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Boston United F.C.

Boston United Football Club is a semi-professional association football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. The club participates in the National League North, at the sixth level of the English football league system.

Boston United
Full nameBoston United Football Club
Nickname(s)The Pilgrims
Founded1933; 91 years ago (1933)
GroundBoston Community Stadium
Capacity5,061[1]
ChairmanDavid Newton
ManagerIan Culverhouse
LeagueNational League North
2023–24National League North, 6th of 24
WebsiteClub website
Current season

The club is known as 'the Pilgrims' in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who left England and sailed to North America and settled near, though did not found, Boston, Massachusetts. The club's crest features the pilgrim fathers' ship, the Mayflower. The club's traditional colours are amber and black. They are rivals with Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United, Gainsborough Trinity and Grimsby Town. They play at the Jakemans Community Stadium, which was completed in 2020 with a capacity of 5,061 (2,155 seated) spectators.

The club was formed in 1933 as a successor to the short lived Boston Town. They initially competed in the Midland League, before joining the Southern League for a four-year spell in 1958. They returned to the Midland League and then joined then United Counties League, winning their first league title in 1965–66. Boston then switched to the West Midlands (Regional) League, winning the Premier Division in 1966–67 and 1967–68, before becoming founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968. United won four Northern Premier League titles in the 1970s (1972–73, 1973–74, 1976–77 and 1977–78) and became founder members of Alliance Premier League in 1979. Boston returned to the Northern Premier League in 1993 and moved back to the Southern League Premier Division in 1998.

Boston United won the Southern League in 1999–2000 and the Conference in 2001–02 to secure a place in the Football League for the first time under the stewardship of controversial manager Steve Evans. They spent five years in the fourth tier, but entered administration in 2007 and were relegated down two divisions into the Conference North. Demoted to the Northern Premier League the next year, Boston won the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs in 2010 and have since had five unsuccessful play-off campaigns in the Conference and National League North.

History edit

The club was founded in 1933 as a successor to a club called Boston Town. Their first game was a 3–1 defeat at home to Grimsby Reserves on 26 August 1933, when a crowd of 1,544 watched Boston's no.7, Blessed, score United's first ever goal. They then had a moderate amount of success in various leagues, including the Midland League and Southern League.

The club's FA cup run of 1955–56 included a 6–1 victory at Derby County, then playing in Third Division North, with Geoff Hazledine scoring a hat-trick. This was a record away win by a non-League team against League opponents in the FA Cup.[2] This set up a Third round match against Tottenham Hotspur of the Football League First Division at White Hart Lane on 7 January 1956. The match against Tottenham Hotspur was played in front of a crowd of 46,185. The Pilgrims lost 4–0, but the match was more notable for the travelling support. Over 10,000 Boston supporters attended the game. A number of special train services from Boston to King's Cross were set up for the day.

They were founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968, of which they were champions four times, and of the Alliance Premier League (now the National League) in 1979. However, their Northern Premier League title wins were not enough to gain them election to the Football League, and when they won the title in 1978 they surprisingly missed out on league status in favour of runners-up Wigan Athletic, who took the Football League place previously held by Southport.

In 1985, Boston United went to Wembley for the first and only time in their history for the FA Trophy Final of the 1984–85 season, after Bob Lee scored a winning last minute goal in the 2nd leg of the semi-final against Altrincham at York Street to put the Pilgrims through. Boston lost 2–1 to Wealdstone in front of 20,775, with Chris Cook scoring United's only goal.

Boston United finished third in the Conference in 1988–89, but were unable to build on this and were relegated to the NPL in 1993. They were transferred to the Southern League, winning the title in 2000, and went fully professional in 2001. In their first season as a professional club, Boston won the Conference and were promoted to the Football League.

However, in the wake of their promotion, Boston's manager, Steve Evans, and former chairman, Pat Malkinson, were charged with breaking the Football Association's rules over the registration of players. Both men received bans from the FA, and the club were fined and docked four points from their first season in the League. This angered some, especially the Conference runners up Dagenham & Redbridge, who believed that any points deduction should have applied to the previous season, which would have meant Dagenham being promoted instead.

Youth team coach Neil Thompson was appointed as manager for Boston's maiden Football League season, and though they left it late to secure survival, they ultimately managed a creditable 15th-place finish. The following season resulted in another relegation battle, and as soon as former manager Steve Evans had served his suspension in full, Thompson was sacked and Evans was reinstated as manager, leading them to a strong late-season run and an eventual finish of 11th. Evans' return and a substantial investment in the playing squad saw Boston among the promotion favourites for the 2004–05 season, but it in fact resulted in a disappointing 16th place. 2005-06 would prove to be their most successful Football League season, with their finish of 11th being their joint-highest, but the club missing out on the play-offs by just five points (having missed out by a much larger margin in 2003–04).

 
Wrexham defender Ryan Valentine scores the penalty kick against Boston United which relegated The Pilgrims.

The 2006–07 season saw Boston struggle all season long, however, and in May 2007, Boston were relegated from Football League Two on the last day of the season. Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor on 27 May resigned from the club, and two days later joined Crawley Town.[3]

Because of the relegation Boston were originally scheduled to play the 2007–08 season in the Conference National but this position was immediately placed in doubt after the club's chairman Jim Rodwell entered Boston into a Company Voluntary Arrangement late in their last game so that 10 points would then be deducted in the 2006–07 season instead of the 2007–08 season.[4] Although this meant that Boston started the 2007–08 season without a points penalty FA rules dictated that they be demoted 2 divisions as a result of HM Revenue & Customs placing a restriction into the CVA of Boston not being allowed to pay football creditors 100% of what they were owed. They therefore played the 2007–08 season in the Conference North division, two steps below the Football League. This would be United's first season under the new ownership of David Newton and Neil Kempster, who took control of the club over from ex-Chairman Jim Rodwell.

Despite finishing the 2007–08 campaign in 10th place under the guidance of Tommy Taylor, United were still in administration by the 2nd Saturday of May in 2008. This meant they were relegated again to the Northern Premier League Premier Division for the 2008–09 season. Despite coming out of administration just before the start of the new season anyway, Boston United failed to have this decision overturned. Another result of this was that they would also have to enter the FA Cup in the 1st qualifying round, something which they had not done for many years. They reached the final of the Lincs Senior Shield but were swept aside by Stamford 4–1,and finished the league campaign in 16th position.

A much more favourable campaign the following season saw The Pilgrims finish 3rd in the league where they won the play-offs, beating Bradford Park Avenue in the final thanks to an Anthony Church extra time winner to earn promotion back to the Conference North.

Joint managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst resigned from the club in 2011 and were appointed joint managers of Conference National side Grimsby Town. Club chairman David Newton revealed he was beginning legal proceedings against the pair and Grimsby Town, for breach of contract. The Pilgrims wasted no time appointing former Boston player Jason Lee and current player Lee Canoville as joint caretaker managers. With only 7 Conference North games remaining, the pair guided United to a 3rd-place finish in the league setting up a play-off tie against Guiseley. Boston lost the first leg 1–0 at Nethermoor Park but fought back in the return leg winning 3–2 at the Jakemans Stadium to take the match to extra-time and penalties. Boston went out losing 2–3.

After a decent start to the 2012–13 season, Boston started to drop off the promotion pace, with a 7-game winless run from November to mid-December not aiding their cause. More inconsistency followed, and Jason Lee was sacked. Graham Drury took over within the same week but left the club after less than 2 months. Dennis Greene took over soon afterwards, but after a good start couldn't help the club from finishing higher than a poor 16th place, just 5 points above the relegation zone.

The following season was a marked improvement in both league and cups. Whilst Boston fell at the 2nd hurdle (2–0) at Brackley, they made the last 32 of the FA Trophy with wins over Redditch and Southport, before a 2–0 loss at Tamworth. In the league, they held on to a top 5 spot for most of the season and never fell below 8th, but they couldn't keep up with late surges by Hednesford and Guiseley, ending 1 place and 6 points off the playoffs in 6th.

The following season Boston did make the play-offs however, securing a place with a 4–1 victory at Solihull Moors before a 0–0 draw at home to relegated Leamington was enough to secure third place. A 0–0 draw at Chorley's Victory Park set up a winner takes it all second leg at York St, and goals from Scott Garner and Kaine Felix put Boston 2–0 ahead. However, Chorley forced extra time with an overhead kick from Adam Roscoe late in injury time. Despite Roscoe's extra time red card, Boston failed to score a third and the game went to penalties, which United lost after seven spot kicks when Sam Ashton saved Rene Steer's penalty.

Boston started the 2015–16 season as play-off favourites once again, but pressure mounted on Greene due to poor results including losing to Gainsborough in the FA Cup and Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy (both in the first round Boston featured in). However, Boston found spells of form later in the season to ensure 5th place at the expense of Nuneaton- a 3-point deduction received by the Warwickshire side helping the United cause.

Boston faced North Ferriby United in the play-offs, and won the first leg 2–0 at home through Grant Roberts and Zak Mills' goals. The second leg at Church Farm saw that lead overturned by King, Denton and Brooksby as United again missed out. Somewhat of an exodus then occurred as Boston saw Spiess, Mills, Piergianni, Garner, Marrs, Felix and Southwell all depart, Southwell and Mills notably moving to league sides Wycombe and Grimsby respectively.

The following season started poorly, manager Greene leaving the club in late November to be replaced by former Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray. He led the side to safety but was himself gone by November the following year. With Boston occupying a relegation spot, Craig Elliott – leaving Shaw Lane to do so – took over and guided the Pilgrims to safety, United for a time threatening to break in to the play-offs following victories over title chasing Harrogate and Salford City.

Elliott's second full season in charge was to be the club's last at York Street (2019–20). The side won through four away ties in the FA Cup to reach a second round game away to Rochdale. A draw at Spotland secured York Street one last big cup tie – the League One side winning 2–1 in a televised replay with over 4000 in attendance. Newcastle United at home was their reward. The coronavirus pandemic cut short the season and Boston finished third on points-per-game, winning a behind closed doors semi-final against Gateshead 5–3 to secure a play-off final with Altrincham. The Robins scored the only goal of the game, the club's last match at York Street.

With the new Pilgrim Way stadium delayed due to the pandemic, the 2020–21 season, still behind closed doors, started with United playing home games at Gainsborough's Northolme. A covid outbreak in the squad meant only 3 home games were played at Trinity's home, as the Boston Community Stadium opened on 5 December 2020, against Chorley. The season was ended as the coronavirus situation worsened over the winter. 2021–22 finally saw United fans able to see a game at the new Pilgrim Way stadium, starting with a 5–0 friendly win over Lincoln City in July 2021.[5]

Stadium edit

 
The Jakemans Stadium

Boston United played at York Street until 2020, styled as The Jakemans Stadium through a sponsorship deal. There were four sides to the stadium: the main seated Mick George Stand; the Co-Operative York Street Stand; the Spayne Road Terrace; and the old away end—known as The Jakemans Stand and then turned into a home stand. The away fans sat in a section of the York Street Stand.

Former club chairman Jon Sotnick claimed it was not up to Football League standards and called for a new ground during the Pilgrims' time in the Football League.[citation needed] Planning applications were made to Boston Borough Council in June 2006, but the council turned down the application. The ground had a total capacity of 6,643.

The club built a new stadium outside the town, and on 10 April 2019 announced that the 2019–20 season was to be their last at York Street.[6]

For the beginning of the 2020–21 season, the club were granted permission to use Gainsborough Trinity's Northolme as their home ground temporarily whilst finishing touches were applied to their new stadium.[7]

The club played its first game at the Boston Community Stadium on 5 December 2020, resulting in a 2–0 home defeat to Chorley in the National League North.[8]

Financial problems edit

On 4 December 2006, Boston's plan to relocate to a new stadium on The Boardsides was unanimously rejected by Boston Borough Council. This plunged the club's future into serious doubt. Chairman James Rodwell said the club's future was "hanging in the balance" because York Street did not have the facilities to allow the club to operate at a profit, and a ground move was required to wipe out the club's debts. Rodwell confirmed that he would be meeting with shareholders over the next couple of days to determine the best course of action, but did admit that the club's future was ultimately now in the hands of HM Revenue and Customs, who were owed a sizeable six-figure sum by the club.

In a statement he released to the club's official website on 5 December he said: "The club's financial situation at the present moment is dire. I would urge all supporters and anybody interested in the future of the football club, be that investors or potential purchasers, to come forward immediately".

In November 2006, Boston manager Steve Evans and his former chairman Pat Malkinson pleaded guilty to "conspiring to cheat the public revenue between 1997 and 2002". Both were given suspended jail sentences.

In May 2007, Boston entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement towards the end of their last game of the season when they knew they would be relegated to the Conference.[4] This allowed them to avoid a points deduction in the next season,[9] but has proved a controversial move.[4]

On 10 June 2007, the Football Conference's annual general meeting voted in favour of demoting Boston United to the Conference North, stating that the terms of the Company Voluntary Agreement which Boston entered was behind the decision. Altrincham were subsequently spared relegation for the second season running. Chief executive John Moules released this statement:

"Because Boston United are in breach of certain rules, it was felt Blue Square North was the best place for them. HM Revenue and Customs put a caveat on that CVA that Boston could not pay football creditors. That breaks Football Association, Football League and Football Conference rules and regulations. We're giving Boston the opportunity to re-establish themselves as a leading club outside the Football League. They believe the decision we have made is fair and just, and they are not going to appeal. We had meetings all day on Friday with Boston United and then informed Altrincham that they were staying up."

On 4 July 2007, Chestnut Homes, a local housing development company, announced that they had acquired Boston United FC.[10]

In a statement at a press conference the new chairman David Newton said: "... we are happy to sit here today and make certain pledges to the loyal supporters of the club. While we are involved in the club, the club will be whiter than white. While we are here, everyone will be paid. We will be prudent in the management of the club's finances. We will strive for excellence on and off the pitch. As finances permit, we will develop the youth side of the club, and if managed well that should pay dividends in the medium to long term for the club. Above all, we will try to rebuild the reputation of this football club."[11]

During the summer of 2007, Boston lost their entire squad except for Stewart Talbot and Paul Ellender, and new manager Tommy Taylor had to start from scratch. Nevertheless, at the end of the season it was announced Boston would be expelled from the Conference league structure after the club failed to exit administration by 10 May deadline. The Conference is the only league in the world to have this appendix, which is not a rule as such, but only a guideline to be used at the League's discretion. The Pilgrims came out of administration before the end of the summer.

Kit edit

When founded in 1933, Boston United inherited a kit of blue shirts, white shorts and black socks from the wound-up Boston Football Club. Later that year, these kits were changed to a black shirt with a large white 'V', a design maintained until 1937. After this, United switched to white shirts and black shorts and socks. After World War II, Boston United reverted to blue shirts of different shades with either black or white shorts and socks.

The currently colour scheme of amber and black has been in place since 1951, although the design has varied from season to season. In recent times, Boston United have had their kits supplied by Umbro (1988–90), Paulas Benara (1990–2005), Vandanel (2006–10), Errea (2010–2016), Nike (2016–2020), Adidas (2020–2023), and Umbro (2023–present).[12]

Shirt sponsors and manufacturers edit

Table of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below:[13]

Year Kit Manufacturer Main Shirt Sponsor Back of Shirt Sponsor
1933–1950 Umbro None None
1950–1983 Admiral
1983–1987 Lowland's Sportswear
1987–1988 Umbro Burdens Tractors
1988–1990 Batemans Brewery
1990–1993 Influence
1993–1997 Paulas Benara
1997–1998 Vegas
1998–1999 Wards
1999–2000 Stantons Metsä Prima
2000–2003 Finnforest
2003–2004 Oldrids (Home)
Oldrids Downtown (Away)
2004–2006 Chestnut Homes
2006–2007 Vandanel Haart
2007–2009 Cropley's Suzuki AC Williams
2009–2010 Chris Cook Print
2010–2012 Errea T&B Containers
2012–2013 Thurlby Motors T&B Containers
2013–2016 Kia Turnbull
2016–2020 Nike
2020–2023 Adidas

Players edit

Current squad edit

As of 13 March 2023[14]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK   ENG Cameron Gregory
2 DF   ENG Jai Rowe
3 DF   ENG Ethan Sephton
4 DF   ENG Brad Nicholson
5 DF   ENG Michael Bostwick
6 DF   ENG Tom Leak
7 MF   ENG Keaton Ward
8 MF   SCO Martin Woods
9 FW   ENG Kelsey Mooney
10 MF   BER Keziah Martin
11 FW   ENG Jimmy Knowles
12 FW   GER Michael Gyasi
14 FW   SKN Jacob Hazel
17 MF   IRL Deji Sotona
19 MF   ENG Jordan Richards
20 MF   ENG Sam Smart
23 DF   ENG Zac Mills
24 MF   ENG Dylan Hill
25 MF   ENG Sam Essien
26 DF   ENG Will Hall
27 DF   ENG Ryan Hand
28 FW   ENG Oliver Wilson
29 DF   ENG Tyler Knowles
30 GK   ENG Jake Lovelace
31 GK   ENG Aaron Chapman

Out on loan edit

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player

Coaching staff edit

As of 2 July 2023[14]
Manager   Ian Culverhouse
Assistant manager   Paul Bastock
First team coach   Joe Simpson
First Team Sports Scientist   Ben Alger
Head of medical services   Carol Holland
Youth Team Head Coach   Ray Power
Youth Team Assistant Head Coach   Mark Melson
Youth Team Coach   Lewis Wright

Managerial history edit

Below is a list of Boston United managers in chronological order:[15]

Dates Manager
1934–1935 Jimmy Cringan
1935–1936 Willie Vaughton
1936–1937 Arthur Greaves
1937–1939 Fred Tunstall
1945–1947 Fred Tunstall
1948–1949 Jimmy McGraham
1950–1952 Jimmy Ithell
1952–1954 Fred Tunstall
1954–1957 Ray Middleton
1957–1960 Ray King
1960–1961 Ray Middleton
1961–1964 Paul Todd
1964–1965 Fred Tunstall
1965–1969 Don Donovan
1969–1972 Jim Smith
1972–1975 Keith Jobling
1975–1976 Howard Wilkinson
1976–1977 Freddie Taylor and
Gordon Bolland
1977–1979 Mickey Walker
1979–1981 Albert Phelan
1981–1984 John Froggatt
1984–1986 Arthur Mann
1986–1987 Ray O'Brien
1987–1990 George Kerr
1990–1992 Dave Cusack
1992–1994 Peter Morris
1994–1996 Mel Sterland
1996–1998 Greg Fee
1998–2002 Steve Evans
2002–2004 Neil Thompson
2004 James Rodwell (caretaker)
2004–2007 Steve Evans
2007–2008 Tommy Taylor
2008–2009 Steve Welsh
2009–2011 Rob Scott and Paul Hurst
2011–2012 Jason Lee and Lee Canoville
2012 Jason Lee
2012–2013 Graham Drury
2013–2016 Dennis Greene
2016–2017 Adam Murray
2017–2022 Craig Elliott
2022 Paul Cox
2022– Ian Culverhouse

Records and statistics edit

  • Highest attendance: 11,000 vs. Derby County, FA Cup third round replay, 9 January 1974
  • Largest Football League victory: 6–0 vs. Shrewsbury Town, 21 December 2002
  • Heaviest defeat: 9–2 vs. AFC Fylde, 19 November 2016
  • Largest FA Cup win: 10–0 vs. Bilsthorpe Colliery, FA Cup preliminary round, 18 September 1937
  • FA Cup preliminary round – 10–0 vs Bilsthorpe Colliery (18 September 1937)
  • First club to start a Football League season on fewer than 0 points
  • Largest FA Cup away win for a non-League team against a Football League opponent[citation needed]
    • 6–1 vs. Derby County, FA Cup second round, 10 December 1955

Honours and achievements edit

Source:[16]

League

Cup

  • FA Trophy
    • Runners-up: 1984–85
  • Northern Premier League Challenge Cup
    • Winners: 1973–74, 1975–76, 2009–10
  • Northern Premier League Challenge Shield
    • Winners: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1976–77, 1977–78
  • Lincolnshire Senior Cup
    • Winners: 1934–35, 1936–37, 1937–38, 1945–46, 1949–50, 1954–55, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1959–60, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1988–89, 2005–06
  • Non-League Champions of Champions Cup
    • Winners: 1972–73, 1976–77
  • East Anglian Cup
    • Winners: 1960–61
  • Eastern Professional Floodlit Cup
    • Winners: 1971–72

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ . Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Derby County 1 Boston United 6". Classic Encounters. Boston United FC. 10 December 1955. from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  3. ^ "Evans & Raynor leave Boston roles". BBC Sport. 27 May 2007. from the original on 27 August 2007. Retrieved 27 May 2007.
  4. ^ a b c "Boston await news on League fate". BBC Sport. 7 May 2007. from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2007.
  5. ^ Mark Whiley (20 July 2021). "Boston United manager hails chairman David Newton as fans enjoy first visit to new stadium". Lincolnshire Live. from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  6. ^ "BREAKING: Boston United set to start work on new stadium, next season to be their last at York Street". Boston Standard. 10 April 2019. from the original on 30 November 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  7. ^ "Boston complete trio of signings as fixture list is released". 8 September 2020. from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  8. ^ "Boston United vs. Chorley – 5 December 2020 – Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com. from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  9. ^ "League confirm Boston deduction". BBC Sport. 18 May 2007. from the original on 11 September 2007. Retrieved 27 May 2007.
  10. ^ . Boston-United.com. 4 July 2007. Archived from the original on 9 April 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
  11. ^ "Chestnut Homes Take Over Boston United – Press Conference in Full". bufc.co.uk. 4 July 2007. from the original on 13 August 2007. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  12. ^ "Boston United – Historical Football Kits". Historicalkits.co.uk. from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  13. ^ "Boston United". Historical Football Kits. from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  14. ^ a b "First Team squad". Boston United. from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  15. ^ "Evans signs off in second place". Boston United official website. 27 May 2007. from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2007.
  16. ^ "Club Honours". Boston United FC. from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2023.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • The Supporters' Trust website
  • All Boston United's Football League results and tables at footballsite
  • The Boston Standard (local paper) website
  • Boston United at the Football Club History Database

52°57′22.7″N 0°1′42.8″W / 52.956306°N 0.028556°W / 52.956306; -0.028556

boston, united, boston, united, football, club, semi, professional, association, football, club, based, boston, lincolnshire, england, club, participates, national, league, north, sixth, level, english, football, league, system, boston, unitedfull, nameboston,. Boston United Football Club is a semi professional association football club based in Boston Lincolnshire England The club participates in the National League North at the sixth level of the English football league system Boston UnitedFull nameBoston United Football ClubNickname s The PilgrimsFounded1933 91 years ago 1933 GroundBoston Community StadiumCapacity5 061 1 ChairmanDavid NewtonManagerIan CulverhouseLeagueNational League North2023 24National League North 6th of 24WebsiteClub websiteHome coloursAway coloursCurrent season The club is known as the Pilgrims in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers who left England and sailed to North America and settled near though did not found Boston Massachusetts The club s crest features the pilgrim fathers ship the Mayflower The club s traditional colours are amber and black They are rivals with Lincoln City Scunthorpe United Gainsborough Trinity and Grimsby Town They play at the Jakemans Community Stadium which was completed in 2020 with a capacity of 5 061 2 155 seated spectators The club was formed in 1933 as a successor to the short lived Boston Town They initially competed in the Midland League before joining the Southern League for a four year spell in 1958 They returned to the Midland League and then joined then United Counties League winning their first league title in 1965 66 Boston then switched to the West Midlands Regional League winning the Premier Division in 1966 67 and 1967 68 before becoming founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968 United won four Northern Premier League titles in the 1970s 1972 73 1973 74 1976 77 and 1977 78 and became founder members of Alliance Premier League in 1979 Boston returned to the Northern Premier League in 1993 and moved back to the Southern League Premier Division in 1998 Boston United won the Southern League in 1999 2000 and the Conference in 2001 02 to secure a place in the Football League for the first time under the stewardship of controversial manager Steve Evans They spent five years in the fourth tier but entered administration in 2007 and were relegated down two divisions into the Conference North Demoted to the Northern Premier League the next year Boston won the Northern Premier League Premier Division play offs in 2010 and have since had five unsuccessful play off campaigns in the Conference and National League North Contents 1 History 2 Stadium 3 Financial problems 4 Kit 4 1 Shirt sponsors and manufacturers 5 Players 5 1 Current squad 5 2 Out on loan 6 Coaching staff 7 Managerial history 8 Records and statistics 9 Honours and achievements 10 See also 11 References 12 External linksHistory editThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section Unsourced material may be challenged and removed July 2023 Learn how and when to remove this message The club was founded in 1933 as a successor to a club called Boston Town Their first game was a 3 1 defeat at home to Grimsby Reserves on 26 August 1933 when a crowd of 1 544 watched Boston s no 7 Blessed score United s first ever goal They then had a moderate amount of success in various leagues including the Midland League and Southern League The club s FA cup run of 1955 56 included a 6 1 victory at Derby County then playing in Third Division North with Geoff Hazledine scoring a hat trick This was a record away win by a non League team against League opponents in the FA Cup 2 This set up a Third round match against Tottenham Hotspur of the Football League First Division at White Hart Lane on 7 January 1956 The match against Tottenham Hotspur was played in front of a crowd of 46 185 The Pilgrims lost 4 0 but the match was more notable for the travelling support Over 10 000 Boston supporters attended the game A number of special train services from Boston to King s Cross were set up for the day They were founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968 of which they were champions four times and of the Alliance Premier League now the National League in 1979 However their Northern Premier League title wins were not enough to gain them election to the Football League and when they won the title in 1978 they surprisingly missed out on league status in favour of runners up Wigan Athletic who took the Football League place previously held by Southport In 1985 Boston United went to Wembley for the first and only time in their history for the FA Trophy Final of the 1984 85 season after Bob Lee scored a winning last minute goal in the 2nd leg of the semi final against Altrincham at York Street to put the Pilgrims through Boston lost 2 1 to Wealdstone in front of 20 775 with Chris Cook scoring United s only goal Boston United finished third in the Conference in 1988 89 but were unable to build on this and were relegated to the NPL in 1993 They were transferred to the Southern League winning the title in 2000 and went fully professional in 2001 In their first season as a professional club Boston won the Conference and were promoted to the Football League However in the wake of their promotion Boston s manager Steve Evans and former chairman Pat Malkinson were charged with breaking the Football Association s rules over the registration of players Both men received bans from the FA and the club were fined and docked four points from their first season in the League This angered some especially the Conference runners up Dagenham amp Redbridge who believed that any points deduction should have applied to the previous season which would have meant Dagenham being promoted instead Youth team coach Neil Thompson was appointed as manager for Boston s maiden Football League season and though they left it late to secure survival they ultimately managed a creditable 15th place finish The following season resulted in another relegation battle and as soon as former manager Steve Evans had served his suspension in full Thompson was sacked and Evans was reinstated as manager leading them to a strong late season run and an eventual finish of 11th Evans return and a substantial investment in the playing squad saw Boston among the promotion favourites for the 2004 05 season but it in fact resulted in a disappointing 16th place 2005 06 would prove to be their most successful Football League season with their finish of 11th being their joint highest but the club missing out on the play offs by just five points having missed out by a much larger margin in 2003 04 nbsp Wrexham defender Ryan Valentine scores the penalty kick against Boston United which relegated The Pilgrims The 2006 07 season saw Boston struggle all season long however and in May 2007 Boston were relegated from Football League Two on the last day of the season Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor on 27 May resigned from the club and two days later joined Crawley Town 3 Because of the relegation Boston were originally scheduled to play the 2007 08 season in the Conference National but this position was immediately placed in doubt after the club s chairman Jim Rodwell entered Boston into a Company Voluntary Arrangement late in their last game so that 10 points would then be deducted in the 2006 07 season instead of the 2007 08 season 4 Although this meant that Boston started the 2007 08 season without a points penalty FA rules dictated that they be demoted 2 divisions as a result of HM Revenue amp Customs placing a restriction into the CVA of Boston not being allowed to pay football creditors 100 of what they were owed They therefore played the 2007 08 season in the Conference North division two steps below the Football League This would be United s first season under the new ownership of David Newton and Neil Kempster who took control of the club over from ex Chairman Jim Rodwell Despite finishing the 2007 08 campaign in 10th place under the guidance of Tommy Taylor United were still in administration by the 2nd Saturday of May in 2008 This meant they were relegated again to the Northern Premier League Premier Division for the 2008 09 season Despite coming out of administration just before the start of the new season anyway Boston United failed to have this decision overturned Another result of this was that they would also have to enter the FA Cup in the 1st qualifying round something which they had not done for many years They reached the final of the Lincs Senior Shield but were swept aside by Stamford 4 1 and finished the league campaign in 16th position A much more favourable campaign the following season saw The Pilgrims finish 3rd in the league where they won the play offs beating Bradford Park Avenue in the final thanks to an Anthony Church extra time winner to earn promotion back to the Conference North Joint managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst resigned from the club in 2011 and were appointed joint managers of Conference National side Grimsby Town Club chairman David Newton revealed he was beginning legal proceedings against the pair and Grimsby Town for breach of contract The Pilgrims wasted no time appointing former Boston player Jason Lee and current player Lee Canoville as joint caretaker managers With only 7 Conference North games remaining the pair guided United to a 3rd place finish in the league setting up a play off tie against Guiseley Boston lost the first leg 1 0 at Nethermoor Park but fought back in the return leg winning 3 2 at the Jakemans Stadium to take the match to extra time and penalties Boston went out losing 2 3 After a decent start to the 2012 13 season Boston started to drop off the promotion pace with a 7 game winless run from November to mid December not aiding their cause More inconsistency followed and Jason Lee was sacked Graham Drury took over within the same week but left the club after less than 2 months Dennis Greene took over soon afterwards but after a good start couldn t help the club from finishing higher than a poor 16th place just 5 points above the relegation zone The following season was a marked improvement in both league and cups Whilst Boston fell at the 2nd hurdle 2 0 at Brackley they made the last 32 of the FA Trophy with wins over Redditch and Southport before a 2 0 loss at Tamworth In the league they held on to a top 5 spot for most of the season and never fell below 8th but they couldn t keep up with late surges by Hednesford and Guiseley ending 1 place and 6 points off the playoffs in 6th The following season Boston did make the play offs however securing a place with a 4 1 victory at Solihull Moors before a 0 0 draw at home to relegated Leamington was enough to secure third place A 0 0 draw at Chorley s Victory Park set up a winner takes it all second leg at York St and goals from Scott Garner and Kaine Felix put Boston 2 0 ahead However Chorley forced extra time with an overhead kick from Adam Roscoe late in injury time Despite Roscoe s extra time red card Boston failed to score a third and the game went to penalties which United lost after seven spot kicks when Sam Ashton saved Rene Steer s penalty Boston started the 2015 16 season as play off favourites once again but pressure mounted on Greene due to poor results including losing to Gainsborough in the FA Cup and Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy both in the first round Boston featured in However Boston found spells of form later in the season to ensure 5th place at the expense of Nuneaton a 3 point deduction received by the Warwickshire side helping the United cause Boston faced North Ferriby United in the play offs and won the first leg 2 0 at home through Grant Roberts and Zak Mills goals The second leg at Church Farm saw that lead overturned by King Denton and Brooksby as United again missed out Somewhat of an exodus then occurred as Boston saw Spiess Mills Piergianni Garner Marrs Felix and Southwell all depart Southwell and Mills notably moving to league sides Wycombe and Grimsby respectively The following season started poorly manager Greene leaving the club in late November to be replaced by former Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray He led the side to safety but was himself gone by November the following year With Boston occupying a relegation spot Craig Elliott leaving Shaw Lane to do so took over and guided the Pilgrims to safety United for a time threatening to break in to the play offs following victories over title chasing Harrogate and Salford City Elliott s second full season in charge was to be the club s last at York Street 2019 20 The side won through four away ties in the FA Cup to reach a second round game away to Rochdale A draw at Spotland secured York Street one last big cup tie the League One side winning 2 1 in a televised replay with over 4000 in attendance Newcastle United at home was their reward The coronavirus pandemic cut short the season and Boston finished third on points per game winning a behind closed doors semi final against Gateshead 5 3 to secure a play off final with Altrincham The Robins scored the only goal of the game the club s last match at York Street With the new Pilgrim Way stadium delayed due to the pandemic the 2020 21 season still behind closed doors started with United playing home games at Gainsborough s Northolme A covid outbreak in the squad meant only 3 home games were played at Trinity s home as the Boston Community Stadium opened on 5 December 2020 against Chorley The season was ended as the coronavirus situation worsened over the winter 2021 22 finally saw United fans able to see a game at the new Pilgrim Way stadium starting with a 5 0 friendly win over Lincoln City in July 2021 5 Stadium edit nbsp The Jakemans Stadium Boston United played at York Street until 2020 styled as The Jakemans Stadium through a sponsorship deal There were four sides to the stadium the main seated Mick George Stand the Co Operative York Street Stand the Spayne Road Terrace and the old away end known as The Jakemans Stand and then turned into a home stand The away fans sat in a section of the York Street Stand Former club chairman Jon Sotnick claimed it was not up to Football League standards and called for a new ground during the Pilgrims time in the Football League citation needed Planning applications were made to Boston Borough Council in June 2006 but the council turned down the application The ground had a total capacity of 6 643 The club built a new stadium outside the town and on 10 April 2019 announced that the 2019 20 season was to be their last at York Street 6 For the beginning of the 2020 21 season the club were granted permission to use Gainsborough Trinity s Northolme as their home ground temporarily whilst finishing touches were applied to their new stadium 7 The club played its first game at the Boston Community Stadium on 5 December 2020 resulting in a 2 0 home defeat to Chorley in the National League North 8 Financial problems editOn 4 December 2006 Boston s plan to relocate to a new stadium on The Boardsides was unanimously rejected by Boston Borough Council This plunged the club s future into serious doubt Chairman James Rodwell said the club s future was hanging in the balance because York Street did not have the facilities to allow the club to operate at a profit and a ground move was required to wipe out the club s debts Rodwell confirmed that he would be meeting with shareholders over the next couple of days to determine the best course of action but did admit that the club s future was ultimately now in the hands of HM Revenue and Customs who were owed a sizeable six figure sum by the club In a statement he released to the club s official website on 5 December he said The club s financial situation at the present moment is dire I would urge all supporters and anybody interested in the future of the football club be that investors or potential purchasers to come forward immediately In November 2006 Boston manager Steve Evans and his former chairman Pat Malkinson pleaded guilty to conspiring to cheat the public revenue between 1997 and 2002 Both were given suspended jail sentences In May 2007 Boston entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement towards the end of their last game of the season when they knew they would be relegated to the Conference 4 This allowed them to avoid a points deduction in the next season 9 but has proved a controversial move 4 On 10 June 2007 the Football Conference s annual general meeting voted in favour of demoting Boston United to the Conference North stating that the terms of the Company Voluntary Agreement which Boston entered was behind the decision Altrincham were subsequently spared relegation for the second season running Chief executive John Moules released this statement Because Boston United are in breach of certain rules it was felt Blue Square North was the best place for them HM Revenue and Customs put a caveat on that CVA that Boston could not pay football creditors That breaks Football Association Football League and Football Conference rules and regulations We re giving Boston the opportunity to re establish themselves as a leading club outside the Football League They believe the decision we have made is fair and just and they are not going to appeal We had meetings all day on Friday with Boston United and then informed Altrincham that they were staying up On 4 July 2007 Chestnut Homes a local housing development company announced that they had acquired Boston United FC 10 In a statement at a press conference the new chairman David Newton said we are happy to sit here today and make certain pledges to the loyal supporters of the club While we are involved in the club the club will be whiter than white While we are here everyone will be paid We will be prudent in the management of the club s finances We will strive for excellence on and off the pitch As finances permit we will develop the youth side of the club and if managed well that should pay dividends in the medium to long term for the club Above all we will try to rebuild the reputation of this football club 11 During the summer of 2007 Boston lost their entire squad except for Stewart Talbot and Paul Ellender and new manager Tommy Taylor had to start from scratch Nevertheless at the end of the season it was announced Boston would be expelled from the Conference league structure after the club failed to exit administration by 10 May deadline The Conference is the only league in the world to have this appendix which is not a rule as such but only a guideline to be used at the League s discretion The Pilgrims came out of administration before the end of the summer Kit editWhen founded in 1933 Boston United inherited a kit of blue shirts white shorts and black socks from the wound up Boston Football Club Later that year these kits were changed to a black shirt with a large white V a design maintained until 1937 After this United switched to white shirts and black shorts and socks After World War II Boston United reverted to blue shirts of different shades with either black or white shorts and socks The currently colour scheme of amber and black has been in place since 1951 although the design has varied from season to season In recent times Boston United have had their kits supplied by Umbro 1988 90 Paulas Benara 1990 2005 Vandanel 2006 10 Errea 2010 2016 Nike 2016 2020 Adidas 2020 2023 and Umbro 2023 present 12 Shirt sponsors and manufacturers edit Table of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below 13 Year Kit Manufacturer Main Shirt Sponsor Back of Shirt Sponsor 1933 1950 Umbro None None 1950 1983 Admiral 1983 1987 Lowland s Sportswear 1987 1988 Umbro Burdens Tractors 1988 1990 Batemans Brewery 1990 1993 Influence 1993 1997 Paulas Benara 1997 1998 Vegas 1998 1999 Wards 1999 2000 Stantons Metsa Prima 2000 2003 Finnforest 2003 2004 Oldrids Home Oldrids Downtown Away 2004 2006 Chestnut Homes 2006 2007 Vandanel Haart 2007 2009 Cropley s Suzuki AC Williams 2009 2010 Chris Cook Print 2010 2012 Errea T amp B Containers 2012 2013 Thurlby Motors T amp B Containers 2013 2016 Kia Turnbull 2016 2020 Nike 2020 2023 AdidasPlayers editCurrent squad edit As of 13 March 2023 14 Note Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules Players may hold more than one non FIFA nationality No Pos Nation Player 1 GK nbsp ENG Cameron Gregory 2 DF nbsp ENG Jai Rowe 3 DF nbsp ENG Ethan Sephton 4 DF nbsp ENG Brad Nicholson 5 DF nbsp ENG Michael Bostwick 6 DF nbsp ENG Tom Leak 7 MF nbsp ENG Keaton Ward 8 MF nbsp SCO Martin Woods 9 FW nbsp ENG Kelsey Mooney 10 MF nbsp BER Keziah Martin 11 FW nbsp ENG Jimmy Knowles 12 FW nbsp GER Michael Gyasi 14 FW nbsp SKN Jacob Hazel 17 MF nbsp IRL Deji Sotona 19 MF nbsp ENG Jordan Richards 20 MF nbsp ENG Sam Smart 23 DF nbsp ENG Zac Mills 24 MF nbsp ENG Dylan Hill 25 MF nbsp ENG Sam Essien 26 DF nbsp ENG Will Hall 27 DF nbsp ENG Ryan Hand 28 FW nbsp ENG Oliver Wilson 29 DF nbsp ENG Tyler Knowles 30 GK nbsp ENG Jake Lovelace 31 GK nbsp ENG Aaron Chapman Out on loan edit Note Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules Players may hold more than one non FIFA nationality No Pos Nation PlayerCoaching staff editAs of 2 July 2023 14 Manager nbsp Ian Culverhouse Assistant manager nbsp Paul Bastock First team coach nbsp Joe Simpson First Team Sports Scientist nbsp Ben Alger Head of medical services nbsp Carol Holland Youth Team Head Coach nbsp Ray Power Youth Team Assistant Head Coach nbsp Mark Melson Youth Team Coach nbsp Lewis WrightManagerial history editBelow is a list of Boston United managers in chronological order 15 Dates Manager 1934 1935 Jimmy Cringan 1935 1936 Willie Vaughton 1936 1937 Arthur Greaves 1937 1939 Fred Tunstall 1945 1947 Fred Tunstall 1948 1949 Jimmy McGraham 1950 1952 Jimmy Ithell 1952 1954 Fred Tunstall 1954 1957 Ray Middleton 1957 1960 Ray King 1960 1961 Ray Middleton 1961 1964 Paul Todd 1964 1965 Fred Tunstall 1965 1969 Don Donovan 1969 1972 Jim Smith 1972 1975 Keith Jobling 1975 1976 Howard Wilkinson 1976 1977 Freddie Taylor and Gordon Bolland 1977 1979 Mickey Walker 1979 1981 Albert Phelan 1981 1984 John Froggatt 1984 1986 Arthur Mann 1986 1987 Ray O Brien 1987 1990 George Kerr 1990 1992 Dave Cusack 1992 1994 Peter Morris 1994 1996 Mel Sterland 1996 1998 Greg Fee 1998 2002 Steve Evans 2002 2004 Neil Thompson 2004 James Rodwell caretaker 2004 2007 Steve Evans 2007 2008 Tommy Taylor 2008 2009 Steve Welsh 2009 2011 Rob Scott and Paul Hurst 2011 2012 Jason Lee and Lee Canoville 2012 Jason Lee 2012 2013 Graham Drury 2013 2016 Dennis Greene 2016 2017 Adam Murray 2017 2022 Craig Elliott 2022 Paul Cox 2022 Ian CulverhouseRecords and statistics editThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section Unsourced material may be challenged and removed July 2023 Learn how and when to remove this message Highest attendance 11 000 vs Derby County FA Cup third round replay 9 January 1974 Largest Football League victory 6 0 vs Shrewsbury Town 21 December 2002 Heaviest defeat 9 2 vs AFC Fylde 19 November 2016 Largest FA Cup win 10 0 vs Bilsthorpe Colliery FA Cup preliminary round 18 September 1937 FA Cup preliminary round 10 0 vs Bilsthorpe Colliery 18 September 1937 First club to start a Football League season on fewer than 0 points Largest FA Cup away win for a non League team against a Football League opponent citation needed 6 1 vs Derby County FA Cup second round 10 December 1955Honours and achievements editSource 16 League Football Conference level 5 Champions 2001 02 Southern League Champions 1999 2000 Northern Premier League Champions 1972 73 1973 74 1976 77 1977 78 Central Alliance League Champions 1961 62 United Counties League Champions 1965 66 West Midlands League Champions 1966 67 1967 68 Southern League Runners up 1998 99 Northern Premier League Runners up 1995 96 1997 98 Northern Premier League Runners up 1996 97 Cup FA Trophy Runners up 1984 85 Northern Premier League Challenge Cup Winners 1973 74 1975 76 2009 10 Northern Premier League Challenge Shield Winners 1973 74 1974 75 1976 77 1977 78 Lincolnshire Senior Cup Winners 1934 35 1936 37 1937 38 1945 46 1949 50 1954 55 1955 56 1956 57 1959 60 1976 77 1978 79 1985 86 1987 88 1988 89 2005 06 Non League Champions of Champions Cup Winners 1972 73 1976 77 East Anglian Cup Winners 1960 61 Eastern Professional Floodlit Cup Winners 1971 72See also editBoston United Supporters TrustReferences edit The Quadrant Boston Football Stadium Archived from the original on 20 September 2020 Retrieved 6 October 2020 Derby County 1 Boston United 6 Classic Encounters Boston United FC 10 December 1955 Archived from the original on 3 November 2013 Retrieved 22 October 2010 Evans amp Raynor leave Boston roles BBC Sport 27 May 2007 Archived from the original on 27 August 2007 Retrieved 27 May 2007 a b c Boston await news on League fate BBC Sport 7 May 2007 Archived from the original on 8 October 2007 Retrieved 7 May 2007 Mark Whiley 20 July 2021 Boston United manager hails chairman David Newton as fans enjoy first visit to new stadium Lincolnshire Live Archived from the original on 2 November 2023 Retrieved 2 November 2023 BREAKING Boston United set to start work on new stadium next season to be their last at York Street Boston Standard 10 April 2019 Archived from the original on 30 November 2023 Retrieved 11 June 2019 Boston complete trio of signings as fixture list is released 8 September 2020 Archived from the original on 9 October 2020 Retrieved 5 October 2020 Boston United vs Chorley 5 December 2020 Soccerway uk soccerway com Archived from the original on 1 October 2021 Retrieved 29 January 2021 League confirm Boston deduction BBC Sport 18 May 2007 Archived from the original on 11 September 2007 Retrieved 27 May 2007 Boston United and Chestnut Homes The Details So Far Boston United com 4 July 2007 Archived from the original on 9 April 2008 Retrieved 4 July 2007 Chestnut Homes Take Over Boston United Press Conference in Full bufc co uk 4 July 2007 Archived from the original on 13 August 2007 Retrieved 8 March 2009 Boston United Historical Football Kits Historicalkits co uk Archived from the original on 19 September 2012 Retrieved 18 July 2012 Boston United Historical Football Kits Archived from the original on 16 August 2023 Retrieved 2 July 2023 a b First Team squad Boston United Archived from the original on 10 December 2022 Retrieved 2 July 2023 Evans signs off in second place Boston United official website 27 May 2007 Archived from the original on 28 September 2011 Retrieved 28 May 2007 Club Honours Boston United FC Archived from the original on 31 March 2022 Retrieved 2 November 2023 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boston United FC Official website The Supporters Trust website All Boston United s Football League results and tables at footballsite The Boston Standard local paper website Boston United at the Football Club History Database 52 57 22 7 N 0 1 42 8 W 52 956306 N 0 028556 W 52 956306 0 028556 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Boston United F C amp oldid 1218190253, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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