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Boston United Football Club News


Here is the news about the club received in the 2004/5 season, in date order with the latest news at the top.


Torquay defender signs

7 June Boston United have continued their summer signing spree by getting the signature of defender Lee Canoville on a two year contract. The 24 year old began his footballing career as a trainee with Millwall. He joined Arsenal in 1997, making a single appearance from the substitutes' bench before moving on to Northampton Town. For the last four seasons he has been with Torquay United. He was born on 14/3/1981 in Ealing.


Ben Futcher becomes a Pilgrim

7 June Boston United have snapped up tall (6'7") centre half Ben Futcher from local rivals Lincoln City. The 24 year old has signed a two year deal with the Pilgrims. He has previously played for Oldham Athletic, Stalybridge Celtic and Doncaster Rovers. He has been a key member of the Lincoln City squad that has made the end of season play-offs for the last three seasons. He was born on 4/6/1981 in Bradford.


Noel Whelan leads summer signings

6 June Boston United's first signing of the summer is former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan - who joins the club on a two year deal after being released by Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen. The 30 year old had 23 starts for Aberdeen last season, picking up five goals and seven yellow cards. Born on 30/12/1974 in Leeds, he started his footballing career with Leeds United before moving on to Coventry City in a £2 million pound deal. A further £2 million pound transfer to Middlesbrough followed before spells with Crystal Palace, Millwall and Derby County. He joined Aberdeen at the start of last season on a free transfer.

Gavin Johnson has also signed up with the Pilgrims after failing to win an acceptable deal with Colchester United. After scoring ten goals for Colchester last season he was offered a six month contract for the coming season, but he turned it down to join Boston United. Born on 10/10/1970 in Stowmarket, he has previously played for Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Wigan Athletic and Dunfermline Athletic.

More signings are expected to be revealed in the next few days.


Life after Boston

25 May With his contract with Boston United finishing at the end of the season, Jermaine Easter has now signed up with Stockport County. The former Hartlepool and Cambridge United striker scored two goals on his debut for the Pilgrims when he joined them back in March. He scored three goals in his nine appearances for Boston. Stockport County finished the season botton of Coca-Cola League One, so Easter will be facing his former colleagues when the two sides meet next season in Coca-Cola League Two.

Another former Pilgrim who has found a new club is striker David Staff who has joined Nationwide Conference North side Nuneaton Borough. Staff rejoined his former club King's Lynn at the end of March after failing to become a regular in the Pilgrims' first team.

One former Pilgrim who is not going anywhere is Anthony Elding. After scoring 20 goals for Stevenage Borough last season Elding has been attracting lots of interest from other clubs, but manager Graham Westley has said that Elding will be leading the line for Boro next season.


Full pre-season schedule

17 May Boston United have announced their pre-season schedule. It begins with an away game at Boston Town on 9th July and concludes with a trip to Alfreton on 2nd August. The highlights are home games against Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. The full schedule is as follows:

Sat 9th July Boston Town (A) 2.00pm
Wed 13th July Braintree Town (A) 7.45pm
Sat 16th July Ipswich Town (H) 3.00pm
Sat 23rd July Nottingham Forest (H) 3.00pm
Sun 24th July Leicester City (H) 3.00 pm
Thu 28th July Leeds United (H) 7.45pm
Mon 1st August Stamford AFC (A) 7.30pm
Tue 2nd August Alfreton Town (A) 7.30pm

In addition three games have been arranged for Boston United's reserve side:

Tue 19th July Sleaford Town (A) 7.30pm
Fri 22nd July Grantham Town (A) 7.30pm
Fri 29th July Holbeach United (A) 7.30pm


Shock departure

Whiskey 16 May One of the most distinguished footballer's in Boston has decided to leave his club. An offer that was too good to turn down has tempted the legendary "Whiskey" to leave Patter United and ply his trade with an un-named local rival next season. He turned out fourteen times for the Boston Sunday League Division One side this season, playing at right back, left back, full back, sweeper, centre back, defensive midfield, right midfield, centre midfield and attacker and picking up two yellow cards and one red along the way. The keen Bon Jovi fan also had a stint as trainer.

Pre-season matches

15 May A couple of pre-season matches have been announced. Recently relegated Nottingham Forest are coming to Boston on Saturday 23rd July, kick off 3.00pm and Leeds United will be sending over their reserves to York Street on Thursday July 28th, kick off 7.45pm.


Player of the Year

7 May The annual end of season awards were made before kick-off of the final game of the season against Rochdale. Eight awards were presented as follows:

York Street Stand Supporters' Award: Austin McCann

Target Newspaper Player of the Year: Chris Holland

BUSA Special Recognition Award: Roy Hackford

BUSA Junior Members' Favourite Player: Nathan Abbey

BUSA Members Player of the Year: Austin McCann

Players' Player of the Year: Chris Holland

Manager's Player of the Year: Jason Lee

Player of the Year: Austin McCann

Austin McCann

Player of the Year


Not wanted

5 May Manager Steve Evans has had talks with all the players whose contracts finish at the end of the season and has decided to offer new contracts to Chris Holland and Simon Rusk. Five players will however be leaving - Dean West, Jermaine Easter, Stephen O'Donnell and Lee Thompson. A decision has yet to be made over Courtney Pitt's future.


Fans' Forum

3 May There will be a "Fan's Forum" in the Boston United Sports Bar this Wednesday - starting at 7:30pm. Chairman Jon Sotnick, Director of Football Jim Rodwell and Manager Steve Evans will be answering the questions from the fans. Jon Sotnick will also be presenting the latest developments from the club. Jon Sotnick

Boston United's Cult Hero

Paul Bastock

Paul Bastock

30 April BBC1's Football Focus programme has been running a competition this season where fans get to vote for the player they think is their club's "cult hero". Boston United's turn arrived last week and the three nominated players were Paul Bastock, Chris Cook and Paul Ellender. After a week of voting by text message the result has now been announced. The winner is Paul "Bazza" Bastock - who holds the club's all-time appearances record with 625 first team matches between 1992 and last year. He is currently playing with St Albans City in the Nationwide Conference South where he was recently voted "Player of the Month" for April.

It was 20 years ago in May

19 April Back in May 1985 Boston United had their one and only trip to date to Wembley Stadium, where they met Wealdstone in the final of the FA Challenge Trophy, narrowly being beaten 2-1. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this great match, Boston United Supporters Association and Chris Cook - who scored Boston's goal that day - have organised a series of events and put together a souvenir commemorative programme.

The events all take place on Saturday 7th May - the date of the Pilgrims' last game of the season at home to Rochdale. Many of the Wembley team as well as a host of other former players will be attending the events. The first event is part of the usual Matchday Experience and it will be attended by over 30 former Boston United players. It will give fans the opportunity to get to meet these players. It begins at 12.30pm at the New England Hotel in Wide Bargate. Fans who book to go on the Matchday Experience will also enjoy a three-course lunch (prepared by a Michelin chef), receive a matchday programme, be served with hot refreshments at half-time and after returning to the New England after the match will enjoy a light buffet and hot beverages accompanied by two or three players from the first-team squad. Call Jo Beach on 01205 591900 for bookings and further details of the Matchday Experience.

All the former players will be introduced on the pitch to the crowd at the Rochdale match.

The evening will finish with a Reunion Party Night in the Sports Bar, starting at 7.30pm. Entertainment will be provided by a Robbie Williams tribute act and a disco and buffet have also been booked. Tickets for the Party Night cost £5.00 and are now on sale from Chris Cook Print in Main Ridge East, the Boston United Club Shop in Wide Bargate and the Sports Bar. For further details of the Party Night call Chris Cook on 01205 350144.

The commemorative programme is now on sale, priced at £2.50. It is 56 pages of full colour with lots of information and photos regarding Wembley 85, but also has a 24 page section of Classic Games. The programmes are available from Chris Cook Print in Main Ridge East, the Boston United Club Shop in Wide Bargate, the BUSA Desk in the Sports Bar on matchdays, and John Blackwell's Box Office at York Street.

Boston United 1984/5

Boston United - 1984/5 BACK ROW: Ray O'Brien, Gerard Creane, Derrick Nuttell, Richard Hearmon, Bob Lee, John McPherson, Kevin Blackwell, Mick Lyon, Ian Ladd, Mick Czuczman, Mick Laverick, Don Robinson (Trainer) FRONT ROW: Arthur Mann (Manager), Chris Cook, Dominic Genovese, Paul Casey, Gary Simpson, Brian Thomson, David Gilbert, Gary Mallender.


Striker deal

15 April Striker Jason Lee has signed up with Boston United for another season. The big frontman has scored 11 goals for the club so far this season, 9 of them with his head. The new deal keeps the 33 year old with the club until the end of the 2005/6 season.

Seven other players have contracts up at the end of the season - Chris Holland, Simon Rusk, Lee Thompson, Jermaine Easter, Stephen O'Donnell, Courtney Pitt and Dean West.

That's not a pineapple

Head aches for youth

13 April Boston United's Head of Youth Daral Pugh has decided to leave the club, after setting up and running the Centre of Excellence since August 2003.


Reserves semi-final knock-out

11 April Boston United Reserves side were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final of the Pontins Holiday League Cup at Stocksbridge Park Steels' Bracken Moor ground this afternoon. Fielding a team almost entirely made up from the first team squad, they went down to a Joe Appleyard header after just five minutes. Sheffield Wednesday's keeper Chris Adamson didn't have to make a single save until the match entered stoppage time, when he easily dealt with a long-range effort by Daryl Clare. Sheffield Wednesday will meet either Manchester United or Shrewsbury Town in the final.

Sheffield Wednesday: Adamson; Greenwood, McArdle, Appleyard, Spurr; Brackenridge (Thorpe 81), McAllister (Broadbent 46), Needham, Evans; Corr, Fores-Chambers (Reet 68). Subs: Kirby, Thorpe, Ellis.

Boston: Bartlett; West, Ellender, McCann (Easter 46), Thomas; O'Donnell (Holmes 46), Rusk (Reynolds 46), Holland, Hamilton; Clare, Thompson. Subs: Abbey, Pitt.


Maylett signs up

Bradley Maylett 7 April Brad Maylett, who had joined on a one month loan-deal from Swansea City three weeks ago, has now signed up until the end of the season. The right sided midfielder has impressed in his four appearances for Boston, quickly becoming a favourite with the fans.

Another knife in the back

4 April Later this week Steve Melton will become the second Boston United player to undergo surgery in order to try to solve a recurring back injury. Mark Greaves underwent a similar operation last month. Like Greaves, Melton will now be unable to play in any further games for the club this season, having turned out just nine times, scoring once. Steve Melton

Big rise in admission charges next season

31 March Boston United have announced their admission charges for League matches next season. Entry on the day will cost £1 more for every stand, so for the terraces admission will cost £14 for adults, £7.50 for children and £10.50 for concessions and for seating in the Staffsmart and York Street stands admission will cost £16 for adults, £8.50 for children and £11.50 for concessions. For children in the terracing this represents an increase of 15% - nine times greater than the current rate of inflation. It will however still be possible to purchase tickets at the current prices if they are purchased from the club ticket office at least twenty-four hours before kick-off. Current season ticket holders will also be able to purchase their season tickets at last season's rates if they renew before 20th May.


Raynor fine

31 March Assistant manager Paul Raynor has picked up a £750 fine from the FA and a warning as to his future conduct. The fine was in respect of a breach of FA Rule E3: abusive and/or insulting words to a match official after the match against Swansea City at York Street on 22nd January, which Boston lost following a late controversial penalty. Earlier in the season manager Steve Evans was also fined £750 for a similar offence after the away match against Notts County.


Shedding Staff

27 March Striker David Staff has left Boston United to return to his former club King's Lynn after being released by the Pilgrims. Staff had made just six appearances for Boston - five of which were from the substitutes' bench - since joining from the Dr Martens League Premier Division side last summer.


No deals on deadline day

24 March The transfer deadline day has passed without any new players joining Boston United. The chance to strengthen the squad for one last crack at achieving a play-off place has been wasted and there will now be no new players arriving at the club until the end of the season. Director of Football Jim Rodwell announced that the club had been attempting to sign up players but that excessive wage demands had scuppered the plans. This leaves the club with a threadbare squad to complete its fixtures this season. There is however one bit of comforting news. Nathan Abbey is the only goalkeeper left in the first team squad. If he becomes injured or gets suspended then the regulations will allow the club to bring in a replacement. Three League clubs have volunteered to help provide such cover if needed.

Steven Boyack, who left the club on Monday, signed up on a short-term contract basis with League One side Blackpool yesterday.


Bye Bye Boyack

Steven Boyack 21 March Yet another player signed from Scotland has turned his back on Boston United. Midfielder Steven Boyack has left the club, joining Derek Lilley, Tam McManus and Andy Kirk on the list of players who were signed up from Scottish clubs only to depart before the season's end. Like McManus and Lilley, Boyack had failed to settle in the Boston area since joining the Pilgrims at the end of January from Scottish Premier League side Livingston. He made four appearances for Boston, scoring one goal.

Deal may let Maylett join

16 March Boston United have signed up right-sided midfielder Brad Maylett on a month's loan from Swansea City. Subject to international clearances from the Welsh FA being received on time Maylett will be eligible to play in Boston's match at Oxford United tomorrow afternoon. If the loan-spell proves successful then it is expected that Maylett will sign a permanent deal.


Easter arrives early in Boston

15 March Director of Football Jim Rodwell has nailed his man after signing up 23 year old Jermaine Easter from Coca Cola League Two strugglers Cambridge United. Born in Cardiff on 15/1/82, Welsh Youth international Easter started his footballing career as a trainee with Wolverhampton Wanderers but moved on to Hartlepool United before making any first team appearances. After three seasons with Hartlepool, making 30 first team appearances - all from the substitutes' bench - and scoring two goals, he joined Cambridge United in February 2004. He has scored 9 goals in 43 appearances for Cambridge, including two against Boston - one in the League match at York Street and another in the LDV Vans Trophy. Easter will wear the No. 17 shirt for Boston. Jermaine Easter

Confessions of a window schemer

14 March Boston United Chairman Jon Sotnick has hit out at FIFA's imposition of a transfer window on the Football League. The window will come into effect next season and will mean that players can only be transferred between clubs (including loan-signings) in the summer off season and in a mid-season transfer window between 1st and 31st January. The scheme has been in effect for clubs in the Premiership, but until now the Football League has been able to negotiate an exemption for its clubs. Last week the Football League informed club chairmen that it could no longer continue to go against the wishes of FIFA and that the transfer window would be in operation next season. After Saturday's draw against Grimsby, club Chairman Jon Sotnick explained in an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire that it was the introduction of the transfer window that forced him into selling striker Andy Kirk to Northampton. He said: "It's ridiculous that we are being allowed to be dictated to by FIFA and Sepp Blatter in relation to this transfer window."

Cup Glory for former Pilgrims

12 March Last summer former Pilgrim Phil Brown became joint player-manager at Unibond League Premier Division side Matlock Town. Last Saturday he steered his side into the final of the Unibond League Cup courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out 4-2 win over Burscough when the score after extra time had finished at 3-3. Matlock will play Whitby Town in the final. Brown has used a number of former Boston players in his squad this season. Defender Chris James and midfielder Steve Circuit are still with the club and striker Leroy Chambers began the season with the "Gladiators" before moving on to Frickley Athletic.

Another former Pilgrim in the news is last season's top scorer Neil Redfearn. Although now currently assistant player-manager at Conference side Scarborough, he is being suggested as a possible candidate for the vacant managerial position at another of his former clubs - League One side Barnsley.

Midfielder Mark Greaves is out for the rest of the season after scans revealed the extent of the problem he has been having with his back. He is scheduled to have an operation in the next few days to try to solve the problem.


Kirk sold to Cobblers

10 March Club chairman Jon Sotnick has told the official web site that a £125,000 offer from Northampton Town has been accepted for striker Andy Kirk. Kirk had a clause in his Boston United contract that said that should an offer exceeding six figures come in for the striker, then he and his agent must be consulted. Northampton tabled such an offer and it proved to be too attractive for Kirk to turn down. The transfer fee is the largest that Boston United have received for a player, beating the £60,000 received for Mark Rawle when he joined Southend United in 2001. Kirk signed for Boston United on a free transfer from Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian last summer and he is the Pilgrims' top scorer this season with 20 goals from 31 appearances. Andy Kirk

Coca Cola Champions Hip Competition

8 March To celebrate their sponsorship of the Football League, Coca Cola have set up a new competition that lets fans have the chance of winning a new player for their club. By logging on to their new football website (www.coca-colafootball.co.uk) between now and 26th May, fans can enter a prize draw. As well as giving fans the opportunity to win free tickets to see a Football League or Scottish Premier League match, the top prize is a sum of £250,000 for their favourite League club to spend on players plus £10,000 for themselves. Full details can be found on the website.

Saturday's match against Grimsby Town is ALL TICKET for away fans and for Boston fans who want to sit in the Finnforest Stand. There will be no tickets available for the away end or the Finnforest Stand on Saturday. Tickets for these areas must be purchased in advance. The York Street Stand and the Spayne Road Terrace will be operating under the the usual pay-on-the-day arrangements.


Goodbye Emanuele

Emanuele Gabrieli 7 March After reaching the end of his one-month contract, Emanuele Gabrieli has left Boston United. The Italian defender was signed up on a one month deal from Sheffield United at the beginning of February. He turned out four times for the Pilgrims during the month.

Three more years

6 March Manager Steve Evans has signed a three year contract with Boston United after being offered the new deal by Chairman Jon Sotnick. Commenting on the deal after yesterday's match at Darlington Steve Evans told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "Myself and the Chairman have agreed. I'm going to be around. We have had some progress this year. Jon Sotnick and Steve Evans have worked well together, as I do with the rest of the Board, and we will continue to try to get it right for this football club."


Ryan Clarke departs

4 March After ending his latest loan-spell with Conference basement side Leigh RMI, Ryan Clarke has decided to sign up with the Railwaymen full-time. He had made just eight first team appearances for the Pilgrims since joining from Notts County in the summer of 2003. Ryan Clarke

A bid by Boston United for former midfield star David Norris has been turned down by Plymouth Argyle. Norris was sold to Bolton Wanderers for £50,000 in January 2000. After featuring regulalry for Bolton's reserve side he returned to Boston for a two month loan spell in December 2000 that saw him score 7 goals in 6 appearances. He joined Plymouth for £25,000 in December 2002. His current contract with the other Pilgrims runs out in the summer.


A White signing

3 March Boston United have signed up central defender Alan White from Leyton Orient. He is seen as a replacement for Lee Beevers and will wear the number two shirt. White was born in Darlington on 22/3/76. He started his footballing career as a trainee with Middlesbrough, making one first team appearance for them before signing up with Luton Town for £40,000 in 1997. After two seasons with the Hatters he joined Colchester United before joining Leyton Orient last summer. His last game for Orient was Saturday's 1-0 victory over Darlington, and it looks like he could be playing against his home town club again this Saturday!


Matt O'Halloran

Another one off to the Linnets

28 February Matt O'Halloran has left Boston United to join Dr. Martens League side King's Lynn. He had turned out ten times for the Pilgrims, scoring one goal - a spectacular last minute winner against Scunthorpe, since signing up last summer.

Midfielder Mark Greaves could be out of action for the rest of the season after suffering with a recurring back problem. However, it may all be due to something unexpected. Physio Lee Taylor has discovered that one of Greaves' legs is slightly longer than the other, which may be putting strain on his back. So he is hoping that by using some corrective boots the problem can be solved and Greaves will stop getting the back pains.


Snow busyness likes show business

25 February The ground staff at Boston United have been working very hard to prepare the playing surface ahead of tomorrow's match against Northampton Town. Wednesday night's match against Notts County had to be postponed after heavy snow and freezing temperatures ahead of the game. The snow has now all been cleared and surface water mopped up. As long as there is no heavy overnight rain then tomorrow's match should go ahead. The overnight forecast for Boston is light sleet showers.


Beevers agrees to be an Imp

21 February As predicted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire on Saturday, Under-21 Welsh international defender Lee Beevers has agreed to join local rivals Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee. Lincoln hope that the paperwork can be sorted out in time to allow Beevers to turn out for the Imps in their match at Leyton Orient tomorrow evening. Since joining Boston from Ipswich Town in March 2003 Beevers has turned out 83 times for the Pilgrims and scored 5 goals, including one against tomorrow's opponents Leyton Orient.


Beevers off to Lincoln?

19 February BBC Radio Lincolnshire is reporting that Lee Beevers is about to be transferred from Boston United to Lincoln City for a fee of around £50,000. Neither club has commented on the rumours yet, but the deal is expected to be completed in the next few days. Lee Beevers

Wiseman from the east

17 February Following their spate of injuries, Boston United are hoping to sign up two players on-loan in a bid to plug the gaps in their depleted squad. The two players being sought are defenders Scott Wiseman from Hull City and Dominic Roma from Sheffield United. Wiseman was born in Hull on 13/12/1985. He has made six first team appearances for Hull, coming on five times as a substitute. Roma was born in Sheffield on 29/11/1985. A regular in Sheffield United's reserve side, he is an England Under-19 international, but has yet to turn out for the "Blades" first team.


The Italian Job

4 February After the signing of Jerome Sobers was held up because the Ipswich defender went down with a virus, Boston United manager Steve Evans acted quickly to plug the defensive gap in his squad by bringing Italian centre-half Emanuele Garbrieli to the club on a month's loan from Sheffield United. Twenty four year old Gabrieli has been with the Blades since September 2004 after joining from Italian Serie C2 side Cavese. He has only made one first team appearance for Sheffield United - coming on as a substitute in their 3-1 win over Gillingham last October. In Italy he has also turned out for Avezzano and Chieti.


Sobers expected to sign

3 February Boston United are hoping to add to their squad by signing up eighteen year old Jerome Sobers from Ipswich Town's youth academy. Sobers was born in London on 18/4/1986, but the 6'2" defender has yet to make any appearances for the Championship side. It is expected that the deal will be concluded on Friday morning allowing Sobers to join the squad for Saturday's trip to Wycombe.


Pontins Holiday League Cup draw

1 February In the Quarter finals of the Pontins Holiday League Cup Boston United Reserves have been drawn at home against Rotherham United Reserves - who they beat 4-2 earlier in the season in the Group stage of the competition. The match has to be played before March 17th. The full draw is as follows:

Boston Utd v Rotherham Utd
Manchester Utd v Grimsby Town
Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield Utd
Shrewsbury Town v Hull City


Oh Boyack

31 January Boston United have once again turned to Scotland to bolster their squad. On the last day of the Scottish Premier League transfer window it is being reported that Steven Boyack has joined the club from Livingston. The 28 year old midfielder has previously played for Rangers, Hull City, Dundee, Ayr United and Heart of Midlothian. He joined the "Livi Lions" on a free transfer from Hearts in the summer, but has only made seven appearances for them since then. As part of the deal, Boston United defender Greg Strong has signed up with the Scottish Premier League side, who are currently propping up the table.

Another new signing has also been made. Stephen O'Donnell has signed up from Dundee United. Born in Bellshill, the 21 year old midfielder was tracked by Boston United earlier in the season and finally joined the club this evening. He has made 20 appearances for Dundee United, scoring four goals. He also had a loan spell with Ross County last season.

Midfielder Kevin James has returned to Nottingham Forest at the end of his month long loan spell.

Boston United Reserves have made it through to the next stage of the Pontins Holiday League Cup after beating Scunthorpe United 3-1 this afternoon to finish top of Group Two. Lee Thompson, David Staff and Rob Norris got the Boston goals. The winners of the other Groups include: Sheffield United, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester United and Shrewsbury Town.


Steve Evans is innocent!

Steve Evans 27 January The official Boston United website is reporting that Steve Evans is not being investigated in any way by the FA following Saturday's match against Swansea. Both the Western Mail and the South Wales Evening Post newspapers had stated that Evans was in hot water for his behaviour after the final whistle. It however now appears that it is coach Paul Raynor who could be in trouble following comments made while leaving the pitch. Raynor has been charged by the FA in respect of these comments.

 


Beevers in Welsh Under-21 Squad

26 January Boston United's 21 year old defender Lee Beevers has been selected for the Welsh Under-21 squad for Wales' UEFA Championship Group Six Qualifying match against Germany at Wrexham on 8th February. It is the first time that Beevers has been selected for the Under-21 side. Lee Beevers

New cap for Kirk, New FA inquiry for Evans?

Andy Kirk 25 January Boston United striker Andy Kirk has been selected to play for Northern Ireland in their upcoming friendly match against Canada in Belfast on 9th February. Manager Lawrie Sanchez is using the game to give some fringe players the opportunity to catch his eye ahead of Northern Ireland's World Cup Qualifier against England. After scoring 17 times in 24 games for Boston United this season, Kirk has certainly made an impressive start for his new club since joining them from Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian in the summer. Kirk has previously won five full Northern Ireland caps, the last one being against Greece in October 2003.

Manager Steve Evans could be in trouble with the FA once more, following his behaviour after Saturday's match against Swansea. The Western Mail newspaper is reporting that the FA have requested a copy of the match video to help them investigate a number of claims in referee Grant Hegley's match report. It is understood that the FA will be concentrating on the actions of Steve Evans and other Boston officials at the end of the match, which ended with Swansea snatching victory after winning a controversial penalty in the dying seconds. It isn't the first time that Evans has been in trouble with the FA due to his post match comments. Back in November he was fined £750 by the FA and made to sign a written undertaking as to his future conduct following an outburst after the club's defeat at Notts County. Club chairman Jon Sotnick has told the Lincolnshire Echo that he was very unhappy with Hegley's conduct on Saturday and that the club have written a letter of complaint to the FA.


Reach for the Sky

24 January Boston United's match against Yeovil Town on Saturday 26th March has been selected to be televised live on Sky Sports. The match is now scheduled to kick-off at 12.15pm at York Street. England are due to play Northern Ireland on the same date, so Boston could be missing striker and Northern Ireland international Andy Kirk if he is called up by Lawrie Sanchez. Yeovil have an abysmal record at Boston. The two sides first faced each other in a challenge match over two legs for the Yeovil Supporters Club Cup back in 1955/6. Boston won both matches to claim the trophy. In total Yeovil have visited Boston on twenty occasions in various competitions and Boston have won fifteen of those matches, drawn three and lost only twice. Boston appeared four times on Sky Sports during their run-in to victory in the Conference in 2002. The first televised match was a 3-4 defeat to Hereford United, this was followed by 1-0 loss at Dagenham, a dramatic 1-1 draw with a last minute equaliser from Jim Rodwell against Barnet and a 2-0 victory at Hayes that clinched the title.


Rawle to Tamworth

21 January Former Boston United favourite Mark Rawle, who was top scorer in 1999/2000 and whose transfer fee was the record amount received by the club when he was signed up for £60,000 by Southend United in February 2001, has joined Nationwide Conference side Tamworth on a month's loan. After being top scorer with Southend he moved on to Oxford United in June 2003. He has been out of favour this season, only turning out six times. He said of his move to Tamworth: “It's a chance to go out and play some games, hopefully score a few goals, and help Tamworth pick up a few points. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play a few games and show what I can do, and if it helps to put me in the shop window then that's great." Mark Rawle

Former Pilgrims score on debuts

Steve Appleby 19 January Not only did Tam McManus score on his debut for Dundee FC on Saturday in a 3-1 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premier League, but also another former Pilgrim performed the same feat last night. Steve Appleby - Boston United Player of the Year in 94/5 & 97/8, who has just joined Wisbech Town, scored the second goal in the club's 2-1 win over Dereham Town in the Ridgeons League Premier Division. Another old boy - striker Kevin Slinn - has been placed on the transfer list by Southern League Division One West side Brackley Town, after his move from Grantham last season.

McManus joins Dundee

14 January After returning to Hibernian at the end of his loan spell with Boston United, striker Tam McManus has now signed up with Scottish Premier League side Dundee FC. He will probably make his debut in Saturday's match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Boston United have announced the date of their AGM. This will take place on Tuesday February 22nd at 7pm. The venue is likely to be the club's Sports Bar at their York Street ground.


FA Cup Draw

10 January In this afternoon's draw for the FA Cup 4th Round, the winner of the replay between Hartlepool United and Boston United will face a trip to Coca Cola League One side Brentford. Brentford have progressed to the 4th Round courtesy of wins against Bristol City, Hinckley United and Luton Town. The 4th Round matches are due to be played on the weekend of 29th and 30th January. The replay with Hartlepool is scheduled for Wednesday 19th January at York Street, kick off at 7.45pm.

Defender Greg Strong has returned to Boston following his month long loan-spell with Macclesfield Town which saw him turn out four times for the Silkmen. Macclesfield's manager Brian Horton decided not to offer Strong a permanent move.


Gascoigne AIDS fear

9 January Today's edition of the Sunday Mirror newspaper is reporting that former Pilgrim Paul Gascoigne is worried that he might have contracted AIDS. Since leaving Boston United back in October to pursue his management ambitions, Gascoigne has rarely been out of the news. He has been linked with management vacancies at a number of football clubs, including Greenock Morton, Stockport County, and most recently Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets. He was also due to appear in the BBC Christmas show Strictly Ice Dancing, but he pulled out after injuring his back when practising an ice skating manoeuvre with his friend Jimmy Gardner. Over the New Year period he was admitted to the Princess Grace Hospital in Marylebone, London suffering from pneumonia. The Sunday Mirror has reported that doctors at the hospital have carried out a number of tests, including one for HIV, in an attempt to find out what has caused the recent deterioration in his health. Paul Gascoigne

New Lincoln match date chosen

5 January A new date has been chosen for the Coca Cola League match between Boston United and Lincoln City that was postponed on Boxing Day due to the pitch being frozen. The match is now scheduled for Wednesday 16th February, kick off at 7.45pm. All tickets purchased for the postponed game will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.

Refunds are available for any fans who purchased tickets for the original match who cannot make the rearranged game. Details are available on the official web site. Refund applications must reach the club by 28th January 2005.


Programme Fair

5 January There will be a programme fair at Stamford AFC on Friday evening, 6.30pm start. There will be six programme dealers in attendance, the bar will be open, and there is free admission. Come along and fill a few gaps in your match programme collection, sell a few items you no longer want or get a rare item valued.


Live web match commentary on Saturday

4 January BBC Radio Lincolnshire will be streaming their live commentary of Saturday's 3rd round FA Cup clash between Hartlepool United and Boston United over the web. Unlike League games, the BBC have internet broadcast rights for FA Cup games. The match commentary can also be heard on the radio - on the Radio Lincolnshire Saturday Sport programme, which is broadcast between 14.00 and 18.00 on Saturday on 94.9 MHz FM or 1368 kHz AM.


The Loan Arranger

30 December Jim Rodwell and Steve Evans have arranged for midfielder Kevin James to join Boston United on-loan for a month from Nottingham Forest. Born on 3/1/1980 in Southwark, James began his footballing career as a trainee with Charlton Athletic. He joined Gillingham in August 2000 and spent four seasons with them, making fifty-three first team appearances and scoring four goals. He signed up with Nottingham Forest last summer, but has only made two first team appearances - both as a substitute.

Former Boston United manager Howard Wilkinson has returned to one of his former clubs. Today he became a non-executive director at Notts County - the club where he began his Football League management career. After playing under Jim Smith at Boston in the early 70s, Wilkinson became player-coach and then player-manager of the Pilgrims. He left to become manager of Mossley, before moving on to become coach and then manager with Notts County. He later took Leeds United to a First Division title and has twice been the England caretaker manager. Boston United are scheduled to take on Notts County in the Coca Cola League on Wednesday 23rd February at York Street.

Another former Boston United legend who has also recently taken up a post with a local Coca Cola League Two rival is Steve Thompson. The former defender, who played a big part in the hugely successful Boston sides of the late 70s, was appointed as manager of Cambridge United on Tuesday. Since leaving Boston in 1980 to join Lincoln City for £15,000, Thompson played for Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United, before switching to management after returning to Lincoln, then having spells with Southend United, Notts County and Sheffield United. He has also helped out with the coaching of the England Under-21 side with Howard Wilkinson. Boston visit Cambridge on Saturday.


Down and out, it can't be helped but there's a lot of it about

22 December Following concerns about a virus spreading amongst his small squad, manager Steve Evans has ordered his players to stay away from training until Friday. He told the club's official website: "We have a number of players affected and we want to try and minimise the virus spreading. Given we have a very small squad, if I have any players not available to me, I could have James Rodwell at the back and secretary John Blackwell up front against Lincoln City!”


The Price is Wrong

21 December An attempt to bring Hull midfielder Jason Price to Boston has ended after Hull City's manager Peter Taylor blocked the approach. Steve Evans is however still hopeful of adding some new faces to his squad in the near future.

The Lincolnshire Echo has reported that Daryl Clare is looking forward to the Boxing Day match against Lincoln City. Clare told the Echo: "Lincoln fans don't like me much. I'm certainly not the most popular person in the city and they gave me some stick two years ago. There was a lot of banter and I certainly enjoyed giving a little back. Fans think it is alright to give out criticism, so I think as a player it should be OK to return the favour. After all, it is only a bit of fun and it's harmless. We think we can beat them. We are unbeaten at home and since I have been here, sides don't like playing us at York Street. We have a lot of quality in the side and I'm positive we can net the result our fans would love to see." Daryl Clare

Meanwhile, Lincoln City striker Simon Yeo has also been interviewed by the Echo about the match. He said: "I think it's going to be a very interesting game. This will probably be the first time we've played them when both sides are challenging for the top seven which adds even more spice to it. However, we need to try and treat it just like any other game because the most vital thing is that we get three points on Sunday."

Mark Greaves will miss the Boxing Day match as he is suspended for one game after picking up five bookings this season.


McMinus

19 December On-loan striker Tam McManus has returned to Hibernian a few days before his loan period was due to end. This leaves manager Steve Evans with the smallest squad in the division with just twenty-one players - and two of those (Greg Strong and Ryan Clake) are currently out on-loan with other clubs.

Tickets for the Boxing Day match with Lincoln City at York Street are selling fast. The match is all-ticket and tickets will not be available for purchase on matchday. Lincoln have already sold their entire allocation and the Finnforest Stand is sold out for Boston fans. Tickets are still available for the York Street Stand and the Spayne Rd Terrace.


Kirk bid turned down

16 December Boston United have turned down a bid from an unnamed Championship side for striker Andy Kirk. The bid for the Northern Ireland international, who has scored 11 goals in 15 games for Boston so far this season, was believed to be a five figure sum, rising to six figures depending on various clauses. Club chaiman Jon Sotnick explained the reasons behind the rejection. Firstly the club thought the bid was lower than their valuation of the player and secondly the club wanted to give manager Steve Evans a good chance of putting together a side that would pick up lots of points over the busy Christmas programme. The bidding club was rumoured to be Leicester City, as Kirk used to play under their current manager Craig Levein when he was in charge at Hearts. But Levein has quashed the rumours, saying: "It's the first I've heard about it and we haven't got any money to spend anyway."


Youth team defeated in Cup

14 December Boston United's under 18 side travelled to Barnsley this evening to play in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. Their cup run, which had seen them defeat Northampton Town and Huddersfield Town, came to an end as they went down to a 4-1 defeat. The team was: Lambley, Pember, Brooks, Freeman, Hurst, England, Mahoney, Forbes, Needham, Hunter, Norris. Subs: Waterhouse, Hamstead, King, Williams, Maddison.


Imps seek striker ahead of Boston clash

13 December Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has revealed that he hopes to sign a new striker before his side take on Boston United on Boxing Day. After the Imps failed to score in Saturday's match against Cheltenham, Alexander said: "If I have a bit of luck I'll be able to bring someone in who plays up front. We need another body in and I'm trying to bring better players in so we can push on come Christmas."

Keith Alexander

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez is planning to watch the Boxing Day match at York Street between the two Lincolnshire sides. This will give him a chance to check out Lincoln defenders Gareth McAuley and Paul Morgan as well as Pilgrims' top scorer Andy Kirk. If any of the trio impress, then they could be named in the Northern Ireland squad for the friendly match against Canada at Windsor Park, Belfast on February 9th. Kirk has already won five full Northern Ireland caps, the last one being against Greece in October 2003.


Strong man challenge

9 December Out-of-favour defender Greg Strong will be joining Macclesfield Town on a month's loan. The former England youth international has faced stiff competition for a first team place since signing from Hull City in March 2004. He has only made one first-team appearance - in the LDV Vans defeat against Cambridge United - since the end of August.

Manager Steve Evans is expecting the club to sign up a new player before Saturday's match at Northampton Town.


Kids for a Quid

7 December Wednesday night's match at York Street against Rushden & Diamonds will only cost £1 to watch for children who buy their tickets early. The club have a special offer for children (under 16) for this match. If they buy their ticket before 5.00pm on Wednesday then it will only cost them £1. All children must however be accompanied by a full paying adult. After 5.00pm normal ticket prices will apply.

Former keeper Paul Bastock is also scheduled to make an appearance at York Street on Wednesday night. He has been invited back to the club by the Boston United Supporters Association so that fans can show their appreciation for his record breaking 625 appearances over a 12 year period.


FA Cup Third Round Draw

Adam Boyd 5 December In this afternoon's draw for the Third Round of the FA Cup, Boston United have been given an away tie against League One side Hartlepool United. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday 8th January, unless it is chosen as one of the televised fixtures on the preceding Friday or the following Sunday. Boston have come up against Hartlepool in the FA Cup once before. Back in 1971 Hartlepool became the third League club to be knocked out of the FA Cup by Boston United as the Northern Premier League side won 2-1 at York Street in the second round proper. Hartlepool got to the third round courtesy of a 3-0 home win against Lincoln City in the first round and a 5-1 home win against Aldershot in the second round. Former Pilgrim Adam Boyd scored two goals in their second round win. Boston last played Hartlepool two seasons ago in the Pilgrims' first season in the Football League. Hartlepool won both the home and away fixtures as they went on to gain promotion after finishing in second place.

Educating Evans

3 December Steve Evans is planning to spend two days with each of six different Premiership managers over the next two months. It is all part of a scheme to further the Boston United manager's footballing education. He hopes to ensure that his players are using the same training methods as the top stars.

The big Boxing Day match at York Street against Lincoln City will be all-ticket. After a problem with the printers, the tickets will now be available for sale from Tuesday 7th December.

Former Boston United goalkeeper Paul Bastock has had a trial with Notts County. He played for them in a behind closed doors match against Chesterfield on Monday. County have asked him to go back to join their training sessions. Since leaving Boston, Bastock has had spells with Dagenham & Redbridge and St Albans City.

After his loan spell with King's Lynn ended, defender Ryan Clarke has now joined Conference side Leigh RMI on a month's loan.


Live web match commentary on Saturday

30 November BBC Radio Lincolnshire will be streaming their live commentary of Saturday's FA Cup clash between Hereford United and Boston United over the web. Unlike League games, the BBC have internet broadcast rights for FA Cup games. In the previous round Radio Lincolnshire chose to broadcast the Lincoln City match over the web, but with the Imps being dumped out of the competition by Hartlepool, the Boston game will now be covered. The match commentary can also be heard on the radio - on the Radio Lincolnshire Saturday Sport programme, which is broadcast between 14.00 and 18.00 on Saturday on 94.9 MHz FM or 1368 kHz AM.


More racist abuse reported

28 November Nathan Abbey has once again been the subject of racist abuse, this time from Rochdale fans behind the goal before Saturday's match at Spotland. The alleged abuse was reported to the referee Phil Prosser at half-time and will be included in his match report. A letter has also been sent to the Football Association. Rochdale chairman David Kilpatrick commenting on the incident said: "Rochdale is a community with a high ethnic population - we have never had any orchestrated racial abuse at the club and I wouldn't condone it." He also said he did not hear any organised chanting of a racial nature and suggested that any disagreement between Boston's keeper and the fans was possibly the result of gamesmanship on the part of Abbey. Nathan Abbey

Who ate all the pies?

26 November Dunmores have picked up a top prize at the inaugural National Association of Caterers 2004 Football Hospitality Awards held at Aston Villa's Villa Park ground in Birmingham on Wednesday. The Boston United caterers won the away fans choice of League Two caterer of the year. The other sides nominated for the award were Mansfield Town, Northampton Town, Notts County and Scunthorpe United.

The Football Association has decided to reprimand Boston United's manager Steve Evans following his outburst after the match against Notts County on 23rd October. After charging him with a breach of FA Rule E3 - bringing the game into disrepute/not acting in the best interests of the game - they have warned him about his future conduct, fined him £750 and made him sign a written undertaking as to his future conduct.


Racism reported

25 November Nathan Abbey and Danny Thomas have reported that they were both subjected to monkey chants from Mansfield Town supporters during Saturday's draw at York Street. The players have written letters to Mansfield Town, the Football League and the Football Association to complain about the incident. Abbey told the Lincolnshire Echo: "There was a small group behind me who started monkey chants. I just couldn't believe it. I felt angry and disappointed they were doing it, especially after what happened in the England and Spain game. It carried on throughout the half with coins being thrown. After the game I spoke to Danny. He told me he heard monkey chants in the first half when he took corners. We spoke about it and after a couple of days we decided to make an official complaint. Ninety-five per cent of the Mansfield support were fantastic, but there were some who thought it was clever to copy the Spanish fans."


Youth team progress

23 November Boston United's under 18 side have made it into the third round of the FA Youth Cup after beating Huddersfield Town 2-1 at York Street. Goals from Keith England and Jay Mahoney sealed the win. The full line-up was: Lambley, Pember, Brooks, Freeman, Hurst, England, Mahoney, Forbes, Loader (Waterhouse 68), Hunter and Norris. They will play Barnsley on Tuesday 14th December at their Oakwell ground in the next round, kick-off at 7.00pm.


Clare returns

18 November As expected, Daryl Clare has this afternoon completed the details of his transfer from Chester City after agreeing personal terms and passing the required medical tests. Chester City chairman Stephen Vaughan agreed an undisclosed five figure transfer fee with Boston United yesterday, said to be much lower than the £75,000 that Carlisle United recently bid for the striker.

Steve Evans has said that he will be appealing against the £750 fine handed out to him by the FA for his comments after the match against Notts County on 23rd October.

Evans has also dismissed rumours linking the club with former Aston Villa and Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich who has been sidelined since failing a drugs test for cocaine at Chelsea. Evans told the Boston Standard: "I don't deal with drugs. Many of our fans are families. If any player here was caught with drugs they'd be sacked." Evans seems to have a short memory as former England star Paul Gascoigne, who he signed up earlier in the season, had a well publicised alcohol addiction and had confessed to going on a cocaine binge.


Old Boys' Reunion

Daryl Clare 17 November Former Pilgrims Daryl Clare and Simon Weatherstone are set to rejoin Boston United. Following the hamstring injury to leading scorer Andy Kirk in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Hornchurch, the club have been desperately searching for a possible replacement for the Northern Ireland international - who could be out of action for the next six weeks. They have turned to former striker Daryl Clare and this afternoon club Chairman Jon Sotnick revealed that he had agreed terms with Clare's current club Chester. If Clare can agree personal terms with Boston United then the transfer deal could be concluded some time tomorrow. Another former player who could be coming back to Boston is Simon Weatherstone. Weatherstone is currently out of contract following the financial problems at his former club Hornchurch. Boston however aren't the only club after the signature of the 24 year old midfielder. Weymouth, Stevenage Borough and Canvey Island have all shown an interest in signing him up.

FA Cup draw

14 November In this afternoon's draw for the second round of the FA Cup Boston United have been given an away tie against Nationwide Conference side Hereford United. The match is due to be played on Saturday 4th December. The last time the two sides met was back in the 2001/2 season when both sides were in the Conference. Boston won the match at Hereford's Edgar Street ground and Hereford memorably won the televised fixture at York Street by 4-3.

The date of Boston United's second round FA Youth Cup game against Huddersfield Town has also been decided. The match will be played on Tuesday 23rd November, kick off at 7.00pm.


Evans faces disrepute charge

12 November The Football Association has charged Boston United manager Steve Evans with a breach of FA Rule E3 of bringing the game into disrepute / not acting in the best interests of the game. This is in respect of his actions at the match against Notts County on 23rd October. Evans has until 22nd November to respond. During the match Evans was very unhappy with the refereeing decisions and in his post match interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire he made his feelings clear. He was particularly disappointed that Notts County's first goal appeared to him to have been scored from an offside position and that the referee was lenient in only showing County defender Rob Ullathorne a yellow card instead of a straight red after he brought down Andy Kirk with a professional foul. Steve Evans

Bennett goes to Kidderminster

Tom Bennett 11 November Unhappy midfielder Tom Bennett has been signed up by bottom of the table Kidderminster Harriers after being released by Boston United. Bennett was made available for transfer after failing to maintain his regular first team place in the last few weeks. Commenting on the move Bennett told the Lincolnshire Echo: "I would like to wish Boston all the best. They are a great club and the fans were terrific to me. I hope the club continues to do well, because the fans deserve every success. I'm disappointed I won't be involved with them, but I am looking forward to a new venture at Kidderminster. They may be bottom of the league, but they have a good squad and I hope to help lift them up in the table."

Youths' victory

10 November Boston United's Under 18 side team won their first round FA Youth Cup tie against Northampton Town at York Street last night 3-2. All the goals in the match were scored in the final 21 minutes. The winning goal was scored by Rob Norris in stoppage time. James Needham and Luke Forbes got the other two Boston goals. The team was: Lambley, Pember, Brooks, Freeman, Hurst, England, Mahoney, Forbes, Needham, Hunter, Norris. In today's draw for the second round Boston have been given a home tie against Huddersfield Town. The match has to be played before 27th November.

Steve Evans is expecting to welcome at least two major signings to the club in the next few days following hard work by Jim Rodwell and chairman Jon Sotnick to sign up new players. Meanwhile on-loan goalkeeper Luke McCormick has returned to Plymouth Argyle early as Plymouth do not want him to be cup tied after Boston's FA Cup tie this weekend.


Hornchurch

4 November Boston United's opponents in the first round of the FA Cup seem to be in serious financial difficulties. Hornchurch have announced that there are no longer funds available to sustain the football club. They have said that they will still continue to play football and will compete in the FA Trophy and the FA Cup. The dramatic news came shortly after Coldseal - the major sponsor of the club - went into liquidation.


Trio transfer listed

3 November Boston United have placed Tom Bennett, Greg Strong and Chris Holland on the transfer list. Bennett commented in today's Lincolnshire Echo that "The first I heard about it was when the Echo rang me yesterday to see if it was true. I am disappointed and hurt by the way it has come out, because hearing it from the press is not the way it should be done. It's unprofessional. I'm sad in a way because I thought I did a good job for Boston. It's a great little club." Manager Steve Evans hit back by saying: "As a management team, we met with the player last week and believe me, he knows our view. I have nothing more to say to him."

After an appeal to the Football League, Boston's first goal against Bristol Rovers on Saturday had been credited to Jason Lee rather than an own goal by Rovers' keeper Kevin Miller.


Big Hill to Climb in the FA Cup

30 October In this afternoon's draw for the FA Cup first round Boston have been given a home tie against Conference South leaders Hornchurch. The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday 13th November. Hornchurch are managed by Gary Hill - who was manager of Dagenham & Redbridge in the season when Boston won promotion to the Football League after controversially winning the Nationwide Conference on goal difference from the east London side. Hill's sides have a good record against Boston, as well as three wins out of four in their Conference clashes, Hill also masterminded the defeat of Steve Evans' side in the FA Trophy quarter-final in 1999 when Hill was in charge of St. Albans. Hill was also manager of the Heybridge Swifts side that dumped Boston United out of the FA Cup in the third qualifying round in 1994. Hornchurch have had some remarkable results this season, having had two 6-0 wins as well as a 9-0 win against Dulwich Hamlet in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. They beat Gravesend and Northfleet 3-2 after being 2-1 down at half time to progress to the First Round Proper. Former Pilgrim Simon Weatherstone plays for Hornchurch after joining them from Yeovil Town earlier in the season.


Is this a Dagger?

27 October Is a surprise move former Boston United goalkeeper Paul Bastock has changed his mind about joining Scarborough and has apparently switched to bitter rivals Dagenham & Redbridge. Bastock decided that it would be too much strain on his family if he had to travel from his Boston home to Scarborough to train, so after explaining the situation to Scarborough boss Nick Henry he opted out of the deal. It is rumoured that he has now joined Dagenham & Redbridge - the Conference side who many people consider were robbed of promotion to the Football League two seasons ago when champions Boston United were found guilty of financial irregularities. Paul Bastock was one of the six players whose contracts contained false details that were at the heart of the FA investigation that led to the guilty verdict. Boston manager Steve Evans was subsequently banned from football for twenty months and fined £8,000. The club were fined £100,000 and docked four points from their total for their first season in the Football League. Evans rejoined Boston in March this year, on the day after his ban ended.

Paul Bastock will be returning to Boston on Wednesday 8th December to be Guest of Honour at United's match with Rushden & Diamonds. He will be presented with a commemorative gift by the Boston United Supporters Association before the match kicks off.


Scottish youngster's higher grade test

25 October Scottish youngster Stephen O'Donnell has come down to Boston to see if he has what it takes to join the club. The 21 year old midfielder will under go a week's training and assessment with Boston United to allow Steve Evans the opportunity to see if he would fit in. He is currently with Scottish Premier League side Dundee United although he spent all of last season on-loan with Ross County. He comes from Bellshill, Strathclyde.


Arsenal fail to break Boston's record

24 October Arsenal's unbeaten league run ended after 49 games this afternoon when they lost at Old Trafford to Manchester United by two goals to nil. They thus were just two games short of equalling the record set by Boston United back in 1973 when the club went 51 league games unbeaten in the Northern Premier League. Boston's run began with a 4-0 win against Kirkby Town on 29th January 1972 and ended with a 1-0 defeat at Skelmersdale United on 25th February 1973. For much of the run Boston had been managed by Jim Smith, who later went on to lose a lot of hair and manage Colchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Oxford United, QPR, Newcastle United and Derby County.

Jim Smith

Jim Smith


Paul Bastock

Paul Bastock

End of an era as Bastock departs

22 October Goalkeeping legend Paul Bastock has left Boston United to join Conference side Scarborough. Bastock made his debut for Boston back in 1992 and last season broke the club's all-time appearance record when he passed Billy Howell's total of 572 appearances. He since went on to notch up a grand total of 624 competitive first team appearances. This season the 34 year old has been out of favour after picking up a knee injury pre-season allowing Nathan Abbey to make his claim for the goalkeeping spot. Always popular with the fans, he twice won the "Player of the Year" award - in his first year and again ten years later in 2002/3.

Manager Steve Evans has moved fast to find a replacement for Bastock, signing up 21 year old Luke McCormick from Plymouth Argyle on loan. McCormick will go straight into the starting line-up tomorrow at Notts County as Nathan Abbey has broken his finger in training and will be out of action for one or two weeks.

 


Temporary Staff loan

14 October Striker David Staff and defender Ryan Clarke have been loaned out to Dr. Martens Premier League side King's Lynn for a month. Neither player has had much success in gaining first team action this season, though both have featured regularly in the reserves. Staff only joined Boston over the summer from King's Lynn. Manager Steve Evans hopes that the move will let the pair get some games and impress, to allow them to challenge for a place in the side when they return.

Ryan Clarke

Ryan Clarke


Kick racism out of Boston

14 October A series of anti-racism activities by the Kick it Out campaign begins today and runs until Tuesday 26th October. It is supported by all football clubs and organisations and all 72 Football League clubs will be organising events around their home matches during the period. Anti-racism leaflets will be distributed and club staff will wear "Kick It Out" badges. Anti-racism messages will be included in match programmes and broadcast over PA systems. Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairmam of Kick It Out comments: "Our key message for this year's week of action is for the need to fend off complacency and keep up this on going battle against prejudice and exclusion, through education and positive engagement."


Anderton Cops Out

13 October Boston United have had a bid to talk to former Spurs and England midfielder Darren Anderton with a view to bringing him to York Street rejected. The club are looking for a replacement for Paul Gascoigne as player-coach and thought that Anderton, who has not settled well at Premiership Birmingham City since joining them over the summer, might fit the bill.


Boston's greatest ever manager joins Leicester City

12 October Former Boston United manager Howard Wilkinson has joined Leicester City as temporary first team coach after manager Micky Adams and coach Alan Cork left the club on Monday. Wilkinson guided Boston to two consecutive Northern Premier League titles as player-coach in the early 70s before becoming player manager in 1975. When he left to take charge of Mossley in 1976, Boston chairman Ernest Malkinson described him as Boston United's best ever manager. He certainly lived up to the claim, managerial stints with Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United culminated with him taking Leeds from 3rd bottom of the Second Division in 1988 to a First Division title in 1992. He later twice managed England in a caretaker role following the departures of Glenn Hoddle and Kevin Keegan respectively. After six years as Technical Director with the FA he returned to club management with Sunderland, but he was unable to prevent them getting relegated from the Premiership.


Adams Family Reunion

7 October Former Pilgrim striker Zema Abbey has been signed up on a one month contract by Tony Adams at Coca Cola League Two rivals Wycombe Wanderers. Boston face Wycombe at York Street on 16th October, so Zema could well end up coming face to face with his brother Nathan in the Boston goal.

Nathan is however rated only 50-50 to turn out on Friday evening against Southend United following a bout of flu. Paul Bastock could therefore have a chance of making his first League appearance for the club this season.


Gascoigne quits

5 October Paul Gascoigne has parted company with Boston United. He has decided that he would like to pursue his management ambitions further via an intensive coaching course at Lilleshall. He said that he had done a lot less coaching than expected since signing his contract with Boston. He thought the best way forward to further his management ambitions was to take the Lilleshall course. His resignation as player-coach takes effect immediately. Only yesterday manager Steve Evans sought to quash rumours about Gascoigne's impending departure that had appeared in the "News of the World" by stating that Gascoigne was staying put. Gascoigne made just three first team starts for the club since signing up at the end of July, playing for a total of 262 minutes. Paul Gascoigne

Rusk in

1 October Simon Rusk's original three month contract has now been extended to the end of the season following a series of performances that have impressed manager Steve Evans.

Zema Abbey's loan-spell with the club ended after last Saturday's match at Leyton Orient. The club have no plans to make the move permanent.

Steve Evans expects to add some new faces to his squad in the very near future. He is working hard to sign up at least one new midfielder.

A "Sportsman's Dinner" featuring former Scotland boss Craig Brown as a guest speaker has been planned for Wednesday 17th November at the Assembly Rooms in Boston.


West heads South

21 September Lincoln City defender Dean West has been signed up by Boston United in a swap deal that sees striker Martin Carruthers heading for Sincil Bank. It is the second time that 31 year old West has played for the Pilgrims. He had a loan spell with the club at the beginning of the 1993/4 season that saw him playing as a striker, netting seven goals in eight appearances before returning to Lincoln. He joined Bury in 1995 before switching to Burnley on a free transfer in 1999. He rejoined Lincoln at the start of the season, but has failed to re-establish himself in the first team.


New appointments

14 September Boston United have appointed Brett Whaley as their new "Football in the Community" officer. Brett will be liaising with local schools as he seeks to take football into the community.

A new physiotherapist has also joined the club. Former Barnet, Luton and Wimbledon physio Lee Taylor has taken over from Jim Woods after Jim decided to leave the club.

Former Pilgrim Simon Weatherstone, who joined Yeovil Town for £15,000 in January, has now been signed up by Conference South high fliers Hornchurch.

Manager Steve Evans revealed to BBC Radio Lincolnshire at the weekend that he is considering his position following the discovery that his eldest daughter has been diagnosed with cancer. He may quit so that he can spend more time with his family. Club chairman Jon Sotnick commented to the Lincolnshire Echo: "Obviously the health and well-being of Steve's family is paramount. His emotions and feelings have been hit hard with this terrible news, but he can rest assured we will support him, whatever course of action he decides to take. Personally I feel we have the management structure in place to cover for any time Steve may be away from the club. Hopefully though everything will work out positively and we will not be without the manager for any sustained spell."


Fulham details

10 September Boston United have announced the admission arrangements for their second round Carling Cup match against Fulham at York Street on Wednesday 22nd September. Seating for the match, either in the Finnforest stand or the York Street stand is all-ticket. For standing on the Spayne Rd or York Street terraces you can pay on the day. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday 16th September at 1.00pm. The admission prices will be the same as for Football League games, except that the Family Stand will not be in operation. Season ticket holders will be given the opportunity to obtain their tickets in advance of the general public. They can get tickets between 12 noon on Tuesday 14th September and 12 noon on Thursday 16th September on production of voucher "A" from their season ticket book.

The tickets for Saturday's match at Lincoln are selling well. This match is all-ticket for Boston supporters. Steve Evans will have Andy Kirk and David Noble available for selection after both passed fitness tests yesterday. Summer signing Andy Kirk - who Evans has described as the best striker in League Two - has been out since picking up an injury in the opening pre-season friendly at Boston Town.

Steve Evans has also announced that he has had a £40,000 bid for an un-named midfielder from a higher division club accepted. However, he won't reveal the name of the player until the deal is finalised following further talks. He hopes to have the mystery star signed up in time for tomorrow's clash with Lincoln.


Football friendly

2 September Boston United won their hastily arranged friendly match against King's Lynn at the Walks 5-4 last night. Paul Gascoigne featured for the visitors and a crowd of just over 1000 turned up to watch. The Boston goals were scored by Martin Carruthers, new Scottish signing Tam McManus, Greg Strong, Lee Thompson and former Linnet David Staff. The King's Lynn goals were scored by former Pilgrims Mark Angel - from a free kick, and Tony Battersby - from a penalty, as well as two late goals by Robbie Harris.

Gareth Jelleyman has returned to injury hit Peterborough United after his loan spell with Boston United ended.

The club have announced the admission prices for the LDV Vans Trophy match against Cambridge United on Wednesday 29th September. They are reduced from the usual League match prices and will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions in the Finnforest stand and £8 for adults and £4 for concessions on the terraces.

Mark Angel

Scored from free kick


Yet another Scottish signing

31 August Yet again Steve Evans has turned to Scotland to try to boost his squad by signing up Tam McManus from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian. McManus was born on 28/2/1981 in Glasgow. He joined Hibernian as a trainee in August 1997 and apart from loan spells with Airdrieonians and East Fife he has remained with the Hibees ever since. He has scored 23 goals in 128 appearances for Hibernian. He was their top scorer in 2002/3 with 11 goals. His loan spell at Boston is due to end on January 6th 2005.

Boston United will be playing a friendly match against King's Lynn at their Walks stadium tomorrow evening. Kick off is at 7.45pm.


LDV Vans draw

28 August Boston United have been drawn against Cambridge United at York Street in the opening round of the LDV Vans Trophy Southern Section. The match is to be played in the week commencing 27th September.


Pilgrims get the Abbey habit

26 August After facing stiff competition from local rivals Peterborough United, Boston United have finally signed up Norwich City striker Zema Abbey on a month's loan. Peterborough manager Barry Fry revealed that he had provisionally agreed to take Zema on-loan, but wanted to see him in action for Peterborough reserves before finalising the deal. In the mean time Boston nipped in and signed him up straight away. Zema will wear the No. 25 shirt at Boston.

The Carling Cup match against Luton Town which was called off last night due to a waterlogged pitch at York Street, has been rearranged for Tuesday 7th September, kick-off 8.00pm.


Carling Cup Draw

25 August Boston United have been drawn at home against Premiership side Fulham in the second round of the Carling Cup if they overcome Luton Town after tonight's first round match at York Street was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The second round matches are due to be played in the week commencing 20th September.


Abbey dasher deal coming apart at the seams?

25 August The attempt to bring goalkeeper Nathan Abbey's brother Zema to Boston from Norwich City on a loan deal is looking a bit less likely. Norwich City manager Nigel Worthington has reported that now Abbey has recovered from a groin strain a number of clubs are interested in signing him up on a month's loan. Worthington is keen for Abbey to get some League experience, but the move must be right for both the player and the club signing him.


Striker light

18 August Boston United's manager Steve Evans has revealed to the Lincolnshire Echo that he thinks the current squad is light of a striker, and he has promised to rectify the problem before Saturday's match against Macclesfield. Andy Kirk's injury, picked up in the pre-season friendly at Boston Town, is taking longer to heal than expected. Evans therefore hopes that either Zema Abbey will have recovered from a groin strain that has so far prevented his loan move from Norwich City to materialise, or a new striker will be brought in. Evans went to watch Nottingham Forest reserves play against Birmingham City reserves this week so that he could check out a potential new signing.

Last season's team captain Ben Chapman, who was released at the end of the season has signed up with Alfreton Town. Chapman had spent much of the pre-season period searching for a new club and had trials with Scarborough and King's Lynn. He had provisionally agreed a three month deal with the Linnets, but the club were unable to find sufficient funds to cover his salary, having reached their spending limit.

Paul Gascoigne will be in the club shop at 45 Wide Bargate on Friday afternoon between 3pm and 5.30pm to sign copies of his new autobiography: Gazza - My Story. Only copies of the book purchased in the shop will be signed.


A Boyd in the Hand

11 August Boston United's manager Steve Evans has announced that the club has had a £110,000 bid for Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd turned down. The Scottish Premier League star has scored 33 goals in 60 league starts, including the winner against Hibernian on Saturday. Evans says it is now up to chairman Jon Sotnick whether the bid is increased. Evans also revealed that a £100,000 bid for Peterborough United's Calum Willock had also been rejected.

Former Pilgrim Daryl Sutch has signed up with local Dr Martens League side King's Lynn after proving himself fit during pre-season friendlies with the club.


Oh Brother

9 August Boston United are set to sign Norwich City striker, and goalkeeper Nathan Abbey's older brother, Zema on a month's loan. Zema joined the Canaries from Cambridge United for £350,000 in December 2000. He has been plagued by injury in recent years, including a nasty cruciate ligament knee injury that kept him out for most of the 2001/2 season. He was born on 17/4/1977 in Luton. He previously played for Arlesey, Baldock Town and Hitchin Town. Boston United have had a fair number of brothers playing alongside each other in the side over the years, including Don and Geoff Hazledine, Alf and Andy Graver, twins John and Harry Dagg, Tommy and Johnny Garvie, Craig and Steve Thompson and most recently Ross and Simon Weatherstone.

Paul Gascoigne is still recovering from food poisoning and a perforated ulcer, so he will be unavailable for tomorrow night's match at Grimsby.


The Pitt and the Jelleyman

6 August Boston United have bolstered their squad with two new signings today. Former Welsh Under 21 international Gareth Jelleyman, who had a loan spell with the club back in December 1998, has returned on a month's loan from Peterborough United. Gareth is a left sided wingback. In his six seasons with the Posh, the 23 year old has made 105 first team appearances and has yet to score.

Also joining Boston on a short-term contract is 22 year old midfielder Courtney Pitt. Courtney began his career as a trainee with Chelsea in August 2000. A free transfer to Portsmouth followed in June 2001, where he made 41 first team appearances, scoring 3 goals. After loan spells with Luton and Coventry he joined Oxford United in March this year. Courtney left Oxford United at the end of the season and could face his former colleagues in Boston United's opening Coca Cola League Two match tomorrow.

Manager Steve Evans is also hoping to sign-up striker Zema Abbey on-loan from Premiership side Norwich City.


Sick as a parrot

3 August Today's Press Conference to annonce the details of Paul Gascoigne's new deal with Boston United had to be cancelled as the former England international was too ill to attend. With manager Steve Evans announcing on Saturday that after being admitted to hospital with suspected food poisoning Gascoigne was in fine fettle and that he would be fit enough to turn out for the Pilgrims against Stevenage last night, the diagnosis proved to be unreliable. Gascoigne didn't feature in the pre-season friendly and this morning he was so ill that after being examined by the club doctor, there was no other option than to postpone the Press Conference.


Staff recruitment

2 August Trialists David Staff and Matt O'Halloran have both agreed one year deals with Boston United after featuring in the club's pre-season matches. Twenty four year old striker David Staff joins the club from local Dr Martens League side King's Lynn, where he was top scorer with 23 goals last season. He had previously played for Rushden & Diamonds and Stamford. Twenty-one year old, Lincoln born midfielder Matt O'Halloran, started his footballing career as a trainee at Derby County. He had a loan spell with Burton Albion in 2002/3 and was then given a free transfer to Oldham Athletic last summer. After turning out seventeen times for Oldham, scoring once, he moved on to Chesterfield.

David Staff

 


Coach sickness

31 July Boston United's new player coach Paul Gascoigne was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle this afternoon, suffering from food poisoning. Gascoigne was in Newcastle as guest of honour for the Gateshead Cup match between two of his former clubs, which Newcastle United won, beating Rangers 4-2. At lunchtime Gascoigne began complaining of chest pains and after seeing the Newcastle United team doctor was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary as a precautionary measure. Boston United's manager Steve Evans has reported that he has spoken to Gascoigne and he is in fine fettle and he expects him to be OK to play in Monday night's friendly at Stevenage.


Gascoigne signs

30 July Club chairman Jon Sotnick has announced that Paul Gascoigne has signed for Boston United in a player-coach role. Full details of the deal will be given at a press conference on Tuesday.


Clare offer rejected

29 July Club chairman Jon Sotnick has had his £70,000 offer to Chester City to sign former Pilgrim striker Daryl Clare rejected. As soon as he receives written confirmation the deal will be over.

Meanwhile trialists Jamie Gosling and Narada Bernard have failed to win contracts after featuring in United's pre-season preparations.


Transfer latest

28 July Club chairman Jon Sotnick hopes that he will be able to sign up Paul Gascoigne as player-coach before the end of the week. He will be holding further talks with Gascoigne after the former England midfielder turns out for Boston United in tomorrow's friendly against Sheffield United at York Street.

Boston United have also submitted a formal bid to Chester City for Daryl Clare. The offer is worth about £70,000.


Gascoigne plays

27 July A packed York Street saw Paul Gascoigne turn out for Boston United in a match against Newcastle United's reserve side this evening. Boston won the match 4-0 courtesy of a first half hat-trick from new signing Martin Carruthers and a goal from Mark Greaves. Gascoigne played for 75 minutes before being replaced by Simon Rusk. The Newcastle team was mainly made up of youngsters, but did include two players with first team appearances - England Under 21 international Michael Chopra and Jamie McClen. The full Newcastle team was: Tony Caig, Kris Gate, Phil Cave, David Edgar, Peter Ramage, Ben Webster, Martin Brittain, Jamie McClen, Guy Bates, Michael Chopra, Matthew Pattison. Subs: Lewis Guy, Chris Farman, Daniel Howe, Craig Baxter, Adam Bartlett.


Evans Fantasy

26 July Over the past six weeks the Boston Standard has been running a competition to see if readers could match Steve Evans' Fantasy XI of Pilgrims players he has managed during his two stints at the club. The competition has proved very popular and the Standard have compiled a list of the top twenty players as voted for by the fans. They are listed in percentages in which readers voted for them.

Paul Bastock / Paul Ellender 100%
Daryl Clare 83%
David Norris 71%
David Noble 64%
Mark Rawle 60%
Lee Beevers 52%
Simon Weatherstone 48%
David Rennie 45%
Peter Costello 40%
Danny Thomas 38%
Joby Gowshall / Mark Clifford / Tom Bennett 29%
Mark Angel / Mark Greaves 24%
Ray Warburton / Ben Chapman 19%
Colin Hoyle 17%
Lee Thompson 12%

 

Steve Evans' own Fantasy XI will be announced in The Standard on Wednesday.

Paul Gascoigne has agreed in principle to join Boston United as player/coach after playing in the friendly match against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

Boston United are planning to submit a formal bid to Chester City for former Pilgrim Daryl Clare.

Goalkeeper Nathan Abbey has signed a two-year deal with the Pilgrims. Nathan was born in Islington on 11/7/78. He started his career as a trainee with Luton Town in 1995, making his League debut in February 1999 in a 2-1 win against Burnley. In the following season he became the first choice keeper for the Hatters. In 2001 he joined Chesterfield on a free transfer for one season, then he switched to Northampton Town. For the 2003/4 season he had spells with Stevenage Borough, Luton Town, Macclesfield Town, Ipswich Town and Burnley. Nathan Abbey

Gascoigne to be a Pilgrim

22 July Club chairman Jon Sotnick has announced that 37 year old former England star Paul Gascoigne has agreed to play for Boston United in their pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at York Street next Tuesday. The club hopes that they will be able to to persuade Gascoigne to take up a coaching role at Boston after talks with him this weekend. Throughout his career Gascoigne's brilliance on the pitch has been overshadowed by his loutish behaviour off it. In his recent biography, "Gazza: My Story", Gascoigne confessed to mental health problems, bouts of alcoholism, beating up his wife in a drunken rage and a six week cocaine binge as he tried to kill himself after realising that his football career was dead. He made his League debut for Newcastle in 1985, before moving on to Spurs in 1988 in a £2 million deal. He joined Italian side Lazio in 1992 and later played for Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley and briefly Chinese second division side Gansu Tianma. Last October he turned out for Wolverhampton Wanderers reserve side, but he failed to win a deal at the club. Recently he has turned down offers to play for Weymouth and Rhyl. This Saturday Gascoigne will be lining up alongside former England colleague Bryan Robson in a pre-season game for Radcliffe Borough against Manchester United. Radcliffe President - comedian Bernard Manning - is expecting a record turn-out for his Unibond League side.


Lyttle bit of confusion

21 July Ex-Nottingham Forest full back Des Lyttle has begun a trial with Boston United and is expected to play for a full 90 minutes in tonight's pre-season friendly against AFC Stamford. Lyttle was released by Northampton Town at the end of last season. The 32 year old has also played for Leicester City, Worcester City, Swansea, West Bromwich Albion, Port Vale and Watford.

Meanwhile, as manager Steve Evans was telling the Lincolnshire Echo that he would not be pursuing his interest in bringing former Pilgrim Daryl Clare back to York Street, his Chairman Jon Sotnick was telling Team Talk that the club were about to start negotiations with Chester to re-sign the striker.


English striker signed

20 July After yesterday ruling out any interest in Martin Carruthers, Steve Evans has today signed up the striker who has been released from Coca Cola Football League Two rivals Macclesfield Town. The 31 year old joined Macclesfield on a free transfer last summer from Scunthorpe United. He had previously been with Aston Villa, Hull City, Stoke City, Peterborough United, York City, Darlington and Southend United. Overall he has scored 133 goals in 479 appearances. He was born on 7/8/1972 in Nottingham. Carruthers has been given a one-year contract.

The club have reported that they have this afternoon received the final installment of the transfer fee owed to them by Chester City for Daryl Clare.


Clare Cut Proposal

19 July Boston United are still awaiting the final payment installment of the transfer deal that saw Daryl Clare move to Chester City back in October 2002. The complex deal involved a five-figure down payment to be followed by further sums if Clare scored fifteen goals in his first season with the club and if Chester got promoted. Chester were duly promoted in the summer after topping the Conference and Boston have requested their bonus payment. The money has not been forthcoming, therefore the Pilgrims have reported the matter to the Football League. Chester City Chairman Steven Vaughan has responded by saying: “We have paid every penny to Boston United for Daryl Clare, so any reports stating the opposite are rubbish.” Chester are however in serious financial difficulties. Today they received a winding up order from HM Customs and Excise for non-payment of VAT. Daryl Clare

 


Marriage Proposals

17 July Boston born defender Matt Hocking, who was released at the end of last season after spending two seasons with the Pilgrims, married sweetheart Nina Harrison last week. The wedding took place at Tewin Bury Farm in Hertfordshire. The couple will make their home in Saxon Gate, Kirton. Matt signed up with Nationwide Conference high fliers Stevenage Borough earlier in the summer.

Boston United's proposals for their new out-of-town stadium at Boardsides have fallen foul of the terms required for a club to receive funding for stadium improvements. To receive funding, new stadia must be all-seater and the original proposals had terracing behind the goals at each end. The designs for the £7.5 million sports village will therefore be adjusted to fit in with the funding conditions as the development relies on a £2 million contribution from grants.


The Third Man

16 July Yet another summer signing by manager Steve Evans has fallen through after Derek Lilley re-signed for Livingston this afternoon. Striker Lilley joined United on a three year contract to great fanfare on 24th May. The move from a Scottish Premier League side to one in the lower reaches of the English Football League surprised many. But it has all ended without Lilley kicking a ball for the Pilgrims, when the 30 year old striker's family failed to settle in the Boston area, resulting in a request to return to Scotland. This is the third transfer deal that has failed at Boston this summer. First, West Ham defender Shaun Byrne failed to complete his move when he couldn't pursuade his partner to move from London, then goalkeeper Aaron Kerr failed his medical after agreeing terms with the club.

The fixture lists for the Reserves have been released. Once again Boston United Reserves will be playing in the Pontins Holiday League Division One East. In the Cup competition they have been drawn in a group with Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United.


Peterborough & Lee

15 July The pre-season friendly against Peterborough United at York Street scheduled for next Monday has been called off. Following an inspection of the newly re-seeded pitch, it has been decided that it would be best to avoid any heavy wear on the turf for a few more days to prevent long-term damage to the playing surface.

Former Nottingham Forest striker Jason Lee has been signed up by the Pilgrims after impressing in pre-season training. Jason was born on 9/5/1971 in Forest Gate. He started his footballing career as a trainee with Charlton Athletic. After a loan spell with Stockport County he moved on to Lincoln City. A transfer to Southend United followed, but he was soon spotted by Nottingham Forest who snapped him up. In four seasons with Forest he scored 14 goals in 76 League appearances. He then went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Grimsby Town, Watford, Chesterfield, Peterborough United and Falkirk. Jason Lee

 


Lilley & Thompson

15 July Striker Derek Lilley, Boston United's major summer signing, has been given leave by the club to return to Scotland to sort out some personal problems. A report in the Scotsman newspaper however implies that Lilley will not be returning to Boston as he may be re-signing for former club Livingston.

Former Boston United manager Neil Thompson has a new job. He has been put in charge of the Academy at Leeds United, where former Pilgrims' keeper Kevin Blackwell is now manager. Thompson will be helping to produce good young talent for the recently relegated West Yorkshire club and is looking forward to the challenge. He has also just completed a management degree course to add to his UEFA coaching badges. He said: "The facilities for youngsters are unbelievable at Leeds. Kevin is restructuring things and I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of what could be really exciting times."

The signing of keeper Aaron Kerr from Walsall has fallen through after the 21 year old failed a medical. The examination revealed that Kerr had tendonitis in his wrist, so after taking advice from the club's medical staff, manager Steve Evans decided not to conclude the transfer. This leaves United searching for a suitable replacement to challenge Boston's number one keeper Paul Bastock.

Stuart Balmer, who was released by United at the end of last season, has moved north of the border where he is now assistant manager at Scottish First Division side Clyde.


Holbeach friendly

13 July An extra friendly fixture has been added to Boston United's pre-season schedule. On Friday evening they will travel to Holbeach United to play a match in the memory of Gerald Starling, a physiotherapist at both clubs who passed away two years ago. The match was originally scheduled for July last year, but was cancelled due to the poor state of the pitch at Carters Park. The kick-off time is 7.45pm.


United buy Town's ground

12 July At a press conference this afternoon at the Princess Royal Sports Arena, Boston United's chairman Jon Sotnick announced that the club had bought Boston Town's Tattershall Road ground from Sportsfund - it's landlords . The purchase is the opening move of a complex deal that Sotnick expects will see both the town's clubs playing at new grounds alongside each other at a new eight million pound development at Boardsides on the edge of the town. Initial plans for the development, which also includes a new hotel, fast food outlet and parking for 1000 cars, were presented at the conference. United's new stadium will have a capacity of 7500 and will have terracing behind the goals at each end. In order to raise an expected £300,000 per season from corporate hospitality facilities, ten executive boxes and a restaurant will be provided. Sotnick intends to present planning applications for the development to Boston Borough Council before Christmas and hopes that Boston United will be able to move into their new stadium in time for the 2006/7 season. The club intends to knock down the Tattershall Road and York Street grounds for residential development once the new grounds have been built.


New Boston Football Book

10 July A new book about the history of Boston Town Football Club is to be published during the club's 40th anniversary celebrations. Come And Sit With Us has been written by Boston-born journalist Simon Ashberry. It will be available for the first time at the United Counties League side's friendly against Boston United, which kicks off at 7.45pm at Tattershall Road, Boston, on Wednesday, July 14. The historic fixture will be only the fourth time the rivals have played each other since the formation of Boston Town, who were originally called Boston FC before changing their name in 1994. Simon's book tells the dramatic story of how fans started the new club from scratch in a matter of weeks after Boston United abruptly withdrew from senior non-league football. It also charts their highs and lows of the past four decades. The two clubs have only ever met once in a competitive match. United won 4-0 at Tattershall Road in 1970 when they drew each other in the FA Cup. Relations between the two clubs then festered and there was a gap of more than a quarter of a century before they played each other in a friendly. United beat Town 4-1 at York Street in 1996 to lift the Mather Cup and then came from behind to win 3-1 at Tattershall Road when the clubs met for only the third time in another friendly in 1998. Simon, a former Boston Grammar School pupil, who now lives in West Yorkshire, said: "It's a fascinating story and I'm expecting a lot of Boston United supporters as well as Boston Town fans to be interested in the book." Any profits from the book will go to Boston Town.

Come And Sit With Us is being published by Tucann Books, based in Heighington, near Lincoln. The 200-page book contains more than 50 archive photos and will be available to buy for the first time at the Boston Town v Boston United match on July 14, priced £10. It will then be on sale from Boston Town's ground on all subsequent matchdays and at Oldrids and WH Smith in Boston. You can also order a copy by going to the Boston Town website www.bostontownfc.co.uk.
Come And Sit With Us cover

 


Hatters at Home

8 July The draw for the first round of the Carling Cup was made this morning. Boston United were in the Southern section of the draw and have been given a home tie against Coca Cola Football League One side Luton Town. The match is scheduled for Wednesday 25th August.


Byrne Out

7 July After agreeing terms on a one-year deal at Boston, former West Ham defender Shaun Byrne has decided not to join the club as his girlfriend doesn't want to move away from London.


Paul Gascoigne

6 July Boston United manager Steve Evans has generated considerable interest in the national press by announcing that he is hoping to sign former England international Paul Gascoigne up as a coach with the club. Evans intends to have talks with the former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur star when the player returns from Portugal next week. As well as helping with the coaching, Evans hopes he can persuade 37 year old Gascoigne to turn out for Boston in their pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at York Street on Tuesday 27th July. Evans has a history of attempting to make such audacious signings, having failed in previous attempts to bring Stan Collymore and Chris Waddle to the club.


New shop, new staff

5 July Although it has been open for business for a few days now, the new Boston United shop at 45 Wide Bargate will be officially opened on Saturday July 10th at 10.30am. Boston United players will be present at the launch to sign replica shirts. There will also be an opportunity to buy season tickets at a reduced rate.

Two new members of staff have been appointed by Boston United following the departure of Simone Steventon and Shelley Winwood. Becky Thompson is the retail manager, having held a similar position previously at York Street. Craig Singleton will be the new match programme editor, after being assistant editor last season.


New signings

1 July Boston United have signed up two more players for the upcoming season. Aaron Kerr, a goalkeeper from Walsall and Shaun Byrne a defender from West Ham have both signed one-year deals. Aaron Kerr was born in Carrickfergus on 8/12/1982. He signed up with Wolves in 1999 as a trainee, before moving on to Havant & Waterlooville. He joined Walsall in June 2003, but has not made any first team appearances for the club. Shaun Byrne was born on 21/1/1981 in Taplow. He signed up as a trainee with West Ham in 1999 and has made three appearances for the Hammers' first team, coming on as a substitute. He has also had loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Swansea City.


Season begins with a home match

24 June The Coca-Cola Football League Two fixtures for the 2004/5 season have been released today. Boston United will begin their League campaign with a home game against Oxford United.


Coke is it

12 June The Football League has confirmed new names for its three divisions at the League's summer meeting in Chester this week. Coca-Cola will be the new title sponsors for the League, taking over from Nationwide. Under the name changes, the First Division now becomes the Coca-Cola Football League Championship, the Second Division becomes the Coca-Cola Football League One and the Third Division becomes the Coca-Cola Football League Two. Commenting on the new names, Boston United's General Manager John Blackwell said: "In effect, we have been promoted without lifting a finger on the pitch! All we have to do is get used to the new name of the League, but I don't think that will bother anybody. I have already spoken to people about the changes and they seem unfazed. Coca-Cola are a big company. Hopefully their involvement will see some extra finance handed out to the lower league clubs."


Another Scot signs

9 June Steve Evans has made his third Scottish signing of the summer after defender Austin McCann agreed a one year contract with the club. McCann was born in Clydebank on 21/1/1980. He started his footballing career as a trainee with Wolves, but signed up with Scottish First Division side Airdrieonians in July 1997. After almost four seasons and making more than 100 first team appearances he joined Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League in February 2001. He was released by Hearts in April 2004 to allow him to help Clyde in their push for the First Divison title.


Sponsor

7 June Boston United have announced Chestnut Homes as their new main sponsor.


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).

 


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