Home Results News Table Squad Statistics

Boston United Football Club News


Here is the news about Boston United. It is in date order with the latest news at the top.


New management team

14 May At an open press-conference in the Boston United Sports Bar this evening, Chairman David Newton revealed who the club had chosen to replace Steve Welsh as Boston United's manager. In an unusual twist it was announced that management duo Paul Hurst and Rob Scott would be in charge of team affairs for the next two years. The pair had guided Ilkeston Town to promotion to the Conference North via the Unibond League playoffs after taking over last December. Hurst had a long playing career as a defender with Rotherham United. He turned out 497 times for the Millers over fifteen seasons with the club. He was born on 25/9/1974 in Sheffield. Scott is also a defender having begun his football career with Sutton United before being signed up by Sheffield United for £20,000. He later played for Fulham, Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Macclesfield Town. He was born on 15/8/1973 in Epsom.


Player of the Year

Adam Millson - Player of the Year 2008/9

25 Apr After all the votes had been counted it was youngster Adam Millson who came out on top as the Boston United Player of the Year for 2007/8. Ollie Ryan finished in second place and Ryan Clarke in third. The award is sponsored by Chris Cook Print and Office Supplies. On crutches after having his leg broken in the match at Nantwich, Adam picked up his award at the end of the last home game of the season against Cammell Laird. Adam also collected up four other awards including the BUSA and BUSA Juniors' and the York Street Veterans' Player of the Year.


Caretaker cleans up

18 Dec A month after Tommy Taylor left the club by mutual consent caretaker manager Steve Welsh has been given the job until the end of the season.

Club Chairman David Newton stated: "Steve has done a magnificent job since taking on the caretaker role on November 18th, which has resulted in improved performances, an improved league position, and a new confidence within the squad. We had a large number of applicants and we interviewed four candidates. We were looking for a dedicated manager who would sign up to what we are trying to achieve on and off the pitch. This club was bankrupt at the start of last season, and although we have made great strides a lot of work is ahead, particularly in these challenging economic times. Steve ticked all the boxes with the exception of actual management experience. He now has the rest of the season to move from coach to manager - a step that we believe he can take - and we will be supporting him all the way. Next season's budget will be lower than this season, but will be competitive within the UniBond Premier Division - or Blue Square North if Steve achieves the near impossible! Steve is aware of the possible budget, and has accepted the situation if his contract extends beyond this season."

Steve Welsh

"Steve is very comfortable with taking the role on these terms. We need to ensure that we have the right man to take the club forward. Steve is relishing the opportunity to prove to us that he is the right man, and we will assist him in every way we can. He cannot prove himself without being given that opportunity, and we are prepared to give him that chance. Indeed in the last four weeks, he certainly earned the chance. Over the past month Steve had to work with his hands tied, as we did not wish to make any squad changes ahead of a permanent appointment. For the rest of this season he will be constrained by existing player contracts and budget limitations and his ability to change things this season may be somewhat limited, however he now takes full control of the squad and the budget, and we will support him in any changes he wishes to make."

"My thanks go to all applicants for the position, and I wish them well in their future careers, and I thank vice-chairman Neil Kempster and director Chris Cook for their valuable input to the selection process. The board believe that this is the right appointment for the club at the present time."


Boston Santa Fun Run

Some Boston Santas

29 Nov The 5km Boston Santa Fun Run 2008 is all set to take place on Sunday 7th December around the streets of Boston. Up to 500 runners will be taking part dressed in Santa outfits. It is being organised by Boston United legend Chris Cook and Boston United's commercial manager Craig Singleton. Amongst the competitors will be Boston's own Olympic swimmer Melanie Marshall, Boston United Chairman David Newton, caretaker manager Steve Welsh, a number of the club's youth team, BBC Radio Lincolnshire correspondent Scott Dalton and Boston Standard reporter Duncan Browne. The event is being sponsored by Fitness First. Competitors are asked to raise sponsor money for taking part in the event. The money they raise will go to Boston United FC or can be split 50/50 between the club and any charity of the competitor's choice. If they raise £50 or more then the £10 registration fee will subsequently be refunded. Entrants receive a Santa Suit to run in, a medal and a certificate. Last year's inaugural race was won by teenager James Munn.

Postal and on-line entries are being accepted up until Wednesday 3rd December. Full details of the event can be found on the Boston United web site (www.bufc.co.uk).

If you aren't the energetic type and would just like to sponsor someone taking part, then you can do so via my fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/kenfox.


Supporters' Trust AGM before Whitby game

28 Nov The Boston United Supporters' Trust’s AGM will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday 29th November at the Unitarian Chapel on Spayne Road – at a convenient time and location for people to attend both the Trust’s AGM and the team’s home match against Whitby Town. BUFCST would like to invite all supporters of Boston United, whether they are members of the Trust or not, to attend.

The agenda for the meeting and the Trust’s accounts for this year are available to download on their website (www.bufcst.org.uk). On the agenda is the issue of the Trust's aims and objectives for the forthcoming year, and the input from supporters will be much appreciated on this topic in particular. All members should have received copies and notices of the agenda by now.

The Trust is nearing exciting times with the likely purchase of shares in the football club, but to make the most of this great opportunity the Trust does need new blood on board, and having lost some board members recently, they would love to hear from members who may be willing to step up. If you believe you can contribute a small amount of time above your membership fees then please get in touch with them as soon as possible – either in person at the AGM or by other means if you cannot attend it (email: enquiries@bufcst.org.uk).


Fixture merry-go-round

24 Nov With Boston United's FA Trophy game at FC United of Manchester being re-arranged for this Wednesday following Sunday's postponement a couple of other fixtures have been moved. The Unibond League Cup game at Spalding that was due to be played on Tuesday night is now scheduled for Tuesday 16th December - kick-off 7.45pm.

The game against Nantwich Town at York Street that was due to be played on Saturday 13th December will now be played at a later date as Nantwich are definitely through to the first round of the FA Trophy that is played on this date. Boston United could also be playing in the first round if they overcome FC United of Manchester on Wednesday night. If they do win they will be playing at York Street against Telford United in the first round - Telford having beaten Gainsborough Trinity 2-0 at the Northolme on Saturday. If however they lose, then it is likely that an alternative Unibond League fixture will be arranged for this date.


Tommy Taylor departs

18 Nov After a string of poor results that has seen Boston United sink into the relegation places in the Unibond League, manager Tommy Taylor has left the club by mutual consent. With just one point from their last six league games Boston had dropped down to 19th position in the table.

Club Chairman David Newton stated: "I confirm that today, by mutual consent, Tommy Taylor has left Boston United. The search for a new manager will now begin. Steve Welsh will take over as caretaker manager in the interim period. We will now have the time to look for a manager who will not only share our aspirations for the club, but will be able and willing to work within a budget that is affordable to the club. I would like to thank our fantastic fans for their continued support. I now ask that you throw your full support behind Steve Welsh and the lads."

Tommy Taylor

Lincs Senior Shield Final

5 Nov The date and venue has been set for this year's Lincs Senior Shield final between Boston United and Stamford AFC. It is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd December at York Street, kick-off 7.45pm. Boston reached the final with victories over Spalding United and Lincoln United, while Stamford defeated Grantham and Gainsborough Trinity. The two sides met earlier in the season in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with Boston coming out on top 2-1.

Boston United's Unibond League match at Cammell Laird has been rearranged for Tuesday 24th February.


FC United of Manchester in the Trophy

3 Nov Boston United have been given an attractive trip to play fellow Unibond League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester in the third qualifying round draw of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday 23rd November at Gigg Lane, Bury, kick off 3pm. The match was put back a day as Gigg Lane is due to host the League Two match between Bury and Gillingham on the Saturday. Boston have already played an away match against FC United of Manchester this season in the Unibond League - winning 1-0 on August Bank Holiday Monday courtesy of an Ollie Ryan goal.


Fireworks on Thursday

Jubilee Fireworks 27 Oct There will be an impressive fireworks display at York Street on Thursday 30th October as Jubilee Fireworks will be putting on one of their displays. The evening of entertainment also includes singer and host Paul Starr, a fire eater and a demonstration of the Korean martial arts system Kuk Sool Won. The gates open at 5:30pm and admission costs £5 for adults, £3 for under 16s and £12 for a famiy ticket (two adults and two under 16s). Hot food and drink as well as a licensed bar will be available. The event is expected to finish around 8pm. Tickets are available from the Boston United ticket office or from Chris Cook Print and Office Supplies in Main Ridge East.

Trip to Clitheroe in the Trophy

13 Oct Boston United have been given a trip to Lancashire to face Clitheroe in today's second qualifying round draw of the FA Trophy. Clitheroe knocked out big spenders Bradford Park Avenue in the previous round and Grantham Town in the preliminary round. They are currently in 6th place in Unibond League Division One North, but have a number of games in hand on their promotion rivals. The match is scheduled for Saturday 1st November.


Vote for Margarson!

Martyn Margarson stretches

15 Oct Boston United's goalkeeper Martyn Margarson has been shortlisted for the FA Player of the Round Award following his impressive display in the FA Cup third qualifying round against Southport. Margarson made a series of impressive saves to keep a clean sheet against the Conference North table toppers and ensure Boston's passage into the next round. If you would like to vote for Martyn then visit the FA web site and make your choice. Voting closes at 9am on Monday 20 October 2008.


Tough FA Cup Draw

13 Oct Boston United have been given another tough tie in today's fourth qualifying round draw of the FA Cup. They will be hosting Blue Square Conference Premier side Cambridge United who currently sit in third place just two points off the top of the Non-League Pyramid. The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday 25th October, kicking off at 3.00pm. The last time the two clubs met was in 2004/5 when both sides were playing in Coca-Cola League Two. Boston won both League games that season, but lost to Cambridge in the LDV Vans Trophy.


Southport in the Cup

29 Sep Boston United have been given a very tough tie in today's third qualifying round of the FA Cup. They will be travelling to Blue Square Conference North table toppers Southport. The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday 11th October, kicking off at 3.00pm. Boston famously beat Southport in the FA Cup back in 1970 when Southport were a League side. Boston also came out on top in a five goal thriller at Southport in the Conference in 2002.


Ins and Outs

18 Aug With Boston United's Unibond League Premier Division season about to begin with their first match on Wednesday evening, here is a summary of the arrivals and departures over the summer. Out went Paul Ellender (to Alfreton Town), Lee Thompson (Ilkeston Town), Jon Stevenson (Corby Town), Ashley Nicholls (Maidenhead United), Matt O'Halloran (Corby Town), Simon Weaver (King's Lynn), Tony Crane and Paul Alexander. In came Wes Parker (from Gainsborough Trinity) and his brother Liam Parker (Boston Town). Wes Parker took over the team captain's armband. The strike force was boosted by the arrival of Ollie Ryan (Lincoln City). Former Pilgrims David Farrell (Burton Albion) and Ryan Clarke (Worcester City) made a welcome return. Two players namely Tony Pascu and Paul Watts have come and gone already although Tommy Taylor has kept their Unibond League registrations so they can be called upon if needed. Pascu has gone to Boston Town and Watts to Louth United.

Wes Parker

More punishment for Evans

Steve Evans 6 Aug Former Boston United manager Steve Evans has received further punishment from the FA for his continuing bad behaviour. Now boss of Conference side Crawley Town, he has been given a12 match touchline ban in reponse to five charges of improper conduct either during or after games last season. He was also fined £1000. In addition he will automatically receive an additional 10 match touchline ban following any breach of FA rule E3 relating to conduct in addition to any subsequent punishment. He is not allowed to have any contact with match officials on match days and cannot have any contact with any members of his playing squad before or after matches.

Opening fixture postponed

22 July Boston United's opening fixture in the Unibond League Premier Division has been postponed because the pitch at opponents Nantwich Town is not ready following a re-seeding at their Weaver Stadium. The match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th March. Both Boston United and Nantwich Town were quite willing to switch the game to York Street, but Unibond League officials ruled this out as they considered that this would give Boston United an unfair advantage of having three consecutive home fixtures. There is a Unibond League meeting on Friday at the Reebok Stadium at which Nantwich Town will request in person that the League give the matter further consideration.


Opening fixture in doubt

17 July Boston United's opening fixture in the Unibond League Premier Division is in doubt because the pitch at opponents Nantwich Town is not ready following a re-seeding at their Weaver Stadium. Nantwich had made a request to the Unibond League to have their opening two games away from home, but due to an oversight by the Unibond League, this request was ignored in the published fixture list. Nantwich are currently in negotiation with the Unibond League and hope to get the match switched to an away game at Boston.


FA cup draws

16 July Following their demotion to the Unibond League Premier Division Boston United enter this season's FA Cup and FA Trophy in the First Qualifying Round. The draw has been made for the opening rounds of each competition and the Pilgrims have been given home games in both. They will face either Glapwell or Borrowash Victoria or Market Drayton Town in the FA Cup and Retford United or Kidsgrove Athletic in the FA Trophy. The FA Cup game is scheduled for Saturday 13th September and the FA Trophy game for Saturday 18th October.


Sweet FA

12 June The Football Association have turned down Boston United's appeal against expulsion from the Blue Square Conference North. At a meeting that started late on Wednesday afternoon and extended well into Thursday the FA Appeal Board eventually dismissed the appeal. In a statement that beggars belief they said that the Conference had not misinterpreted or failed to comply with the rules and regulations relevant to its decision; or come to a decision to which no reasonable body could have come; or imposed a penalty, award, order or any other sanction that was excessive. The decision means that Boston United will be demoted to the Unibond League Premier Division and that Vauxhall Motors will be spared relegation to the same division. No doubt there will be many club chairmen in the Blue Square North that will not be happy with the ruling that sees them playing a side next season that can rarely muster more than a handful of fans in away support rather than the few hundred that Boston would bring. And all because Boston United were a few days late, despite the best efforts of the new club chairman and through no fault of their own, in performing a miraculous extrication from the financial mess inherited from the previous regime and getting their CVA settled in full.

After hearing the decision Club Chairman David Newton commented: "The Conference recognised that we had made great strides with the club, but didn't think it was enough. I'm really disappointed because I don't think that all clubs have been treated equally. I am disappointed that we couldn't sort it for the fans. I apologise for not being able to sort this for them."


<< 00/1 01/2 02/3 03/4 04/5 05/6 06/7 07/8 08/9 09/10 >>