kick-off starts with a preview of the season in Sporting Lincs with Michael Hortin from 6.00pm on Friday night. Then Saturday Sport returns with Michael from 2.00pm through to 6.00pm with full-match commentary of Boston's match at Macclesfield from Scott Dalton and Rob Underwood. There's also your chance to have your say after 5.00pm by telephoning 01522 511219, texting 07786 201949, or e-mailing sport.lincolnshire@bbc.co.uk. This season Boston fans are also being encouraged to take on Lincoln fans in special Fantasy Football game on the BBC's website for Lincolnshire. Log on at bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire and predict the results of Boston and Lincoln's games. There'll be a league table of individuals, but also a league table of Boston versus Lincoln fans across the season. BBC Radio Lincolnshire broadcasts on 94.9FM and 1368 AM. BBCi at http://www.bbc.co.uk/


Commercial, Plans

6 August The Commercial Page has been updated for the new season with details of sponsorship and hospitality opportunities with Boston United.

Below is a copy of the plan for the redevelopment of Boston United's York Street site which has been submitted to Boston Borough Council. The plans were supplied by the architects: Oglesby & Limb Limited of 67 London Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1RZ, telephone 01636 702030 e-mail design@o-l-ltd.co.uk.

York Street Plans


Leicester, Flood Risk

5 August Neil Thompson has commented a good competitive match against a Leicester City team last night which both teams got something out of and was useful for topping up match fitness. We scored two good goals in the first half through clever football and good combination play in the final third of the pitch. It was disappointing to concede a goal in the second half but we had chances ourselves in the second half to score further goals. The tempo in the first half wasn't as high as we wanted but we improved in the second half. The weather has a big influence on the tempo of a match; last night the weather was more conducive to a high tempo game than on Saturday against Scunthorpe. Mark Angel was close to playing last night; he wasn't risked but he has recommenced training this week, which leaves Simon Weatherstone as the only player in the treatment room. Scott Brough played again last night to enable us to have a further look at him and to help him keep up his match fitness.

Preparation for the new season has gone well with a mixture of results, three victories one draw and three defeats. Two of the defeats against Grimsby and Scunthorpe were close games and the defeat against Ipswich was by a team of a higher standard with their second goal being via a deflection. Pre-season has now gone on long enough and we are looking to get on with the season proper. We have a squad of players who are capable of giving anyone in the Third Division a good game.

Des Wood has advised that Boston Borough Council have received the Flood Risk Assessment for Boston United's York Street site together with the Planning Application for the site as requested. The Flood Risk Assessment is to examine the risk and implications for the site of the river Witham overflowing its banks.


Croudson, Programme

4 August Steve Croudson has signed the one year contract offered to him to join the Boston United squad.

To celebrate goalkeeper Paul Bastock breaking the all-time appearance record for Boston United of 573 appearances previously held by Billy Howells (572 appearances) a special commemorative programme has been produced. The programme is for the Lincolnshire Senior Cup semi-final between Boston United and Scunthorpe United on Saturday 2 August 2003, the match when the record was broken. This is an excellent production featuring both Paul and Billy and is a must for programme collectors. The programme is available from the club office at 14-16 Spain Place, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6HW for £1.50 plus postage.


Record Breakers

3 August At yesterday's Lincolnshire County Cup match Paul Bastock broke the all-time appearances record for the club when he turned out for the 573rd time. To mark the occasion Paul was presented with an engraved glass decanter by the former holder of the record Billy Howells. Paul first turned out for the club on 25th July 1992, when he played in the second half of the Grace Swan Memorial Cup against Spilsby Town in a pre-season match that the Pilgrims won 11-0. He had been signed up during the summer by Peter Morris after being released by Kettering Town. Since then he has been the first choice keeper in the Boston side and has picked up two "Player of the Year" awards during his eleven years with the club.

Billy Howells presents the award to Paul Bastock

Paul Bastock wasn't the only person to pick up an award at the match. Just before kick-off, General Manager John Blackwell received a surprise when he was presented with an award to celebrate his 25 years as an employee of the club. He has been involved with the club for many years, helping out with the reserves and training in the early seventies. In 1978 he was given the job of club secretary and in 1998 he was appointed as General Manager.


Scunthorpe

2 August Neil Thompson has said we got a lot out of today’s match against Scunthorpe United. The match was a good work out for players who are recovering from injury and needed time on the pitch such as Graeme Jones, Lee Thompson, Alex Higgins and Lee Beevers. Scunthorpe's team is likely to be the one selected for their first League match next Saturday and our midfield comprised players who are inexperienced or recovering from injury. In the second half Scunthorpe had more possession but we created more good goal scoring opportunities. Lee Beevers did very well at right back against Peter Beagrie; he is unlikely to come up against anyone better in the Third Division. Lee is also comfortable using his left foot and is capable of playing on the left side of the defence.

Lee Thompson was knocked out during the match but he recovered and was OK after the match. Graeme Jones played the first half to ease him back into match action. Graeme was OK at half time and could have continued but there is no need to rush him and he may feature for more of the match against Leicester City on Monday. It will be good to have Graeme fit again, all of our strikers offer something different to be utilised dependant upon the match situation.


Ipswich

1 August Neil Thompson was pleased with the performance against Ipswich Town on Wednesday. In the first half we tended to sit back and let Ipswich dictate the game but in the second half we were a lot better, we got to grips with Ipswich more and limited their opportunities. The improvement was highlighted by Ipswich's second goal being scored via a deflection which prevented Steve Croudson from saving the shot. Ipswich played terrific football, their passing and movement was in a different class but we are unlikely to face teams of that quality every week when the season starts. Unlike other friendly matches there weren't a lot of substitutions to enable the players on the pitch to play for 90 minutes. Peter Duffield had recovered from his injury and was given 25 minutes to help him regain match fitness.

Other players are recovering from injury and against Scunthorpe United tomorrow it is hoped that Graeme Jones, Peter Duffield, Alex Higgins, Lee Thompson, Ben Chapman and Lee Beevers will play for at least 45 minutes of the match. Mark Angel is recovering from his achilles tendon injury and is scheduled to resume training on Monday, but an injury such as this can't be rushed. Simon Weatherstone is taking longer to recover from the problem with the tendon at the side of his knee, which has partly been caused by the accumulation of pounding running on hard ground. Simon is doing his rehabilitation and is running again but when he really opens up he still has a problem.

Steve Croudson has been offered a contract to be the other goalkeeper in the squad. It was a tough decision to make, Steve has done well and he had slightly more experience than Danny Gay. Scott Brough has been on trial and may play against Leicester City on Monday.


New Pre-season Friendly

30 July Boston United have arranged another pre-season friendly match against a Leicester City XI at York Street on Monday 4 August 2003 at 7.30pm.


Tickets

29 July Season tickets will be available for collection before the match with Ipswich Town tomorrow.

Tickets for the Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 16 August 2003 will be on sale from the club office from Thursday 31 July during normal office hours and from 1.30pm prior to the Lincolnshire Senior Cup match with Scunthorpe United on Saturday 2 August.


Grimsby Town

28 July Neil Thompson thought it was a good game against Grimsby Town on Saturday. It was a good work out with a lot of positives for us against a decent team who were in the First Division last season. Neil was delighted with some of the football we played in the first half, there was a lapse in concentration for Grimsby 's first goal, then we made some changes at half-time and the second half performance was more disjointed. The injury situation is frustrating as we haven't been able yet to play a match with all of our forward options available. Graham Potter trained again today and Peter Duffield is planning to return to training tomorrow, hopefully they will be available for selection for the matches this week. Ben Chapman tweaked his ankle again on Saturday but he was OK afterwards and trained again today. We have a competitive squad this season and the players are looking to ensure they are selected when the League matches start.

We shall have a tough test against Ipswich Town on Wednesday; they beat a strong Colchester United team last week. It will be good to have such a quality team at York Street. We are also trying to arrange another match for next week to prepare for next season.


Grimsby Town

25 July Following the cancellation of the Barnsley match on Wednesday the squad had a hard training session on Thursday which wouldn't have been the case if the match had been played. It would have been advantageous to have played the match but it wasn't to be and we now look forward to the match against Grimsby Town tomorrow. Ben Chapman has recovered from his injury and is likely to play some part in the match tomorrow, but Graham Potter is unlikely to play as he ricked his neck in training today. Graham's injury isn't serious and he is expected to recover quickly but it is not worth taking a risk with him tomorrow. It is hoped that the other injured players (Mark Angel, Graeme Jones, Peter Duffield, Lee Beevers, Simon Weatherstone) will return to training next week; they aren't likely to be considered for tomorrow's match as they haven't had sufficient training yet.

Both of the trialist goalkeepers (Steve Croudson and Danny Gay) are still under consideration and at least one of them is likely to play tomorrow. Alex Higgins and Lee Thompson are continuing their recovery from injury, they have both signed three month contracts to enable them to get on with the job and their progress is so far so good.


Tickets, Cars, Staff

24 July The Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 16 August 2003 is all ticket for all spectators. Tickets will be on sale from the club office from Thursday 31 July during normal office hours. Season ticket holders will not need another ticket; they will gain admission to the match by using the relevant voucher from their book.

Next season admission to the car park at York Street will be for ticket holders only. For supporters who wish to purchase a seasonal car park ticket a limited number of 50 are available at £49.00 each from the club office. The ticket will be valid for first team and reserve team matches during the season.

Boston United urgently require more stewards and stretcher bearers (must be first aid trained). Anyone who is interested please contact John Blackwell or Richard Carrington on 01205 364406 for more details.

Season tickets for next season will be available for collection from the club office from Monday 28 July. The club office will be closed from 2.00pm to 3.30pm on Monday 28 July for the funeral of Mrs Rita Dunmore (Boston United Sports Bar).


Barnsley Friendly Off

23 July Tonight's scheduled friendly match against Barnsley has been called off. Barnsley FC are currently in administration and their administrators have not given them permission to play this evening's game.

Boston United have received the following communication from Barnsley.

"It is with regret that our club will be unable to take part in today's match at Boston United. We have explored every avenue for the ratification of our FA membership but our application has not been accepted to date as indeed has an application for temporary membership. Additionally the Administrator under whose control we played matches last season would not allow himself to administer the fixture on our behalf without a significant immediate payment. The situation is extremely regrettable particularly as we are close to having membership confirmed. We would offer our unreserved apologies to you, your directors and supporters for this unsatisfactory scenario."


Matches, Sponsor

22 July The two pre-season friendly matches at home to Barnsley on Wednesday 23 July 2003 and Ipswich Town on Wednesday 30 July 2003 are schedule to kick off at 7.30pm not the normal time of 7.45pm for League matches.

Darryl Simpson, Merchandise Director for Oldrid & Co, has commented on the sponsorship agreement with Boston United. "Oldrids are delighted to be working with Boston United for the next two seasons and that our brand names Oldrids and Downtown will be featured on the first team squad shirts for the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons."

"We started speaking to the management and staff of Boston United just two weeks ago regarding ways in which we could help promote our newly redeveloped Oldrids department store in Boston, the opportunity arose with the end of Finnforest's term as club sponsor, for us to step in."

"As a Boston Based business we are delighted to be in a position to see our names on the front of the club shirts."

"The reality of life in the Nationwide League Third Division is that clubs have to be run in a very business like way and we have been particularly impressed with the new commercial approach Boston United have adopted through the addition of an improved management structure and this was one of the main reasons we have been able to conclude this deal in such a short space of time. Further more, part of our commitment is to help the club over the next two years with this commercial facet."

"Our involvement with the club should be put in context, it is very rare that clubs can attract the support of major organisations or individuals that are prepared to invest huge sums of money to underwrite success. Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rushden and Diamonds, Hull City and more topically Chelsea are the exceptions. We are not Kingston Communications, our business is not headed by Jack Hayward and we do not have billions of roubles. But we will do our bit, as will the many other businesses, large and small alike, in and around Boston that support the club. With this in mind it is also important to recognise the role of the last club sponsor Finnforest, who have, and continue to support the club. If during our tenure as sponsor, the club can repeat some of the highs encountered over the last five years, we along with all the fans will be delighted. Finnforest have assisted the club's progress during their term as main club sponsor and we will be striving to emulate this over the next two years. We hope all concerned with the club recognise that no agreement can be forever, therefore, it is one of our objectives to add value to Boston United, ensuring sponsorship of the club is an even more attractive proposition in 2005 than it is now."

"Between now and the end of the 2004/05 season there will be some landmark occasions. Next month will see Paul Bastock reach an historic appearance record. 2004 will see the 70 anniversary of the club being founded along with Oldrid's own 200 birthday celebrations. In 2005 it will be 20 years since Boston United's Wembley appearance in the FA Trophy Final and we plan to work with the club and supporters to ensure these events are properly celebrated."

"As this deal as been put together in such a short space of time and at the eleventh hour, we now have to work with the club to get the new home and away kits ready for the start of the season. Our target is for the players to run out in the home kit at the Lincolnshire Senior Cup match against Scunthorpe United and the away kit to be ready for the Macclesfield Town game, with replica kits available for fans shortly after. The home kit will bear the Oldrids name with the newly designed away kit featuring the Downtown logo. We have agreed with the club and the Football League that with the exception of colour clash fixtures, players will wear the change kit for every away game."

"Usually in a deal of this nature we as a company are offered complementary season tickets and hospitality. Whilst we wish to attend as many matches as possible we believe Boston United exists for its supporters, some of the best in the country, therefore we have agreed with the club that rather than for corporate hospitality we will use the tickets offered to work with individuals, families and organisations in attracting younger supporters to York Street."

"Boston United have really put the town on the map and the club's progression over the last few seasons has been exciting to watch. As we work in the world of retail it isn't always possible to get to see the action on match days and lend our support to ' Bostonshires' top club; however as a company we can take this opportunity to show pride in our local team by adding our name to the club colours."


Main Club Sponsorship

22 July David Pickett, Chief Executive of Boston United, is delighted to announce that Boston United Football Club have reached agreement with Oldrid and Company for them to become the new Main Club Sponsors.

The duration of this agreement will be for the two seasons, 2003/04 and 2004/05.

All at Boston United believe that it is a wonderfully appropriate relationship for our football club. Oldrids was formed in Boston by a Boston family and during its long and successful history can proudly claim to have supported many local community initiatives. We are grateful that a company of such integrity and repute have now stepped in to support their home town football club in its time of need.

Not withstanding this, our relationship is founded upon sound business principles and, for our part, I know that the club can and will provide added value to the marketing of the Oldrids / Downtown brand names locally, regionally and nationally. We look forward to working in close partnership with our new colleagues to the mutual benefit of both parties.

David also wishes to take this opportunity to thank our previous Main Club Sponsors, Finnforest. Their contribution to the progression of the football club should not be underestimated and David is equally delighted that they wish to continue to be associated with Boston United in a new capacity. David also thanks a number of other local businesses who indicated a willingness to step into the breach. David similarly hopes that they too will see fit to become associated with the club in other areas of sponsorship.

Stuart Balmer in new home kit

Mark Angel in new away kit


Bullets, Balmer

21 July In Neil Thompson's opinion the match against Bakili Bullets on Saturday was as hard a game as we are likely to get in pre-season and possibly during the season. It was a tough game against a team who were fit and skilful; they have just won their domestic league and have players with international experience. We conceded three goals through defensive errors but also scored three goals; the third goal was a good shot from Graham Potter which showed what he is capable of. We played some good football, especially as we had one recognised forward available, and it was a good work out in the build up to next season. Even though it was a physical game we suffered no further injuries. Alex Higgins and Lee Thompson came through the match following their return from injury and have trained today. Lee should be confident about his knee being recovered after coming through some of challenges in the match. Richard Logan didn't play on Saturday as he was suffering from a stiff neck. Richard and Ben Chapman hope to be available for the match with Barnsley on Wednesday but it may be too soon for the other injured players to take part.

Stuart Balmer has been appointed Player / Coach to assist Neil Thompson and Neil Redfearn in training. Stuart has a lot to offer and it is a good opportunity to utilise his experience for Boston United and for him to be involved in coaching at this stage of his career.


Friendlies

18 July Neil Thompson is satisfied with the progress which has been made so far in the build up to next season. We have had two matches for the players to have time on the pitch and to regain familiarity with each other in a match situation. We scored eight goals against Goole on Tuesday which is good for confidence. Lincoln United gave us a hard test on Wednesday where the pitch was a good leveller and a good goal by Stuart Douglas gave us a victory.

Some of the squad have yet to take a full part in the pre-season friendlies due to minor injuries. Ben Chapman (ankle), Graeme Jones (calf), Peter Duffield (thigh) and Simon Weatherstone (knee) are expected to resume training on Monday. Mark Angel may be unavailable for a slightly longer period due to an achilles injury and Lee Beevers should resume training in the middle of next week following a hamstring strain. Alex Higgins should take some part in tomorrow's match with Bakili Bullets following his recovery from the thigh injury he incurred last season and his earlier problems with epilepsy. Alex has had a tough time lately but he is a determined character and it will be good to see him on the pitch again. Lee Thompson should also continue his recovery from his knee injury tomorrow.

The matches against Goole and Lincoln United have featured some trialist players who are playing for reference for future addition to the squad. Mike Edwards from Hull isn't expected to play tomorrow but Scott Brough ( Scunthorpe ) and Janus Tayer ( Morocco ) may take part in the match.

Bakili Bullets will provide a different challenge to usual pre-season opposition; it should be an interesting match. Last night, Bakili Bullets drew 1-1 at Wrexham and are reported to be skilful, aggressive and tough tackling. Bakili Bullets normally provide around 80% of the squad for the Malawi national team which lost 4-1 to Nigeria last month.


New Sponsor

16 July Boston United have arranged a new shirt sponsor for the upcoming season. The name of the sponsor will be announced at a press conference at York Street next Tuesday at 9:30am The new sponsor is a local firm and the club are delighted by the new deal.


Pontins

12 July In the Pontins Holiday League Cup Boston United have been drawn in Group Four along with Doncaster Rovers, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday. Boston United will play at home to Doncaster Rovers and Hull City and away to Sheffield Wednesday.

In the Pontins Holiday League Division One East Hartlepool United will play their home matches at Billingham Town FC, Lincoln City will play their home matches at Lincoln United's Ashby Avenue ground and Newcastle United will play their home matches at Whitley Park (the headquarters of the Northumberland Football Association).


Ellender , Huddersfield

11 July Paul Ellender has re-signed for Boston United on a one year contract. Neil Thompson is pleased to have sorted out Paul's contract, Paul played a big part last season and it is good to have resolved the contracts for the three players (Paul Bastock and Mark Angel being the others) who were out of contract at the end of last season.

The Nationwide League Third Division match at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday 16 August 2003 has been designated an All Ticket Match by the Safety Advisory Group, for both home and away supporters. Details of the dates and times for the purchase of tickets will be announced later.

Neil Thompson has advised that the postponement of the scheduled match away to Holbeach tomorrow hasn't caused too much disruption to the preparation for next season. We have some niggling injuries which could have been aggravated due to the state of the pitch. We shall now go to Goole Town on Tuesday to begin the pre-season friendly matches. Alex Higgins and Lee Thompson have resumed running following their injuries last season and operations and they are scheduled to join the rest of the squad for training next week. Steve Croudson who had been training with the squad is now training with York City. Danny Gay, a goalkeeper who has been released by Southend United, has been training with the squad this week. Danny was born in King's Lynn on 5 August 1982; he is 6ft 0in tall. Danny commenced his career as a trainee with Norwich City on 1 August 1998 and moved to Southend United on 7 July 2001; he has made 11 appearances for Southend in the Football League.

Memberships for the Vice Presidents Lounge for the 2003 / 2004 season are now available at £175.00 for the season (no increase on last season). Membership includes: tea, coffee and light refreshments before the match and at half-time, a buffet at the end of the match, a complimentary programme, Sky television, car parking space, good company in a comfortable facility. For more details contact Maureen on 01205 364406.


Holbeach Match Off

11 July Boston United have very reluctantly called off the scheduled friendly match away to Holbeach United tomorrow due to the state of the playing surface at Carters Park. In addition ten players reported minor injuries at training today and it was decided not to run the risk of further injuries. Boston United officials visited Carters Park earlier this week and since then Holbeach have made great efforts to prepare the pitch, but unfortunately it is still not up to the required standard. The match was being played for the Gerald Starling Memorial Trophy; Gerald was a former physiotherapist of Boston United. In view of this Boston United have given assurances to Holbeach United that the match will be played at a later date.


Potter, Squad

7 July Boston United have signed Graham Potter from York City, he is a left-sided player who can play in defence or midfield. Graham was born in Solihull on 20 May 1975; he is 6ft 1in tall. Graham began his career as a trainee with Birmingham City on 1 July 1992 and has also been with Wycombe Wanderers, Stoke City, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, Northampton Town, Reading and joined York City on 27 June 2000. During his career to date Graham has made 288 first team appearances (31 as substitute) and scored 11 goals.

Neil Thompson told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "He's a player I've admired for some time and he gives us extra options down the left as we've only really got Angel and Chappie there."He's had offers to go to Oxford and Colchester and he could have stayed at York so we're pleased he's decided to come here".

Neil Thompson is still in discussions with Paul Ellender regarding resolving his contract. If Paul's contract issues can be resolved Neil then wishes to sign another goalkeeper, there should then be cover for every position within the squad. Neil has also advised that training has gone well since the players returned last week. There is a lot on intensive work on fitness and with a ball in readiness for the start of the season next month. Graeme Jones and Richard Logan had injuries at the end of last season but they have taken part in the training. There have been some minor bumps and bruises which are to be expected.

The squad numbers have been allocated and have mainly been carried over from last season.

1

Paul Bastock

2

Daryl Sutch

3

Ben Chapman

4

Paul Ellender

5

Stuart Balmer

6

Mark Greaves

7

Tom Bennett

8

Graeme Jones

9

Peter Duffield

10

Simon Weatherstone

11

Mark Angel

12

Matt Hocking

14

Richard Logan

15

Neil Redfearn

16

Simon Rusk

17

Stuart Douglas

18

Lee Thompson

19

Alex Higgins

20

Lee Beevers

21

Ryan Clarke

22

Graham Potter

32

Neil Thompson


Golf

5 July The results of the Boston United Invitational Am Am 2003 at Boston Golf Club on Thursday 3 July 2003 were:

Winners            101 Points         Lennys Lions - Andrew Malkinson, Rick Lenton, Derek Wood, Colin Woodcock

Second             100 Points         Go Nuts - Robert Motley, Dave Manson, Andy Ranson, Andy Ogden

Third                 99 Points          The Fantastic Four - Jack Fairman, Johnny Adams, Mark Skinner, Nick Reynolds

Fourth               98 Points          Dogs Wotsits (last years winners) – Tony Harris, Steve Hodgson, Nick Tooley, Garry Walsh

Fifth                  98 Points          Full English Breakfast

Sixth                 96 Points          Debaters

Seventh             95 Points          Four Cunning Stunts (all ladies team)

Eight                 94 Points          BT & R Insurance

Ninth                 93 Points          The Boyz Return

Tenth                93 Points          Three Tees One L

Eleventh            93 Points          Just Transport

Twelfth              92 Points          Ringrose Law Group

Thirteenth          91 Points          The Hallows Hoofers


Finnforest

1 July Boston based timber company Finnforest is to continue to provide significant sponsorship support to Boston United for the 2003 / 2004 Football League season. The coming season sees a change in focus for the Finnforest and Boston United relationship, whereby the company is emphasising wider initiatives based on the local community.

Finnforest has an active role in supporting its local Lincolnshire community which includes not only the high profile Finnforest Boston Arena; but also less conspicuous initiatives such as those involving Help the Aged, the Pilgrim Scanner Appeal, Boston Grammar School, Age Concern and the Fishtoft Future Community Centre Project.

Finnforest’s ongoing financial support for Boston United includes among other things, continued sponsorship of the main Finnforest stand at York Street. Although now not the main club sponsor for the forthcoming season, Finnforest has consulted with Boston United for the last ten months, providing the club with the opportunity to find another partner.

David Pickett, Chief Executive of Boston United, said, "Boston United is delighted that Finnforest is continuing to offer financial and sponsorship support to the club for the coming 2003 / 2004 season. It is simply untrue to say that Finnforest is pulling out of Boston and given the precarious state of the economy – especially in manufacturing – the company is to be commended on maintaining the relationship going forward. We are continuing to seek a main sponsor for next season and the ten month consultation period with Finnforest has allowed that to progress with some vigour."


Training, Finn Forest, Admission

30 June The squad reported back for training today in readiness for the new season. Everyone was available apart from Alex Higgins and Lee Thompson who are still recovering from the injuries they incurred last season, but they hope to commence training soon. Joining the squad for training was Steve
Croudson a goalkeeper who has recently been released by Grimsby Town. Steve was born on 24 November 1980 and joined Grimsby Town as a trainee on 1 August 1998; he had one month's loan with Scunthorpe United from 16 August 2001 and has made 13 first team appearances. It is planned for Steve to train with the squad and take part in some pre-season friendlies, if things progress well Steve may be offered a contract.

Neil Thompson plans to have further discussions with Paul Ellender this week concerning Paul's contract and hopes to resolve the outstanding issues.

Neil has also commented that the squad are looking forward to the first two home competitive matches of the season. First are Reading in the Carling Cup who last season reached the play-offs for promotion from the First Division to the Premiership followed by Huddersfield Town who are looking to regain their former status. The matches are anticipated to provide good challenges.

Finn Forest have agreed to sponsor Widnes Rugby League club for two years and have decided that if anyone else would like to take on the shirt sponsorship of Boston United they will let them do it. Finn Forest are not pulling out of Boston United, if someone else takes on the shirt sponsorship they will continue to sponsor the main stand at York Street.

The admission prices for the pre-season friendly matches are: Finn Forest Stand adults £8.00, concessions £4.00; Terraces adults £7.00, concessions £3.00.


Golf

29 June  Below are the Tee Times for the  Boston United Invitational Golf Tournament 2003 at Boston Golf Club on Thursday 3 July, Lafarge Aggregates are the main tournament sponsor.

10.56

BT & R Insurance

1.36

Skymers

11.04

Newarks

1.44

Coca Cola Kids

11.20

Ringrose Law Group

1.52

Go Nuts

11.28

The Fantastic Four

2.00

Sainsbury's Sharp Shooters

11.36

Full English Breakfast

2.08

The Notorious Cowbridge Inn

11.44

The Debaters

2.16

PFS

11.52

The Wooden Tops

2.24

Denis & The Menaces

12.00

Limb's Looneys

2.32

Three Tees - One L

12.08

The Boyz Return

2.40

Sainsbury's Under Par

12.16

Barclays Brokers

2.48

Spayne Road Four

12.24

The Hallows Hoofers

2.56

The Dogs Wotsits

12.32

Green Jackets

3.04

Just Transport

12.40

Four Cunning Stunts

3.12

Barnstormers

12.48

Shunters

3.20

Chop Suey Four

12.56

Lafarge Concrete Suppliers

3.28

Three Men & A Banker

1.04

WHDYB

3.36

George's Dragons

1.12

Kelly's Heroes

3.44

Lenny's Lions

1.20

Lafarge Rock Solids

3.52

Pilgrims Return To Training

1.28

Martinis

   

Boston United have tried to accommodate everyone as regards their preferred tee off time, but as can be appreciated, with such a large field, it has not always been possible to allocate the exact time that may have been requested.

All players, with the exception of Boston Golf Club members, will be required to produce a valid club or society Handicap Certificate on the day when the team register. Anyone unable to do so will play off scratch – no exceptions will be made.

Golfers are respectively reminded that they must confer with all aspects of the dress code at Boston Golf Club. Use of mobile telephones is only permissible in the changing room area. Jacket, collar and tie are mandatory for the presentation, which is scheduled for 9.15pm prompt.


Oxford

27 June The Nationwide League Third Division match away to Oxford United has been transferred to Friday 9 April 2004 at 3.00pm from Saturday 10 April 2004. The change of date has been requested by Oxford United.

The match against Ipswich Town on Wednesday 30 July 2003 will refereed by Premiership official Uriah Rennie.


Swansea

26 June The Nationwide League Third Division match away to Swansea City has been brought forward to Friday 22 August 2003 at 7.45pm from Saturday 23 August 2003.The change is due to the Rugby Union International between Wales and England which is being played at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff on the Saturday.


League Cup

24 June The Carling Cup will be the new name for the League Cup following the signing of a three season sponsorship agreement between the Football League and Coors Brewery Limited, the owners of the Carling Brand. The new arrangement will enable the League and Coors Brewery to develop further the excellent partnership established during five successful seasons of sponsorship of this competition by another Coors brand, Worthington .

In welcoming this new arrangement Football League Chairman Sir Brian McWhinney said: "This new agreement is terrific news for the League. The healthy increase in revenue it delivers will provide a timely boost to our clubs as they begin their preparations for the new season and is a massive vote of confidence in League football. Over the past five seasons Coors Brewers have become highly valued partners to The Football League. By extending our partnership a further three years with Carling, their premium brand, they have given a significant endorsement to the importance of this competition. I would like to thank Coors Brewers for their continued support and I look forward to three very successful seasons of cup football."

Mark Hunter, Marketing Director of Coors Brewers, added:  "Last season’s final between Liverpool and Manchester United was watched in 96 countries and had a global reach of over 250 million people. As an occasion it re-affirmed the League Cup’s importance in the football calendar and the passion that fans have for the competition – as did increased attendances of more than 35% on the previous season. Through Carling’s links in football and the media it is our aim to work closely with The Football League and the football industry to examine ways in which we can continue the progress made in developing this competition whilst maintaining its prestige for clubs and supporters alike."

Having led the discussions with potential sponsors, Football League Commercial Director Richard Masters said: "The level of interest shown in the sponsorship of the League Cup, in what it is widely perceived as a difficult market, has been extremely encouraging for the League and its clubs. This competition has successfully demonstrated its enduring appeal over the last few seasons and with a sponsor of the calibre of Carling on board, it can only go from strength to strength in the future."

The draw for Round One of the 2003 / 2004 Carling Cup will be made at 10.00am tomorrow and will appear on the Matches page shortly afterwards.


Ellender

20 June Neil Thompson is planning to have a further meeting with Paul Ellender next week to discuss a contract for Paul for next season. If the contract issue for Paul can be resolved satisfactorily together with agreement being reached by the other player who has been offered terms and another goalkeeper, this would produce an initial squad of 22 players.


Fixtures, Pontins

18 June Boston United’s fixtures for the Nationwide League Third Division for the 2003 / 2004 season should be available on the Matches page after 10.00am tomorrow.

Pontin's has been confirmed as the new sponsors of The Central League and The Football Combination.

The holiday company, which previously sponsored The Central League between season 1989/90 and season 1999/2000, has signed a two year deal with an option for a third year, to become title sponsors of the two leagues. The Central League and Football Combination, which were previously sponsored by Avon Insurance, administer reserve team leagues for clubs from The Football League, Football Conference and, from next season, the Premier League, following agreement by Newcastle United to field a side. The two leagues will now be called the Pontin's Holidays League and the Pontin's Holidays Combination. David Cookson, Secretary of The Central League, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Pontin's back as sponsors. The company was the first ever sponsors of the Central League and provided excellent support for a decade. We look forward to another strong partnership over the coming seasons." And Derryck Daughtery, Secretary of the Football Combination, added: "I am delighted that Pontin's has returned to football sponsorship and agreed to expand its involvement to include The Football Combination."

Premier Division : Barnsley, Bradford City, Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Hull City, Preston North End, Rotherham United, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall.

Division One (West): Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle United, Macclesfield Town, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Shrewsbury Town, Stockport County, Wigan Athletic, Wrexham.

Division One (East): Boston United, Darlington, Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Lincoln City, Newcastle United, Notts County, Scunthorpe United, York City

Central & East Division : Aldershot Town, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Cambridge United, Colchester United, Crystal Palace, Gillingham, Luton Town, Millwall, Northampton Town, Norwich City, Peterborough United, Queens Park Rangers, Southend United, Wycombe Wanderers.

Wales & West Division : AFC Bournemouth, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City, Cheltenham Town, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, Reading , Swansea.


Admission, Commercial

17 June The admission prices for spectators paying at the turnstile for admission to Boston United's home matches in the  Nationwide League Third Division next season will be Finn Forest Stand: adults £14.00, concessions (spectators aged 65 and over) £10.00, juniors (spectators aged 16 and under) £7.00; Terraces: adults £12.50, concessions £9.00, juniors £6.00.

The club have appointed Simone Steventon as their new Commercial Manager. Simone has commenced her new role this week; she previously worked for Westpoint Media of Birmingham and intends to relocate to live local to Boston.


Angel, Ellender, Bakili Bullets

16 June Mark Angel has today signed a new contract for one season with Boston United. Neil Thompson is pleased that this issue is resolved and is glad to have Mark back in the squad. Paul Ellender has turned down an initial contract offer. Neil is planning to have more discussions with Paul and would like to stay with Boston United. Alex Higgins is recovering from his operation and hopes to be able to start running again in the middle of July. Lee Thompson is also recovering from the operation on his knee; he is to attend Lilleshall on 7 July 2003 for rehabilitation treatment from specialists in a different environment. Neil is still looking for another goalkeeper to work with Paul Bastock. An offer has been made to another player; if agreement can be reached it will add to the strength in depth of the squad.

Boston United will entertain Malawi's top Premier League team Bakili Bullets when they visit the United Kingdom in mid-July. Bakili Bullets are the country's Premier League Champions and have won the title in eight out of the past ten years. The team also contributes 80% of its players to the national team. The match will be played at York Street on Saturday 19 July 2003, kick off at 3.00pm.

Next season Boston United reserves will compete in the Pontins Holidays Division One East playing matches against Darlington, Doncaster Rovers, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Lincoln City, Newcastle United, Notts County, Scunthorpe United and York City. The teams in the other divisions are Premier Division: Barnsley, Bradford City, Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Hull City, Preston North End, Rotherham United, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall; Division One West: Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle United, Macclesfield Town, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Shrewsbury Town, Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Wrexham.

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney has won approval for a radical shake up in the way The League is run.  Mawhinney presented his plans for an overhaul of the existing management structure at the League's AGM at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium on Thursday and received overwhelming support from member clubs.  The new look structure, which will be subject to final ratification at an EGM in September, will have Mawhinney overseeing a three strong executive team consisting of the League's Director of Operations Andy Williamson, the League's Commercial Director Richard Masters and a new First Division Managing Director. All three will be accountable to Mawhinney and the League's Board of Directors. And an independent non-executive director will be appointed to that Board of Directors for the first time to sit alongside the existing club representatives. This new director will have no club links and will provide independence and continuity to the Board structure. In addition, two new posts will be created within the League. A deputy Director of Operations will be appointed with the specific role of handling matters involving clubs in Divisions Two and Three, and a new Sales and Marketing Manager will be appointed with the task of seeking out new revenue streams for Division One clubs. The existing voting rights for Each Division and the League's financial distribution mechanism will remain unaltered. Mawhinney's plans will also see the League embark on an extensive re-branding exercise, focusing on Division One as a flagship. Mawhinney said: "The current value of the Football League is not fully appreciated and we'll be taking professional advice on how to go about a re-branding of the product. We have the best second-tier division in the world with far higher gates than comparable leagues in France, Italy, Germany, or Spain and we want to enhance our standing." Elsewhere at the AGM decisions on proposals to revamp the Play Offs, the imposition sporting sanctions for clubs going into administration and parachute payments were deferred until the September EGM.


Programme & Card Fair

14 June For all football match programme and souvenir card collectors, there will be a Programme and Card Fair in the Boston United Sports Bar on Sunday September 14th between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Admission will be free. Barry Pearson, who put together a Boston United Celebrities collectible card set a couple of seasons ago (that was the basis for the recent "Boston United Legends" poll) intends to put together a new set of cards to commemorate the success of the club over the last two seasons and the cards will hopefully be available at the Fair. Pre orders for the new set can be made by contacting Barry on 01754 769143. Also if there is sufficient interest, a repeat run of the original "Celebrities" set could be made. So again contact Barry if you would be interested in obtaining such a set.

Former Boston United striker Anthony Elding took part in the Seabank Marathon between Boston and Skegness last weekend. Now playing for Stevenage Borough, Anthony finished the 26 mile course in joint 25th place alongside his brother Darren.


Beevers signs

9 June Lee Beevers has signed a new contract with Boston United that keeps him at York Street for twelve months. The nineteen year old defender was offered contract back at start of May after his release from Ipswich Town following a loan spell with the Pilgrims at the end of the season. During his loan spell he made one first team appearance for the club, coming on as a substitute for the last few minutes of the final game of the season at Cambridge United.

York Street for twelve months. The nineteen year old defender was offered a contract back at start of May after his release from Ipswich.

Centre of Excellence

2 June Boston United Centre of Excellence will be starting in earnest in August 2003. Four age groups with boys ranging from 8 to 15, will be competing against the likes of Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Scunthorpe United, Chesterfield, Mansfield Town and Notts County over the season with the emphasis being on individual performances rather than results. The scheme will be run by Daral Pugh, the Head of Youth / Centre of Excellence Director and Neil Richardson, the Youth Development Officer. Intake will be small this season with a maximum of sixteen players per age group. All players that register will have a minimum of one season with the Club, apart from the under 16's who will be given a decision on their futures regarding scholarship by Christmas. Coaching staff have been identified, although any local coaches with UEFA 'B ' licence qualification may interested in joining the scheme can contact either Daral or Neil.

Coaching will take place a RAF Cranwell twice a week with the players receiving quality coaching at what is an outstanding facility. Although the scheme receives funding for the season it is still on the look out for prospective sponsors to enhance the program. Details of sponsorship are as follows:

Training Kit and Travelling Tracksuits

Under 9/1O'S

£1500.00

Under 11/12'S

£1500.00

Under 13/14'S

£1500.00

Under 15/16'S

£1500.00

Match Kit

Under 9/1O'S

£1000.00

Under 11/12'S

£1000.00

Under 13/14'S

£1000.00

Under 15/16'S

£1000.00

Staff Kit

10 People

£1000.00

Again for further details on sponsorship packages contact Daral or Neil.

This is an exciting time for all connected with Boston United Centre of Excellence and it is hoped that with the backing of the public and local businesses we may well see a future home grown player represent the first team or even his country.

Support your local team.

Contact numbers:

Daral Pugh 07971 616063
Neil Richardson 07905 281891


Golf

31 May The Boston United Invitational Golf Tournament 2003 takes place at Boston Golf Club on Thursday 3 July, Lafarge Aggregates are the main tournament sponsor.

Entry Form

Contact Details:

Name:

Address:

Telephone Number:

Team Name:

 

Player

Club / Society

Handicap

1

     

2

     

3

     

4

     

Tee off times are between 9.30am and 3.45pm, followed by a meal on completion of the round. The prize award ceremony will take place at approximately 8.30pm. The entry fee is £130.00 per team (inclusive of VAT). Teams will play as a four.

To enter please print the above Entry Form and send it with a remittance for the entry fee (payable to Boston United FC Limited) to:

John Blackwell, Boston United Football Club AM-AM, 14-16 Spain Place Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6HN

Please state a preferred tee-time, the organisers cannot guarantee to meet a requested time but will endeavour to meet competitor's preferences on a first come first served basis.

Competition Rules

  1. The competition will be known as: “The Boston United Invitational Am-Am Golf Tournament”.
  2. The competition will be run in accordance with the R&A Rules and local rules applicable to Boston Golf Club.
  3. Competitors must be 18 years old or over on the day of the competition.
  4. There will be a handicap limit of 18. Players of a higher handicap may enter.
  5. With the exception of members of Boston Golf Club, all competitors will be required to produce a handicap certificate signed by the secretary of their home club or society. Players not having a handicap certificate must play off scratch.
  6. The competition will be a stableford competition played over 18 holes with players receiving full handicap allowance.
  7. The best two stableford scores at each of the first seventeen holes will count towards the aggregate score, with all four stableford scores at the eighteenth hole counting towards the aggregate score.
  8. The competition will be limited to teams of four amateur players, one of whom must be nominated as the team captain.
  9. The nominated captain will mark the card and sign it on completion of the round. The card will be countersigned by one other player and handed to the scorer as soon as possible after the completion of the round.
  10. The team with the best aggregate score over 18 holes will be the winners.
  11. In the event of a tie the competition will be decided on a count-back over the last nine, last six, last three, last hole.
  12. The Secretary of Boston Golf Club will act as adjudicator in the event of any dispute.

Boston United would like to thank Boston Golf Club for once again allowing them to stage the event at the premier course in the local area. As always Boston United will endeavour to maintain the high standards of previous tournaments, which have been widely acknowledged as being amongst the very best of their kind in the County.

Hole Sponsorships

Boston United would like to invite individuals and business's to be additional sponsors of the Tournament. Benefits will include:

The cost is £35.00 (inclusive of VAT) which can be for sponsoring a hole, one of the two “Longest Drive” holes, one of the four “Nearest The Pin” holes, etcetera.

To arrange sponsorship contact John Blackwell at the above address.


<< 00/1 01/2 02/3 03/4 04/5 05/6 06/7 07/8 08/9 09/10 >>