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Boston United Football Club News


Here is the news about Boston United received in the 2007/8 season. It is in date order with the latest news at the top.


Weekend of Fun

14 June The Boston United Supporters' Trust has organised a series of fun filled events over the weekend of Friday 20th June to Sunday 22nd June.

It all begins with a Sport and Memorabilia Auction in the Sports Bar, York Street, on Friday 20th June, with viewing starting at 7.30pm. Items will include a signed David Norris Ipswich shirt, a signed Nathan Abbey MK Dons shirt, a worn Gary Childs training top from the Dr Marten's League winning season. This will be a memorable night for anyone in attendance. Item previews with the ability to make online bids can be found on www.bufcstauction.co.uk.

Next up is a Family Fun Weekend and is something that must not be missed by anyone! On the fields of The Oche, Boston Rugby Club, you will find fairground rides, raffles, tombola stalls, face painting, refreshments, games and entertainment in the form of judo, karate and dance demonstrations. On the Saturday night there will be a disco. There will also be a 5-a-side-football tournament for the under 11s, under 14s and adults. The Adult tournament is on Saturday 21st June 2008 and due to sponsorship there will be £2000 in prize money. 1st prize £1000, 2nd - £500 and joint 3rd - £250. (No professional or semi professional players). Under 14's & under 11's tournaments are on Sunday 22nd June 2008 - The Under 14's winners and 1st runners-up will play a game at half time on the 17th July at the East Stirling match at York Street, and the under 11's winners and 1st runners-up will play a game at half time on the 19th July at the Leyton Orient match at York Street. On the Sunday even more fun and family entertainment continues with gates opening at 9:00am for craft stalls and carboots (setup at 8:00am, £5 a stand, free for charity stands, no caterers or traders). In the daytime a dog show will take centre stage with a karaoke in the evening.

Full details of all the weekend's events can be found on the Boston United Supporters' Trust web site (www.bufcst.org.uk).


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."


Meet the Chairman

3 June The Boston United Supporters Trust has organised an open meeting to be held in the Boston United Sports Bar at York St on Tuesday 10th June at 7:30 pm. The meeting is to announce the details of a major fundraising effort by the Trust which hopes to raise £50,000 by April 2009. The meeting is open to all supporters of Boston United, not just Trust members. Club Chairman David Newton and Vice Chairman Neil Kempster will also be present with the Trust Board to answer any questions from the supporters. Messrs Newton and Kempster will bring everyone up to date regarding the state of the club which hopefully will give everybody the peace of mind they are looking for. All in attendance will be able to ask questions.


Appealing

31 May The Football Conference has decreed that Boston United will be expelled from the Blue Square North because they have breached a Conference Rule that states that no club in administration by the second Saturday in May will be accepted into their divisions. United formally came out of their CVA following a meeting of the creditors just days later on 20th May. Agreement in principle had been reached on 25th April and was formally agreed at the earliest possible opportunity at the creditors' meeting at the offices of Begbies Traynor in Leeds. Club Chairman David Newton commented: "Against all odds we came out of the CVA with football creditors paid in full and there should be some recognition of that. We've paid all our bills in full and turned an absolute shambles around in a short period of time with a lot of hard work and money. You'd think they would want to help us out on that but it doesn't appear to be the case."

The matter is now in the hands of the Football Association. The club have submitted an appeal to the FA against the decision - which would see Boston United relegated to the Unibond League Premier Division if it stands. A spokesman from the FA has stated; "We can confirm the FA have received an appeal from Boston United, appealing against the Football Conference's decision. It will be heard in the next fortnight. The place and venue are to be confirmed." It is expected any FA ruling will be made before the Conference Annual Meeting on 7th June.


Settlement of CVA agreed in principle

26 Apr Before kick off in the last match of the season Chairman David Newton came onto the pitch at York Street and made the following announcement about the future of the club.

Chairman David Newton makes a statement

"As you know we've been in ongoing discussions with the Inland Revenue regarding the future of the club. The situation had deteriorated to the point that they were threatening to file for the club to be wound up. We therefore had to bring the situation to a head as this had put the club in an impossible situation, leaving us unable to plan for next week never mind next season. Following weeks of difficult negotiations I am very pleased to announce that late yesterday we agreed in principle a settlement of the CVA. This is subject to satisfactory legal agreements being drawn up next week. A creditors' meeting will then have to be called but we are satisfied that the proposal will be accepted at the meeting. This is a very significant day for the club as we seriously were beginning to doubt whether this would be the actual last game here at York Street. When we had previously met with the Revenue it was clear the importance to the town and the community benefits that we deliver were a factor to them. That's why we asked for as many fans as possible to write to them. The doubters said the Revenue were only interested in hard cash. I agree with 99% of that statement, however we felt that we had to tap into the 1% of what we judged to be a social conscience. That's why we asked you the fans to let them know what the club meant to you and the town. You did that in your hundreds. They read every letter, every e-mail, which led them to acknowledge that this was a very special club, with very special fans - their words - but something we had been telling them all along and the reasons Neil and I are involved here. As I have said this is a significant day for the club and one that should be celebrated, but it is only one further step along the road to getting this club back on a solid footing for the future. Many challenges remain. We still have issues to resolve with football authorities ahead of next season and of course the ongoing issue of the lease of the ground. Although subject to getting the paperwork agreed with the Inland Revenue this week I'm happy that football will be played here at York Street next season."


Player of the Year

26 Apr After all the votes had been counted it was striker Jon Rowan who came out on top as the Boston United Player of the Year for 2007/8. Tony Crane finished in second and Tom Matthews third. The award was presented to Jon after the end of the match against Hyde at York Street.

Jon Rowan - Player of the Year


Prices slashed for last game

21 Apr Boston United have slashed admission prices to York Street for the final game of the season against Hyde United on Saturday. Adult prices for admission to the Main Stand will be just £6 and for the terraces £5. A "Kids for a Quid" scheme will also be in operation allowing Under 16s to gain admission for £1 if accompanied by an adult. The "Kids for a Quid" tickets must however be purchased from the Ticket Office before kick-off.

The Player of the Year awards will be presented on-pitch after Saturday's match. The votes are currently being counted and fans can still vote on-line by sending an e-mail to bufc2008@googlemail.com as long as they arrive before 17:00 on Tuesday.


Player of the Year

6 Apr Voting has begun to choose the Boston United "Player of the Year" for 2007/8. Voting slips were available at the match against Stalybridge Celtic. Online fans can vote by sending an e-mail to bufc2008@googlemail.com. As well as selecting their Player of the Year fans should also include their own name and contact details in the e-mail. The presentation of the Player of the Year award will be made on-pitch after the end of the final match of the season at York Street against Hyde United on Saturday 26th April.


Fans Forum in Sports Bar on Wednesday

24 Feb Boston United will be holding a Fans Forum in the Sports Bar at York Street on Wednesday February 27th starting at 7:30pm. On the panel will be club chairman David Newton, vice chairman Neil Kempster, club manager Tommy Taylor and other members of staff. So if you've want to find out all the latest news about the club then turn up and ask your questions.


Magnet Tavern at York Street on Sunday

24 Feb Boston United's York Street ground hosts the quarter final of the FA Sunday Cup between a local side from the Magnet Tavern and Brantham Athletic from Suffolk. This season's competition attracted 149 entries from Sunday League clubs and it gives them a chance to to compete outside their own locality against clubs at a similar level in a national FA competition. The Magnet Tavern beat one of the tournament favourites Nicosia in the previous round - 2-1 after extra time. Admisssion prices for the game are £2 for adults and £1 for concessions. Kick Off is at 2:00pm.


Striker returns

Mickey Nuttell 13 Feb Boston United have signed up 39 year old striker Mickey Nuttell from Boston Town until the end of the season. It is the fourth time the experienced front man has joined the club since arriving from Wycombe Wanderers for a record fee of £14,000 in 1991.

 


Manager of the Month

05 Feb Boston United's manager Tommy Taylor has been awarded the Blue Square Conference Manager of the Month award for January after guiding his side to three wins and a draw during the month. The award will be presented to Tommy during the next three weeks.

Midfielder Mbiyeye Medine has left the club by mutual consent. After making 21 appearances and scoring 1 goal since arriving during the summer, he hasn't turned out for the first team since the match against Southport back at the beginning of December.

Tommy Taylor

 


Two depart

31 Jan Two players have left Boston United. Influential midfielder David Galbraith has joined table topping Conference North rivals Kettering Town on a full-time contract. Galbraith rejoined the Pilgrims at the start of the season and despite being out injured for two months has scored four goals in fifteen starts. No transfer fee was involved in the move as Galbraith was playing under non-contract terms this season. Goalkeeper Lee Crockett has also left the club and is expected to join Corby Town.


A new 'keeper

17 Jan Boston United have bolstered their squad by signing Canadian Under 23 international goalkeeper Simon Rayner on a loan deal to the end of the season from Torquay United. He had previously turned out for Lincoln City, Alfreton, Port Talbot and Barry Town. He was born on 8/7/1983 in Langley, Canada. The Pilgrims have already used four different goalkeepers this season.


Graham Bean comes to Blackfriars

1 Jan Boston United Supporters Association (BUSA) have organised an "Evening with Graham Bean" to be held at the Blackfriars Arts Centre on Thursday 24th January, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are now on sale at Blackfriars for £15. All BUSA members who attend will be able to get a free drink from the bar on the night on production of their membership card. All proceeds will be used to benefit Boston United Football Club.

Graham Bean is the former policeman from Barnsley who after he was appointed to the role of Compliance Officer for the Football Association in 1999 uncovered the dodgy dealings at Boston United that eventually led to crooked manager Steve Evans being banned for 20 months and the club being deducted four points in their first season in the Football League and being heavily fined.

Graham is expected to provide a serious and amusing insight into dodgy transfers, bungs, the murky world of football agents, ticket scandals, and a range of other undesirable practices that go on in the world of football.


Battle of the Santas

11 Dec The countdown is on to the Boston Santa Fun Run on next Sunday, 16th December 2007. The first event of its kind in Boston will see the amazing sight of more than 100 Santas running from Wide Bargate to complete two laps around the historic streets of Boston's Town Centre before finishing back in Bargate. The event will be started at 11.00 am by the Boston United manager Tommy Taylor assisted by the first team players, with the Chairman of Boston United Football Club, David Newton, also participating.

It's still not too late to enter. Entries will be accepted up until 10:30 on the day. All those taking part will receive a Santa Suit, a certificate and a commemorative medal. As The City of Lincoln are holding a similar event, on the same morning, all Bostonians are being asked to join in this great Christmas fun event and make ours a huge success. It is intended for the Santa Fun Run to become an annual Boston event, so if you want to be involved and raise funds for your own cause on a 50/50 basis then please contact Boston United legend Chris Cook on 01205 355 355, or by visiting his Print Shop at Bridge House 94 - 96 Main Ridge East, Boston, Lincs. PE21 65Y or you can enter on-line by visiting the BUFCST web site at www.bufcst.org.uk.

If you can't take part yourself, but still want to support this event, then you can always sponsor one of the participants. Again, just contact Chris Cook to arrange the sponsorship.


New goalkeeper

6 Dec Following the release of Chris Wright and injury to Lee Crockett, Boston United have signed up goalkeeper Curtis Aspden on an emergency loan deal from Hull City. Aspden spent the early part of the season on-loan at Conference North rivals Harrogate Town and he was between the sticks for the Pilgrims' trip to North Yorkshire - saving a Jon Froggatt penalty as United were beaten 3-2. He has also had a loan spell with Scarborough. He was born on 16/11/1987 in Blackburn.

Meanwhile midfielder Alex Notman has returned to play for Wroxham after making just two appearances for the Pilgrims before picking up an injury at Leigh RMI.


Santa Fun Run

5 Nov The Boston United Supporters Trust has finalised the details of the Santa Fun Run with Boston Borough Council. The run will help raise funds for both the Boston United Centre of Excellence and for any other nomitated charity chosen by each runner. The course will be two laps of Boston Town centre covering a total distance of 5km. The race is scheduled for Sunday 16th December starting at 11:00 am. The entrance fee will be £10.00 which includes a Santa Suit, a medal, a Certificate and hopefully a Goodie Bag. Entrance Forms will be available from Friday 9th November hopefully from quite a few outlets around town and on the Trust website: www.bufcst.org.uk and the club's official website: www.bufc.co.uk.

Local businesses will be approached to compete in a corporate race, consisting of as many members of that company as they wish, but the only the first four of these crossing the finishing line would contribute to the team's total time.

There will be trophies and prizes for the following: first male, first female, first child under 16, first child under 12, first corporate team and first wheelchair competitor. The largest individual fund raiser for the Centre of Excellence and largest corporate team fund raisers for the Centre of Excellence will also be given appropriate prizes.

The Trust Chairman Melvyn Moxon has sent a letter to Lord Mawhinney Chairman of the Football League asking him to reconsider the withholding of the £130,000 in parachute payments to the club following its double relegation from the Coca-Cola League Two to the Blue Square Conference North. In the letter it is requested that the Football League consider fully the implications that their decision will have not only on Boston United Football Club, but also the many people, and children, that will ultimately be affected. A full copy of the letter can be found on the BUFCST web site at www.bufcst.org.uk.


A trip to Gateshead in the Trophy

5 Nov Boston United have been given a trip to Gateshead in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled for Saturday 24th November. Gateshead currently sit in second place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with two games in hand over leaders Witton Albion. They beat Matlock Town 2-1 in the 2nd Qualifying Round and Shepshed Dynamo 2-1 in the 1st Qualifying Round. The last time the two clubs met was back in 1992/3 when both sides were in the GM Vauxhall Conference. In that season Boston drew 2-2 at Gateshead but lost 2-0 at York Street.


Trust seeks £130,000 for club

29 Oct In the near future, the Boston United Supporters Trust (BUFCST) will be sending a letter to Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of the Football League requesting that the parachute payment of some £130,000, that is currently being withheld by the Football League, be released to Boston United, in line with payments previously paid to other clubs who have been relegated from The Football League in previous years, and that Boston United are not penalised financially by The Football League after already being demoted two divsions.

Following the recent BUFCST AGM, and the subsequent Board Meeting held on Thursday 25th October 2007, the BUFCST Board are pleased to announce that the following appointments have been made :- Chairman - Mr Melvin Moxon. Vice Chairman - Dr Paul Kirk-Smith. Secretary - Mr Michael Taylor. Treasurer - Mr Mark Hildred. Community Liaison - Mr Andrew Chapman. Equal Opportunities - Mr Kim Cocks. Supporters Direct Liaison - Mr David Whittle. Board Members: Mr Chris Cook, Mr Matthew Barker, Mr Richard Tupper. These appointments still leave three positions available on the BUFCST Board, and existing members, or prospective new members, are encouraged to come forward and take an active part in the future of the BUFCST.

With Boston United's unfortunate exit from the FA Cup on Saturday, and the loss of future potential income from the competition, it becomes even more important that the supporters, local businesses and the residents of Boston fully support the club, to ensure the survival of not just the first team but also the BUFC Centre of Excellence. To this end, the BUFCST is organising a 5km Santa Fun Run around the Town centre on Sunday 16th December at 11am. It is hoped that many local organisations will participate in raising funds, not only for the BUFCST and the Centre of Excellence, but also for an organisation of their own choice. Further information will be made available, on a regular basis, on the BUFCST web site, www.bufcst.org.uk as well as in the local newspapers.


Workington in the Cup

15 Oct In today's draw for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup Boston United have been given an away match against fellow Blue Square Conference North side Workington. The match is scheduled for Saturday 27th October. Workington went to Stalybridge Celtic and won 5-0 in the Third Qualifying Round and they beat Consett 2-0 in the Second Qualifying Round. Before the draw Boston manager Tommy Taylor said: "We want to try and go as far as possible" but a 450 mile round trip in the regionalised draw probably wasn't what he was thinking about! Boston played Workington at York Street in their opening Conference North match of the season and came out 2-0 winners, courtesy of goals from Ashley Nicholls and Jon Froggatt.


Radio Lincolnshire extend on-line commentaries

Scott and Cookie in action

5 Oct BBC Radio Lincolnshire have made many Boston United fans happy by deciding to extend their on-line commentary service of the Pilgrims' games to include all the remaining Blue Square Conference North games - both home and away - until the end of the season. Decisions on commentary on FA Cup games and FA Trophy matches will be made on merit at the time of each match. Radio Lincolnshire have been providing a trial service with live commentary of away games since the start of the season. The commentaries by Scott Dalton and Boston United legend Chris Cook have proved to be so popular - with listeners tuning in from all over the world - that the coverage has been extended. You can listen to the live match commentaries by visiting the BBC Radio Lincolnshire web site. The extended service starts with live commentary of Saturday's home match against Worcester City.


Cup date changed

2 Oct Boston United have switched their Third Qualifying Round FA Cup match against Hinckley United to Sunday 14th October - kick off at 15:00 - to avoid a clash with England's European Championship Qualifying Match against Estonia on 13th October.


Hinckley in the Cup

1 Oct Boston United have been given another home tie in the FA Cup after today's Third Qualifying Round draw. They are scheduled to play fellow Blue Square North side Hinckley United at York Street on Saturday 13th October. Hinckley have already visited Boston this season, being the only side to take points off the Pilgrims so far after a 1-1 draw in August. Hinckley's goal was scored by Jon Stevenson, who has since signed for Boston. Hinckley beat Grantham Town 4-2 in the previous round.

Hinckley United were formed in 1997 by the merger of Hinckley Athletic and Hinckley Town. Boston have played Hinckley Town once before in the FA Cup as they were the side that knocked the Pilgrims out of the tournament in the Third Qualifying Round with a 4-3 win at York Street in 1988/9. The Boston goals were scored by Chris Cook(2) and Paul WIlson.


Fixtures Fiasco

28 Sep Having only now finalised the dates of the end of season playoffs, the Conference have had to rearrange the final two sets of fixtures for the season in order to fit in with the playoff dates. So Boston United's game at Worcester City is shifted from Saturday 26th April to Tuesday 22nd April and the final match of the season against Hyde United at York Street is brought forward a week from Saturday 5th May to Saturday 26th April. The Conference Board issued an apology for any inconvenience this might cause.


Buxton in the Cup

17 Sep In today's draw for the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup Boston United have been given a home match against Unibond League side Buxton scheduled for Saturday 29th September. Buxton beat Leek 2-1 in the First Qualifying Round.

It is eleven years since Buxton last visited York Street - that was for a Unibond League match which Boston won 3-0 with two goals from Phil Brown and another from Steve Williams. Over the years Boston have played Buxton twenty three times in competitive matches with five matches ending in draws, seventeen as Boston victories and only a solitary Buxton win.


Two new signings

14 Sep Tommy Taylor has added a couple of new players to his squad. Striker Jon Stevenson joins from Hinckley United and defender David Chick from Cambridge City. Stevenson has signed a deal to the end of the season and Chick has joined on non-contract terms. Stevenson has previously turned out for Leicester City, Swindon Town, Alfreton Town and Tamworth. He was born on 13/10/1982 in Leicester. Former England Schoolboys international, Chick began his career with the Academy at Norwich City before signing up with King's Lynn. He had a trial with Boston United in February 2004 and turned out four times for the reserve side. He also had a spell with Cambridge United and trials with Peterborough United. He was born on 27/2/1985.

Meanwhile striker Dwayne Clarke has completed his move to Harrow Borough after he was having problems getting to training sessions in Boston.


Farewell to Rocking Rev

The Rocking Rev - Graham Wright

3 Sep Saturday's match at York Street against Barrow saw the last appearance of warm-up man / on-pitch announcer Graham Wright - aka "The Rocking Rev". Graham is about to jet off to Australia to start a new life and help look after his mother who moved out there many years ago. Before kick-off on Saturday Graham was thanked on-pitch by General Manager John Blackwell and Chairman Dave Newton for all his efforts over the last few years. The club are now looking for a replacement, so if you think you have the right qualities then get in touch!


Non-Contract Addition

31 Aug Tommy Taylor has signed up another player so that he can check him over. Former Hull City midfielder Russell Fry has joined the club on non-contract terms. The 21 year old has also previously turned out for Halifax Town. He was born on 4/12/1985 in Hull.


Four comings and a going

Matt O'Halloran returns 25 Aug Boston United's squad building has continued this week with four players arriving and one leaving. At the start of the week the club signed up two 18 year old Norwegians who had been playing for Norwegian Third Division side Lyngdal. Thomas Gilbertson is a striker and Jonas Glendrange is a centre half. Both required international clearances before they could join the Pilgrims. Later in the week two further signings were made by Tommy Taylor. Young goalkeeper Lee Crockett arrived after serving a scholarship with Premier League side Manchester United and 24 year old former Pilgrim Matt O'Halloran returned to Boston from King's Lynn. The week also saw Dean Nicholson leaving the club after the cost of travelling from his home in Carlisle to train with the Pilgrims was proving prohibitive.

Golf Fund Raiser

21 Aug Friday 24th August sees the second Boston United Supporters' Trust AM-AM golf tournament taking place at South Kyme golf club. It costs £100 to enter a team of four players, this includes coffee on arrival, a buffet on completion and a "half-way house refreshments". Limited places are still available, so if you'd like to play alongside teams with the likes of Boston United manager Tommy Taylor and legendary striker Chris Cook as well as help to raise funds for a worthwhile cause, then contact tournament organiser Melvin Moxon on 07951 703108 or pick up an entry form from the Chris Cook Print Shop in Main Ridge East.

The Supporter's Trust is aiming to become a partner with the Boston United Football Club Centre of Excellence that is identifying talented local boys and providing a package of quality coaching alongside relevant education in order to produce young men of integrity with the ability to play professional football for Boston United. The golf tournament is one of many fund raising events that will hopefully ensure sufficient funding can be raised to guarantee the future of the BUFC Centre of Excellence.


New strip makes debut

12 Aug At yesterday's match at York Street Boston United turned out for the first time in their new strip. After being relegated down to a new league and changing their new main sponsor, the club needed a new design. With local car dealership Cropleys Suzuki only being brought in as sponsors on 1st August, there was a rush to get the new design ready for the start of the season. But it all worked out and the new kit was ready on time.

The new shirt is predominantly a slightly pastel shade of amber with black trimmings around the neck and arms. This gives it a retro-look reminiscent of the shirts Boston used in the late 80s. The shirt is complimented by black shorts and socks.

Home Strip 2007/8

 


Live web commentary

11 Aug BBC Radio Lincolnshire have decided to provide live commentary over the web of Boston United's away games this season. As a bonus they will also be providing this service for the opening match of the season against Workington at York Street. For details of the Radio Lincolnshire commentary matches this season click here.


Four more sign up

Dean Nicholson 9 Aug Four more players have signed up for Boston United ahead of the opening day fixture on Saturday. David Galbraith, Kieran Leabon, Dean Nicholson and Mickey Stones all put pen to paper. Galbraith is well known, having been a Pilgrim since joining from Northampton Town in 2005. Leabon and Stones impressed in the pre-season friendly at Wisbech on Tuesday night - with Leabon scoring Boston's opening goal. Midfielder Dean Nicholson has previously been on the books at West Bromwich Albion.

A couple of players short of a squad

8 Aug Boston United now have 15 players on their books as Tommy Taylor has continued in his daunting quest to build a side for the start of the Blue Square North season on Saturday. The latest players to sign up include Tony Crane and Jon Froggatt from Worksop Town, nineteen year old midfielder Mbiyeye Medine who turned out a few times for Cambridge United last season and Paul Alexander - a son of former Pilgrim and Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander. Mbiyeye Medine

Embarrassing defeat

31 Jul A decent sized crowd of 635 turned up to watch Boston United suffering an embarrassing 1-0 defeat against Boston Town in their latest pre-season game. The Poachers recorded their first ever win against The Pigrims via a header from defender Liam Parker on 71 minutes. Town included two former Pilgrims in their starting line-up - twice winner of the Player of the Year award Steve Appleby and striker Mickey Nuttell. The United line-up contained a mixture of contracted players and triallists. Matt Bloomer made his first appearance for the club since signing up last week.


Winless pre-season continues

28 Jul Boston United suffered a narrow defeat to Lincoln City in their latest pre-season friendly at York Street. A goal five minutes from time by Nat Brown settled the result - the Lincoln centre half heading home a corner kick. Boston fielded virtually all their new signings apart from Matt Bloomer who was out injured. The Pilgrims added seven players to their squad before or after the game - with Dwayne Clarke, Liam Green, Tom Matthews, Ashley Nicholls, Ludovic Quistin, Patrick Sappleton and Rob Wesley all putting pen to paper.

Crane and Ellender keep out the Lincoln attack


Another signing

27 Jul Boston United have signed defender Matt Bloomer. The 28 year old has previously turned out for Lincoln City, Grimsby Town, Hull City, Telford United and Cambridge United. He was born on 3/11/1978 in Grimsby.


Lincs Senior Cup defeat

Chris Wright 25 Jul Boston United fell at the first hurdle in the Lincs Senior Cup after being beaten 3-0 by new Championship side Scunthorpe United. A goal just before half time by Paul Hayes put the visitors in front, but it wasn't until they gained a penalty in the 88th minute that they extended their lead. Hayes slotted home from the spot and Jim Goodwin added a third in added time. The Boston side contained latest signing Chris Wright in goal. The 20 year old former Arsenal trainee returning to the Pilgrims after a season away playing for Bishop's Stortford. Also in the Boston side were former Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby defender Tony Crane, former Tamworth and Guadeloupe striker Ludovic Quistin and former Cambridge United midfielder Mbiyeye Medine.

Lee Thompson returns

23 Jul Fans' favourite Lee Thompson has returned to the Pilgrims. The attacking midfielder has put pen to paper after leaving relegated Worksop Town at the end of last season. The scorer of one of only two hat-tricks scored by the Pilgrims in their foray into the Football League, Thompson turned out 108 times for Boston in his three seasons with the club before dropping out of favour and switching to Kidderminster Harriers. Lee Thompson

First pre-season friendly

21 Jul Boston's pre-season friendlies began with a 2-1 defeat at AFC Stamford in front of 282 spectators. The Pilgrims fielded 20 different players during the match, including 15 triallists. Amongst the triallists were 33 year old Dundee United 'keeper Derek Stillie; Dean Nicholson - a scholar from West Bromwich Albion; and Paul Alexander - son of former Pilgrim and Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander. Stamford went into a 2-0 lead in the first half with both goals being scored by Leon Mettam. Boston pulled a goal back in the second half when Nicholson scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Dwayne Clarke. Former Pilgrims Nick Conroy, Daniel French and Tony Battersby turned out for Stamford.


Away in the Setanta Shield

16 Jul The draw for the first round of the Setanta Shield has given Boston United a trip to local rivals Gainsborough Trinity. The match is scheduled to be played in the first week of October. The winners of the game face a trip to Kettering Town in the second round. The Setanta Shield is a new competition this season. It is a knockout tournament sponsored by the league's new television franchisees Setanta Sports. One of the first round matches will be televised by Setanta Sports - which is available on subscription on satellite, cable, Freeview and broadband packages.


Manager appointed

13 Jul At a press conference this afternoon Boston United Chairman David Newton announced that Tommy Taylor had been appointed as the new manager of Boston United. Taylor joins from Peterborough United where he had been chief scout. In a long playing career he made 230 appearances for Orient and 340 appearances for West Ham United - where he received an FA Cup winners medal in 1975 following a 2-0 win over Fulham. When his playing career finished he switched to management and has had spells with Cambridge United, Leyton Orient, Darlington, Farnborough Town and King's Lynn. He was born on 26th September 1951 in Hornchurch.

At the presss conference David Newton also announced that the club were switching back to part-time operation for the upcoming season.


Relegated twice

9 Jun At today's AGM of the Conference it was decided to relegate Boston United down to the Conference North. Conference Chief Executive John Moules said: "Boston entered into a CVA at 4:45pm on 5th May - the last Saturday of the season. The Inland Revenue put a caveat on that CVA that Boston could not pay football creditors. That breaks FA, Football League and Football Conference rules and regulations. At the end of the day they accepted that they would have to be placed in Conference North. This decision was ratified at our Board Meeting yesterday when we had at least three or four more meetings throughout the day with Boston and their legal representatives. This was based on today's facts not historical facts from 2002. We are giving Boston United the opportunity to re-establish themselves as a leading club outside the Football League. They believe that the decision we have made is fair and just and they are not going to appeal."

If Boston manage to survive through to the start of next season then they will take up their place in the renamed Blue Square North Division alongside the likes of Alfreton Town, Barrow, Gainsborough Trinity, Hyde United, Kettering Town, Nuneaton Borough, Southport, Stalybridge Celtic and AFC Telford. Boston's demotion provided a lifeline to Altrincham who for the second year running avoided relegation despite finishing in a relegation slot.


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