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Boston United News round-up for the 2006-2007 season
Reports 2006-2007		Statistics 2006-2007	Pre-season 2006-2007	BUSA news
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MAY 2007
Thu 31	Just a couple of days after resigning from his position of Boston United manager, Steve Evans took up another boss seat position in football with Blue Square Premier League club Crawley Town, likely rivals to the Pilgrims in the 2007-2008 campaign — provided United take their place in the competition with still no confirmation about the club’s survival prospects emerging from would-be new owners Standing Alone Ltd. In relation to Evans’ switch to Crawley, he will be assisted there in his new job by Paul Raynor. The latter served as assistant manager at York Street for three-and-a-quarter seasons.
Sun 27	Boston United plunged into another drama today when manager Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor walked away from the crisis-hit club. The pair handed in their resignations “with reluctance” as the on-going impasse on virtually all York Street fronts showed no sign of abating. Evans told the club’s bufc.co.uk website: “This was never an easy decision, but given events over the last few weeks, never mind months, it was the only decision we could make. Like our players and staff colleagues, we have families to support and in the main we need to be given at least some chance of doing the job we are employed to do.” The management departures come at a stage when uncertainty persists over the club ownership, wages have remained unpaid since March and currently all office staff are staying away from work due to unpaid salaries — effectively rendering United as a closed-down business. With no positive news forthcoming and a deadline looming for documentation to be answered in readiness for the new Blue Square Premier League campaign, supporters are left fearing the club will, in fact, not re-open its door and fold completely. The departure of Evans comes after he spent two spells at United — the first starting in October 1998 in the Dr Martens League and ending with his resignation and eventual 20-month suspension from football over contractual irregulary charges that followed United’s promotion to the Football League in 2002. He returned once his ban had been completed in March 2004. More recently his reign had been blighted by controversy when chairman Jim Rodwell kept faith in him despite Evans and former chairman Pat Malkinson both being handed suspended prison sentences last November for their parts in a tax scam in his first spell at the helm.
Sat 19	Two issues of concern for Boston United followers have been resolved. But a further one — crucially — remains a major worry. Confirmation was received last night (Friday May 18) that the Football League had imposed the stipulated 10-point deduction for the Pilgrims entering into a company voluntary agreement from their 2006-2007 total, leaving United still in 23^rd spot with Torquay a point adrift in the basement relegation slot. The decision means Boston will now start the 2007-2008 campaign without any points penalty. In addition, it has also been announced that there is no bar to the Pilgrims’ involvement in the Blue Square Premier League next season (formerly known as the Conference) and they will take their place alongside the division’s 23 other clubs on equal terms, a programme due to start on Saturday August 18. The one issue still awaiting resolution, though, is the on-going ownership saga with no news emerging as to whether there will be any developments on the much-protracted takeover saga — many United fans being fearful that supposed interested party Standing Alone have lost interest in pursuing a deal, without which the Pilgrims’ management both on and off the field cannot prepare for the club’s future existence beyond the already low-key pre-season match arrangements of fixtures against Stamford (away, Tuesday July 24, 7.45pm); Lincoln City (home, Saturday July 28, 3pm); Braintree Town (away Tuesday July 31, 7.45pm); Tamworth (away, Saturday August 4, 3pm); Wisbech Town (away, Tuesday August 7, 7.45pm).
Sun 13	Boston United followers are still anxiously awaiting news on the future prospects for the Pilgrims on a variety of fronts in the wake of their relegation from the Football League. It was widely reported that Conference officials were meeting on Thursday (April 10) for their regular monthly meeting at which United’s potential involvement in the competition’s 2007-2008 campaign would be discussed — principally on the basis of the club entering into a company voluntary agreement. Despite senior Conference chiefs being quoted to the effect that they had serious misgivings about taking Boston back on board, there has been a stony silence since the meeting. In addition, details are also (to date) unavailable about when United’s 10-point deduction will be enforced for club officials pursuing the CVA route to survival, although Boston officials steadfastly point out this option was triggered before the end of the season, as per league rules, and thus any penalties should apply to the relevant campaign. Also, Boston supporters remain concerned about the future ownership of the club, again with no concrete details emerging from the current board of directors or associates connected with the Standing Alone enterprise believed to be interested in taking over.
Wed 09	Author and journalist Grahame Lloyd, the man behind a book exposing the in-depth happenings at Boston united during the club’s first season in the Football League, will be back in town on Friday (May 11). He will be appearing at Blackfriars Arts Centre in a one-man show entitled the Language of Football. He said: “It’s a light-hearted look at the language of the global game and one that should appeal to a cross-section of the general public whether they are football lovers or not.” The show runs on the lines of an A to Z look at the game, featuring two halves of 45 minutes encompassing a mixture of songs, poems, post match quotes and anecdotes. The curtain goes up at 7.30pm.
Tue 08	Officials at Boston United are awaiting confirmation of the club’s acceptance into the newly-named Blue Square Premier League (Conference) for the 2007-2008 season. The competition will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday (May 11) when potential new arrivals are discussed. There is speculation that the Pilgrims’ acceptance will not be a straight-forward issue, given the fact that United have just entered a company voluntary agreement in a bid to redress their £3m debts and are awaiting news as to when the associated 10-point deduction will be imposed. Conference vice-chairman Charles Clapham said that United going into a CVA in the last two minutes of the final game of the season was a “unique situation.” He reportedly added: “This is not sending out the right message in the world of football. It might be technically legal, but morally it’s sending out the wrong message to creditors. In conjunction with the Football League, we’ll have to look long and hard at the rules and the legality of it all in order to see what the implications will be.”
Mon 07	Next season’s new backers of the top tier of non-league football have already issued odds on Boston United’s likely return to League Two action. The present Conference structure is to be renamed the Blue Square Premier League, backed by the internet betting company. Already they have odds listed on the various clubs’ title chances with the Pilgrims initially ranked as 12-1 shots to land the championship — a price issued in advance of the still-to-be-resolved issue of when United’s 10-point deduction will come into force for entering a company voluntary agreement. United officials invoked the action before the final whistle of the 3-1 loss at Wrexham when relegation was all but cemented, much in the way that Leeds United officials had undertaken their plunge into a CVA when that club’s drop from the Championship had been 99.9 percent confirmed.
Sun 06	Boston United Supporters’ Trust officials have called for prompt action from the Pilgrims’ hierarchy to help allay fans’ worries and concerns about the way ahead for the crisis-riddled club. In the wake of Saturday’s loss at Wrexham and the dawning reality that a return to the Conference — or more correctly the renamed Blue Square Premier League — trust vice-chairman Mel Moxon said: “We have some exciting games to look forward, dependent on play-offs against old adversaries such as Cambridge, Oxford, Rushden and Diamonds, York, Exeter, Northwich, Stevenage and Forest Green. We’ve had five memorable years in the Football League and the vocal support at the Wrexham game was on a par to the Hayes match. But paramount now is the club’s need to return to a firm financial footing, good corporate governance and integrity in order to attract back the fans and business sponsors so that the club can be competitive in the Blue Sqaure Premier League. Moxon added: “But for this to happen, the club’s potential new owners need to identify themselves, as the fans of the club refuse to be hoodwinked again. That means directors and shareholders have to step forward and explain what plans there are for the football club. An annual meeting is also long overdue as are the football club’s accounts.  If these are not forthcoming in the very near future, the fear shared by many fans is that the football club will lurch from one crisis to another.”
Sat 05	Boston United’s fate was finally sealed on their day of destiny at Wrexham. And sadly for Pilgrims’ connections it meant relegation back to the Conference after a five-season stint in the Football League. United battled well throughout their trip to face fellow strugglers Wrexham. But despite taking a 39^th minute lead through Francis Green, they were pegged back and ultimately overhauled by two late goals as a 3-1 scoreline cemented the Welsh side’s place in League Two. Boston had been battling against the odds for many months, notably with Football League decrees apparently depriving them of financial entitlements and dictating that no new players could be recruited during loan “windows.” Such was the cash-strapped nature of life at the Staffsmart Stadium that players and club officials had gone up to 12 weeks without pay. And despite being backed by more than 680 travelling fans, the trip to the Racecourse Ground ended in heartbreak, sadness, numbness and tears. Moments before the final whistle and with their fate effectively sealed, United officials announced the club had entered into the much-publicised company voluntary agreement — seemingly triggering an instant 10-point deduction that confirmed their demise from League Two but which should mean they enter the non-league fray free of any initial points penalty. However, this issue still awaits clarification and sanction by the game’s powers-that-be.
Fri 04	Saturday May 5 is crunch day for Boston United. Tomorrow’s trip to Wales to face Wrexham will decide the Pilgrims’ League Two destiny. It’s a match in which only victory will suffice if Steve Evans’ men are to retain their Football League status. Anything else will see United drop back to Conference. United go into the clash likely to be backed by nearly 700 travelling fans in an all-ticket encounter that looks like attracting a five-figure attendance given that Wrexham will probably drop out the league if they lose. Boston expect to have most of their now thread-bare squad resources available with the likes of Paul Ellender, Colin Cryan and David Galbraith hopeful of shaking of knocks and niggles to take their place in arguably the most significant match of the club’s 70-plus year history. Manager Steve Evans said: “We’ve all been without wages for more than two months. No one outside our club wants us to survive — including the people at the Football League who have treated us harshly over several issues. But the character of our players remains intact. Despite all our problems, we have managed to take things to the final day of the season. We’re determined to give it a real go even though the odds are stacked against us.” Tomorrow will also be notable for the timing of the club’s officials’ decision to put United into a Company Voluntary Agreement — a move designed to help alleviate their crippling £3m debts, but one that will also incur a 10-point penalty. If circumstances during the match at Wrexham dictate that the pilgrims look doomed, chairman Jim Rodwell will give the go-ahead for the CVA policy to be invoked before the final whistle, thus meaning United will take their points deduction off this term’s tally. If the match looks like yielding victory, the move will be delayed until later in the day and technically when the season is over, meaning the 10 points will become a handicap start to the 2007-2008 campaign in whichever division United find themselves.
APRIL 2007
Sun 29	Around 100 Boston United fans attended the first fund-raising event to be held by the Boston United Supporters Trust at Haven High last night (Saturday). Trust vice-chairman Melvin Moxon said: “The presence of United legends such as Jim Kabia, Billy Howells, Paul Bastock, Chris Cook, Bob Lee, Paul Casey, Martin Hardy, Steve Appleby, and Frank Scrupps reminds us of just why we love our football club.” An evening of good food and drink, a lively auction, souvenir legends programme and question and answer session was enjoyed by supporters of all ages. Several revelations were made, including the whereabouts of former mplayer-manager Greg Fee’s mustard-coloured mack, which had been given to a charity shop and was still there three years later when the Pilgrims’ ex-boss walked past the next time. Legends were also invited to become patrons of the trust and Jim Kabia announced that he would be bringing over his crack golf-team from Swansea for the trust golf tournament to be held on August 24 at South Kyme Golf Club. The trust members’ player of the year award was also announced, and a presentation will be made to Mark Greaves later this week. Mr Moxon said: “The whole team has been fantastic in their commitment to the cause this season under very difficult circumstances not of their making. And Mark has epitomised this spirit with his performances on the pitch.” Special mention was made of Chris Cook, Mick Taylor and Adam Hildred for all their hard work in contributing to the success of the evening.
Sat 28	Drewe Broughton’s headed equaliser seven minutes from time gave Boston United a thread of hope of preserving their League Two status. But it means that, effectively, they will have to achieve victory away to fellow strugglers Wrexham next Saturday if they are to avoid a drop back to the Conference. In that context, Broughton’s leveller against a Torquay side reduced to 10 men just before the interval could still be a critical contribution when the season eventually reaches its conclusion.
Fri 27	Boston United face arguably the most critical test of their five-year membership of the Football league when they play host to already-relegated Torquay United tomorrow (April 28, kick-off 3pm). Three points is a must return for the Pilgrims if they are to keep alive their hopes of avoiding a drop back to the Conference. United go into the clash able to welcome back striker Drewe Broughton. But midfielder Stewart Talbot remains sidelined through injury. In the build-up to the match, United officials have confirmed that — following a meeting of principal creditors — approval has been reached to take the club into a company voluntary agreement that would see debts paid off to the tune of 47p in every pound owed. The CVA is to be supervised by Gerald Krasner, former Leeds United chairman and insolvency practitioner who said the move would provide a vital “life support” for the Pilgrims. Entering into a CVA will involve a 10-point deduction for United, but officials are expected to delay triggering the decision until United future this season is clarified (either before the end of the final match at Wrexham or possibly before if results dictate relegation is a near certainty).
Tue 24	Several past and legendary playing figures from Boston United will be descending on the town this coming Saturday (April 28) when, following the final home game of the season, the contingent will be part of a high-profile Legends evening to be held at the Haven High Technology College (doors open 7pm for 7.30pm). Tickets for the Boston United Supporters’ Trust-backed event are selling fast. Principal organiser Chris Cook is delighted to confirm that legends such as John Froggatt, Jim Kabia, Billy Howells, Martin Hardy, Steve Appleby, Paul Casey and Andrew Stanhope will be among the past Boston United players attending the event. Chris said: “Everyone can look forward to an evening of nostalgia, anecdotes, food, comedian, grand auction, licensed bar and table bingo.” Tickets are strictly limited, on a first come, first served basis, and are priced at £12 for non-trust members or £10 for members and are available from the Chris Cook Print Shop, Main Ridge, Boston during normal opening hours. Also a limited number of corporate sponsorship opportunities are available which include two complimentary tickets and coverage of your company in the souvenir programme. Details can be obtained from Melvin Moxon, trust vice-chairman on 07907 982893.
Sat 21	A goal seven minutes from time by teenage defender Jamie Stevens kept Boston United’s survival hopes alive. His header from a David Galbraith corner proved enough to beat 10-man Chester City and in the process enabled the Pilgrims to stay right in touch in the scrap to avoid relegation to the Conference along with already-doomed Torquay. United boss Steve Evans said: “It was a tremendous win, but one I felt we deserved because we were dominant throughout. It was as good as we have played lately, but for a long while it looked as though a goal wasn’t going to come. But Jamie came up with the goods, although I felt he should perhaps have scored earlier on as well. Before this game we always knew three wins from our final three games would guarantee our survival. This is one. Now we’ve got two more to go. There’s an incredible unity in our squad even though the players haven’t been paid for two months. We’re all determined to remain positive and try our best to meet the challenge ahead. It won’t be for the want of trying if ultimately we don’t get the results we need. If we do go down it will be a lot of heavy hearts, but also with a lot of pride and dignity.”
Fri 20	Beleaguered Boston United will have to muster all their powers of determination and resolve when Chester City visit the Staffsmart Stadium tomorrow (Saturday). The Pilgrims will be down to the barest of bare bones with just 10 senior professionals fit and available for the encounter from which a three-point victory haul is essential if United are to have any real hope of escape the relegation trapdoor back to the Conference. Striker Drewe Broughton has been refused permission by parent club Chester to play in the match. And the Pilgrims are also without the services of injured midfielder Stewart Talbot for a clash (kick-off 3pm) that could have huge significance to Boston’s survival hopes. It is likely that their bench will comprise the likes of Adam Rowntree, Ben Nunn and one other member of the club’s youth squad. Earlier in the season, United lost 3-1 at Chester and thus will be keen to avenge that reverse, despite senior squad members now having gone almost two months without payment due to the club’s on-going crippling financial situation.
Wed 18	Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar will be the guest speaker at the latest sportsmans dinner function to be hosted by Boston United. The event, already a sell-out, will take place at Boston West Golf Centre. Comedian Paddy Greene will add entertainment support on the night that will also feature an auction of football memorabilia including England, Manchester United and Liverpool items.
Sat 14	Things took a more gloomy twist for Boston United when they dropped back into the League Two relegation places after crumbling to a 3-0 reverse away to a Hereford United side who hadn’t scored in their previous six outings. The loss coincided with another pathetically inept display by county neighbours Lincoln City who succumbed meekly on home territory to the Pilgrims’ fellow strugglers Wrexham. In the process, Boston and the Welshmen swapped positions in the battle to avoid relegation to the Conference along with already-doomed Torquay.
Fri 13	Boston United bid for a third success at Hereford United’s Edgar Street ground tomorrow when they hit the road to contest more crucial League Two points. In the past, the Pilgrims have won 1-0 en route to their Conference title in 2001-2002 and then secured a 3-2 FA Cup success three years later. But tomorrow’s trip arguably has even greater significance with Steve Evans’ men desperate to stay clear of the two relegation places. However, playing resources will be severely stretched, not least because loanee striker Nathan Joynes has returned to Barnsley, Stewart Talbot is out with a hamstring injury and Mark Greaves has a calf strain. It all means youth team player Ben Nunn is added to the travelling party and seems certain of a place on the bench.
Wed 11	Cash-strapped Boston United are trying to stave off the spectre of administration or even liquidation by entering into a financial agreement with their creditors. There is a proposal from the Pilgrims’ hierarchy to instigate a legally-binding Company Voluntary Arrangement, the terms of which would — it is proposed — see all debts paid off over an agreed period of time to a percentage of the outstanding monies owed: to the tune of 47p for each pound owed. The proposition has been put to the present array of creditors to whom total debts of £3m are owed — the largest being Lavaflow Ltd (£1.4m), HM Revenue PAYE (around £820,000), HM Revenue VAT (around £210,000) and the Gliderdrome (around £250,000). United chairman Jim Rodwell has stated he hopes the latest proposals will bring positive responses, although such a venture has to meet with the approval of 75 percent of creditors, based on one voting share for each pound owed. A meeting between United officials and all creditors affected is earmarked for April 25. It remains unclear whether issues relating to this latest proposal will have any bearing on the club’s as yet unresolved takeover saga involving the Standing Alone Ltd enterprise reportedly interested in taking charge at United.
Mon 09	A spectacular display by Boston United helped to see off fellow strugglers Macclesfield Town and hoist the Pilgrims out of the two relegation positions. The Pilgrims overpowered their Cheshire rivals to the tune of a 4-1 margin. Goals from David Galbraith, Drewe Broughton, Mark Greaves and Jamie Clarke (penalty) eclipsed a reply by Ashan Holgate that briefly brought the scoreline back to 3-1. The Pilgrims also missed a clutch of other chances to have substantially improved their negative goal difference. But manager Steve Evans was still thrilled with the success. He said: “This was a huge three points for us. I have been confident all along that we can survive. And this win proved a point. They were some big performances by a lot of our players some of whom were forced into action despite being far from fully fit. But we are not going to get carried away because there is still likely to be lots of chopping and changing before the season ends.”
Sat 07	More concern and anxiety was piled onto Boston United in the wake of a 2-0 loss away to Notts County. Defeat left the Pilgrims still entrenched in the League Two relegation slots. And with no sign of a turn-around in the club’s already parlous cash state, relegation back to the Conference (or even lower if complete financial collapse ensues, not least with landlords the Malkinson family now seeking to evict the club from York Street over unpaid rent) is looking an increasingly likely prospect. Goals from former Pilgrims Jason Lee and substitute Matt Somner settled the encounter in County’s favour to leave United staring ever more anxiously into what could become a terminal abyss. It all serves to make the Easter Monday (April 9) home clash with Macclesfield (kick-off 3pm) a must-win fixture for the Pilgrims if they are to seriously keep alive their on-the-pitch survival mission. One boost, at least, will be the return from suspension of skipper Paul Ellender.
Fri 06	Boston United take their League Two survival fight to Notts County tomorrow (April 7) knowing that some sort of points return is critical to their hopes of avoiding the drop back into the Conference. The Pilgrims will once again be without Paul Ellender who completes a two-match ban for accumulating 10 yellow cards. This will leave manager Steve Evans with the same 14-man squad that saw action in the 1-0 home loss against Bury — this number including youth team members Jamie Stevens and Adam Rowntree. County, managed by former Pilgrims’ favourite Steve Thompson currently lie 12^th in the table. They have won their last two games (against Grimsby and Bury) after previously picking up just three points from seven outings. Included in the Magpies’ squad will be several former United players, namely Jason Lee, Austin McCann, Gary Silk, Lawrie Dudfield and Ian Ross.
MARCH 2007
Sat 31	Boston United dropped back into the relegation places in League Two on the back of a morale-sapping home loss against fellow strugglers Bury when an 86^th minute goal by Andy Bishop settled things in the visitors’ favour. The result was a huge jolt to United’s survival hopes, but came about after the Pilgrims had squandered a succession of chances in the first half. In his post-match interview, manager Steve Evans said: “It was a bitter blow and a bad result. But we’ve just got to lift ourselves and battle on. We’ve had to sell a lot of our quality players and are now trying to get through with effort and commitment. On the evidence of our first half display, I think we are still capable of getting out of danger. We had enough chances to have put the game out of sight. But a lack of finishing ultimately cost us.”
Thu 29	The League Two relegation scrap takes on an important dimension this Saturday when Boston United play host to fellow strugglers Bury, a side currently on a run of 16 games without a win and who will include former Pilgrims loanee Jason Kennedy in their ranks. United go into action buoyed by a harvest of seven points from their last three games but still with manager Steve Evans having huge squad option restrictions — notably with Paul Ellender serving the first of a two-match ban while David Farrell and Stewart Talbot are receiving treatment for knocks that cast doubt on their involvement. Meanwhile, it looks likely that winger Brad Maylett will be recall from a month’s loan spell at Chester to boost United’s threadbare squad numbers.
Fri 23	Boston United extracted a vital point from their trip to face promotion-chasing Wycombe Wanderers. The Pilgrims shared the spoils in a battling 0-0 draw. Arguably Steve Evans’ men merited more as they carved out by far the better opportunities on the night, despite having to cope with hugely restricted squad resources. The point gained edged United four points away from the dreaded drop zone. But the match saw Paul Ellender pick up his 10^th yellow card of the season, meaning he will miss the next two crucial matches in the Pilgrims’ on-going battle to secure League Two safety.
Thu 22	Another tough assignment awaits Boston United tomorrow (Friday night, 7.45pm) away to promotion-chasing Wycombe Wanderers — moreso given the fact that manager Steve Evans has been unable to add to his ever-diminishing squad options. Proposed loan deals for John McCombe (Huddersfield) and Michael Proctor (Hartlepool) have apparently been scuppered by Football League officials because, it is understood, their proposed arrivals would breach the club’s 60 percent-of-income salary cap. Elsewhere, loanees Brad Thomas and Trevor Benjamin have returned to parent clubs Yeovil and Peterborough, while news has also emerged that Milton Keynes have today snapped up highly-rated Albert Jarrett on a loan deal from Watford. The Pilgrims are already minus the services of Stephen Vaughan, Simon Rusk, Shane Nicholson and Ritchie Ryan (all ruled out for the rest of the season due to injuries). And with the likes of Stewart Talbot (calf), David Farrell (knee) and Colin Cryan (thigh) all doubtful for the trip to Wycombe, it could leave United with just nine senior pros at their disposal in the worst scenario — these being Messrs Marriott, Ellender, Greaves, Galbraith, Cooksey, Clarke, Green, Broughton and Joynes (the latter whose loan also ends in three weeks’ time) plus youth team prodigy Jamie Stevens.
Sat 17	Boston United hauled themselves out of the League Two relegation places on the back of a splendid 2-1 away success against Mansfield Town. Goals from Stewart Talbot and Drewe Broughton paved the way for the success. And United saw the challenge through despite having loan defender Brad Thomas sent off in his final appearance for the club. The match also saw United unable — due to “red tape” — to field new loan signings John McCombe and Michael Proctor and, in tandem with a clutch of injuries, only had 14 fit and available players at their disposal. But through all the adversity United came up trumps to keep their hopes alive of stretching their Football League presence into a sixth campaign.
Thu 15	The Boston United League Two survival fight rolls on this Saturday when they make the trip to face mid-table Mansfield, a side boasting the recent strike force arrivals of Barry Conlon and Martin Gritton. The Pilgrims are within touching distance of hauling themselves out of the bottom two positions, but know they need some sort of reward from their trip to Field Mill. United boss Steve Evans hopes to have midfielder Albert Jarrett fully fit and has opened talks with parent club Watford with a view to extending the 22-year-old loan stint with United. Elsewhere on the Boston front, 21-year-old 6ft 2in defender John McCombe has been added to the fray on a loan deal from League One side Huddersfield. He is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday. Meanwhile, striker Trevor Benjamin has been allowed to return to Peterborough after failing to impress in a loan spell. On the injury front, definite absentees are Richie Ryan and Simon Rusk.
Sat 10	Boston United added three potentially priceless points to their League Two survival satchel. Two goals from Watford loanee Albert Jarrett helped to secure a 2-1 home success against Bristol Rovers. By virtue of their triumph, the Pilgrims clawed themselves level on points with fellow strugglers Wrexham and Accrington — the latter now also under Football League scrutiny for allegedly using Preston work experience loanee Chris McGrail and another as yet unnamed other player in a separate instance, both as ineligible players. It is expected points deductions will be imposed if Accrington are found guilty. Reflecting on the issue overall, manager Steve Evans said: “Our win over Bristol was vital. Now we have to concentrate on nine more massive matches ahead. We know the situation affecting Accrington and the fact that they are likely to lose points. But all we can do is concern ourselves with matters that are directly under our control. The most important thing, when all is said and done, is that Boston United as a club remains in the Football League. And that’s the ambition were are all working towards.” The Pilgrims’ success over Bristol Rovers came at a price, though, with defender Mark Greaves stretchered off late in proceedings with a head injury sustained in a penalty area collision. With Simon Rusk and Stephen Vaughan already ruled out for most of the rest of the season and only limited squad resources at their disposal, the Greaves jolt represents another major blow to the United camp.
Thu 08	“We’ve got 10 massively important matches left.” So said manager Steve Evans as he assessed the run-in to the end of the League Two season for Boston United. The first of these comes on Saturday (March 10) when the Pilgrims play host to Bristol Rovers, a side boosted by the knowledge that they have a prestige date to look forward to — a place in the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium against Doncaster Rovers on Sunday April 1. For Saturday’s encounter, the Pilgrims will notably be without injury victim Albert Jarrett. In addition, news has emerged this week that midfielder Stephen Vaughan will definitely be sidelined for the remainder of the season (and beyond) due to the Achilles injury he sustained in the recent home clash with Hartlepool. Boston go into the weekend’s action knowing they are two points adrift of the survival margin in the division. Their concluding action schedule comprises the following matches: Saturday March 10, Bristol Rovers (h); March 17, Mansfield (a); March 23, Wycombe (a); March 31, Bury (h); April 7, Notts County (a); April 9, Macclesfield (h); April 14, Hereford (a); April 21, Chester (h); April 28, Torquay (h); May 5, Wrexham (a).
Sat 03	Boston United slumped into the bottom two positions of League Two despite turning in a brave performance away to promotion-chasing Milton Keynes Dons. The Pilgrims suffered a 3-2 defeat in a see-saw encounter in which they trailed early on but then hit back to take an interval lead before the home side fought back to claim the spoils with two further goals in the second half. Brad Thomas and Drewe Broughton were the United men on target but their scoring feats were eclipsed by the disappointment of a 12^th away reverse of the season — and one that increased still further the relegation anxieties now surrounding the Pilgrims’ camp.
Thu 01	Midfielder Stephen Vaughan has been ruled out for the rest of the season as Boston United gear up to tackle the final 11 fixtures in what is developing into an increasingly anxious battle against relegation from League Two. The recent recruit from Chester sustained an ankle injury in the 1-0 home loss against Hartlepool. And subsequent diagnosis suggests he will be sidelined for some considerable time. In his absence, the Pilgrims will hit the road to face promotion-chasing MK Dons on Saturday when more vital points will be at stake as United strive to remain out of the bottom two places. Apart from Vaughan and long-term injury victim Simon Rusk, the Pilgrims hope to have most of their other senior squad members available for selection, although winger Brad Maylett is another absentee in the wake of his loan move today to League Two rivals Chester City.
FEBRUARY 2007
Sat 24	Boston United tumbled to their fourth successive home League Two loss when entertaining Hartlepool. But there was plenty of pride and credit in a whole-hearted performance against table-topping rivals who, by virtue of their 1-0 success, extended their own impressive recent run to 16 wins in 18 unbeaten games. The only goal of the game came from a long-distance free-kick by Ritchie Humphreys that hit the underside of Boston’s bar before bouncing into the net off unfortunate keeper Andy Marriott. The result left United still on a sequence of poor results, just two points taken from the last 21 available.
Fri 23	Fresh from their exploits in extracting a valuable League Two at Peterborough, Boston United are preparing to face an even more testing encounter tomorrow (Saturday) when in-form table-toppers Hartlepool visit the Staffsmart Stadium. The Pilgrims know a hugely challenging task awaits. But manager Steve Evans hopes to have facial injury victim Paul Ellender fit for selection along with fellow muscle strain duo Stewart Talbot and Jamie Stevens. In addition, it is hoped Shane Nicholson will also be fit to return in a match that has a crucial bearing on both ends of the table — not least given the fact that Hartlepool come to town on the back of 15 wins in their last 17 unbeaten League Two outings under the managership of Danny Wilson.
Tue 20	Boston United prised out a valuable derby-night point from their trip to near neighbours Peterborough despite having to field a vastly depleted squad. By virtue of the result, the Pilgrims managed to climb out of the bottom two and fully re-ignite their hopes of survival. The night, though, came at a cost with further injuries to Paul Ellender, Stewart Talbot and full debutant Jamie Stevens. United boss Steve Evans said: “We struggled to put a team together, but I thought everyone was magnificent. We got our system and tactics right and the travelling supporters were magnificent. It’s given us a lift but I am sure there will be some topsy-turvy times ahead. We’ve effectively got 12 cup finals left.”
Tue 20	Boston United tonight face a critical encounter away to local rivals Peterborough when vital League Two spoils are at stake. Given the Pilgrims’ plight close to the foot of the table, some sort of reward is seen as essential from the clash at London Road. But the already threadbare Boston squad has been hit by more injuries with the news that Mark Greaves and Shane Nicholson are ruled out while striker Trevor Benjamin is not available to play against his parent club. These absences come on top of the already sidelined Simon Rusk, Francis Green, David Galbraith and Richie Ryan. The Pilgrims, though, have agreed a second month’s loan deal with Yeovil for central defender Brad Thomas.
Sat 17	The League Two relegation trapdoor has started to creak open for Boston United. Another shambles of a home defeat against Shrewsbury by a 3-0 margin left them hovering precariously in the drop zone area. The reverse was the Pilgrims’ fifth in six games. The only real bright note was a lively display by new loan signing Albert Jarrett (from Watford). But overall, United looked a team lacking in cohesion, possibly due to the fact that six of their starting XI had been with the club for a month or less. Boston boss Steve Evans said: “Ours in a camp with a lot of problems at the moment, the biggest of which is a lack of confidence in the team. But we’ve just got to keep working hard at trying to get things right. We’re having to beg and borrow players from wherever we can to try to pull ourselves through a difficult period. But through it all I am here to do a job, however testing the circumstances might be. Nobody is hurting more than me at the way results have been lately.”
Thu 15	Boston United are gearing up for a potentially pivotal week in their League Two season — a spell of three matches in eight days that could give a much clearer indication about the Pilgrims’ eventually destiny in a campaign bedevilled with anxiety, disappointment and on-going financial turmoil. Saturday February 17 sees United play host to Shrewsbury, a match followed by a trip to near neighbours Peterborough on Tuesday evening and then in-form Hartlepool come to town on Saturday February 24. A decent points return from the three-game stint will be vital to keeping United away from the clutches of the relegation places. But given the fact that all three sets of impending opposition are chasing promotion either via the play-offs or automatically, tough assignments are inevitably in prospect.
Sat 10	There was no let-up in the sense of anxiety and disappointment surrounding Boston United when the Pilgrims travelled north and suffered a 2-0 away-day League Two loss at Darlington. The result left United even more precariously perched immediately above the relegation trapdoor. Their plight against the Quakers was heightened when defender Brad Thomas was sent off in the 70^th minute for two bookable offences. To compound Boston’s misery, Darlington’s first goal was scored by ex-Pilgrims’ loanee Ian Miller.
Fri 09	Boston United will tomorrow (Saturday) look to put right a lot of wrongs. The Pilgrims head north for a League Two encounter away to Darlington secure in the knowledge that they need to improve drastically on the woeful show they turned in during last Saturday’s six-goal home humiliation by Grimsby — United’s record loss as a Football League club. For this weekend’s encounter. United will be minus striker Drewe Broughton (suspension) while a clutch of other injury worries look like restricting options available to manager Steve Evans who has been scouring for extra strike power in the wake of Justin Richards returning to parent club Peterborough after suffering a knock. But so far all Evans’ inquiries have drawn blanks. Saturday opponents Darlington will have former United players Tim Ryan, Ian Miller (just signed on loan from Ipswich) and David Rowson in their line-up. But striker Julian Joachim won’t feature, his exclusion being part of the original transfer deal that took him from Boston last August.
Sat 03	Boston United’s fortunes hit an all-time low when they were hit for six by Grimsby Town in their crunch home League Two derby clash with county rivals Grimsby Town. The visitors sensationally won 6-0, a result that represented an unwanted record margin of defeat for the Pilgrims since joining League Two five years ago. There was no consolation for United whatsoever. It was the first time since they had conceded six goals on home soil since Altrincham won 6-2 in a Conference match on February 27, 1991 and the biggest home reverse since Runcorn won 6-0 at Boston in September 1988. After the debacle against Grimsby, United assistant manager Paul Raynor said: “Defensively we were a shambles. We were awful all afternoon and were second best by a million miles. It seems that a lot of our players had a real attitude problem in that they appeared to think that all they had to do was turn up to get a win because Grimsby were going through a tough time. We warned them what would happen if that was the case and we finished up getting our backsides well and truly kicked. There are no excuses. Last week we all took the plaudits for a good result at Walsall. This week we have to accept the criticism.”
Fri 02	Boston United are primed for a vitally important home League Two county derby against Grimsby Town tomorrow (Saturday, kick off 3pm at the Staffsmart Stadium). The outcome of the match will have huge significance to both clubs’ involvement in the basement area of the table. The Pilgrims enter the fray with a clutch of injury problems but with the prospect of seeing new signings Nathan Joynes, Ernie Cooksey and Colin Cryan being in the squad.
JANUARY 2007
Wed 31	The Boston United squad merry-go-round has swung into action again today with three departures from the Staffsmart Stadium and three arrivals OUT: Defender Lee Canoville has been snapped up on a rest-of-the-season loan deal — with a five-figure ‘switch fee’ coming United’s way — by League Two rivals Shrewsbury Town. Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Chris Holland has signed for Conference side Southport on an 18-month contract. And centre back Mark Albrighton has signed extended loan terms with Conference side Rushden and Diamonds. IN: To help offset the departures, Pilgrims boss Steve Evans has been able to add versatile Colin Cryan (25) from Lincoln City, a player who has filled various defensive roles as well as midfield positions during his time with the Imps having originally started his career with Sheffield United before moving on for a spell with Scarborough. The midfielder has been boosted by the signing on a contract to the end of the season of 26-year-old Ernie Cooksey from Rochdale where he made 100 appearances having started his senior career with Oldham. And United’s front line has also been boosted by the signing, initially on a one-month loan deal of 21-year-old Barnsley striker Nathan Joynes
Sat 27	A share of the spoils was Boston United’s reward for a tremendous battling performance away to League Two table-toppers and hot promotion favourites Walsall. The Pilgrims shackled their high-riding opponents in a 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium, the second time United had achieved this feat against the Saddlers in five weeks. And although the Pilgrims slipped slightly in the table, the result should have fuelled confidence levels from what was arguably the toughest match of the weekend’s programme for any of the sides in the lower reaches.
Fri 26	Boston United face the tough challenge of trying to prise away-day points from the home of League Two leaders Walsall tomorrow (January 26). The match comes around as a quick follow-up to their 1-1 draw at the Staffsmart Stadium on December 23 when the now departed Dany N’Guessan was United’s scorer. For the trip to the Bescot Stadium, United hope to have Lee Canoville and Mark Greaves fit again after knocks picked up in the 3-1 home loss against Swindon. Elsewhere, there are possible starting places for latest signings Shane Nicholson and Stephen Vaughan.
Wed 24	Pilgrims’ chairman Jim Rodwell today dismissed reports that a proposed takeover deal at Boston United had floundered. The United chief said that discussions were still on-going between the Pilgrims’ directors, ground owners the Malkinson family and the as yet unnamed business group interested in taking control of the club. Rodwell told the www.bufc.co.uk website: “The proposed takeover of Boston United, contrary to reports in the local media, is most definitely not off. I can understand people’s frustrations at the speed these things tend to happen and to a degree I share that, but this is a complex deal, with three landowners, five directors of two companies, eight shareholders, one purchasing company and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. To try to reach agreement with all parties is difficult and time consuming to put it mildly. However, everybody with the best interests of Boston United, is doing everything possible to facilitate a speedy and successful outcome to ensure the survival of the football club.”
Sat 20	Boston United suffered their first home defeat since October when losing 3-1 at the Staffsmart Stadium to promotion-chasing Swindon Town. The Pilgrims put up a good fight and for long spells matched their high-flying rivals. But in the end, the visitors plundered the points. The result left United in 19^th place in the League Two table, anxiously just two points above the relegation places. Defender Brad Thomas was the Pilgrims’ man on target with his first goal for the club.
Fri 19	Boston United have recruited two new players. Left-back Shane Nicholson (36) arrives via an initial one-month loan deal from League One club Chesterfield while utility man Stephen Vaughan (21) comes aboard as an outright signing from Chester. Nicholson began his career on the books of county rivals Lincoln City 20 years ago and has since gone on to enjoy spells with Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Stockport County, Sheffield United and Tranmere Rovers in addition to current club Chesterfield. Pilgrims’ boss Steve Evans said: “Shane comes into the squad able to play in a variety of positions, but first and foremost his signing ends the immediate search for a recognised left-back after Tim Ryan left the club.” Vaughan arrives with a wealth of Football League experience (74 games) despite his relatively tender years. Both players are expected to figure in Saturday’s squad options for the tough-looking home game against promotion-chasing Swindon (kick-off 3pm at the Staffsmart Stadium, kids for a quid — under-16s — entry fee applies). With Ian Miller and Dany N’Guessan both having returned to parent clubs Ipswich and Glasgow Rangers respectively, the Pilgrims are again restricted on player numbers. But — apart from long-term injury victims Simon Rusk and Stewart Talbot — Evans hopes to have most of his players available for selection.
Wed 17	Defender Ian Miller and winger Dany N’Guessan have both left Boston United and returned to parent clubs Ipswich Town and Glasgow Rangers respectively after loan spells with the Pilgrims. Portman Road boss Jim Magilton has recalled Miller to his Suffolk roots after regular first team defender Jason De Vos picked up an injury. N’Guessan heads back north of the border after completing a three month temporary stay at Boston. Meanwhile, Pilgrims boss Steve Evans today said he expected at least one further sale from the United ranks to help the club to further stabilise what is still a precarious financial position—notably with no details yet emerging about potential new owners.
Sat 13	Boston United slipped to their 10^th away League Two loss of the season in somewhat unfortunate circumstances at Stockport’s Edgeley Park ground. The defeat, the Pilgrims’ first of the new calendar year, kept Steve Evans’ men in the relegation danger zone — but on a day when most of the other divisional strugglers also lost, it means Boston are still four points off the two drop zone positions. For full story see reports 2006-2007 section (above).
Fri 12	Boston United go in search of a third straight League Two win tomorrow (January 13) when they hit the road to Cheshire to face Stockport County (kick-off 3pm). The clash follows on from United’s 2-1 and 1-0 home wins over Barnet and Accrington, points from which have helped to elevate them to 17^th in the table. But Stockport look certain to offer tough opposition, notably with ex-Pilgrims’ striker Anthony Elding now in their ranks and likely to make his Hatters’ debut in tomorrow’s encounter. For their part, the Pilgrims will also have a new front man at their disposal with 26-year-old attacker Justin Richards (formerly of Conference side Woking) embarking on a month’s loan arrangement from Peterborough. Other team news suggests that Paul Ellender will be back in contention after a one-match ban. Elsewhere on the Boston scene, defender Mark Albrighton has joined Rushden and Diamonds on a month’s loan. Further down the United scale, football in the community officer Brett Whaley has moved on to pastures new. He has been replaced by Nick Reeson. Meanwhile Pilgrims’ officials have announced that the Saturday January 20 home match against Swindon will be designated “kids-for-a-quid” day — under-16s to be admitted for just £1.
Mon 08	Defender Ian Miller has had his loan spell with Boston United extended by a further month. The centre back has made a big impression since being recruited from Ipswich. Manager Steve Evans said he was delighted that the player will be part of the Pilgrims’ squad for an additional month.
Sat 06	Striker Drewe Broughton was the hero for Boston United with the 72^nd minute goal that sank Accrington Stanley when the two relegation combatants met at the Staffsmart Stadium. The front man’s fourth goal since joining United on loan from Chester proved vital in a 1-0 success that hoisted the Pilgrims up to 17^th spot in the table. The match was also notable as one that featured a debut display for loanee centre back Bradley Thomas (from Yeovil).
Fri 05	Boston United have today secured the services of 22-year-old defender Bradley Thomas on an initial one month loan deal from League One promotion chasers Yeovil. The centre back comes into the fold at a time of several personal changes to the squad (see story below). He is expected to make his debut in tomorrow’s home League Two clash with Accrington Stanley.
Thu 04	Boston United are preparing for another crunch League Two clash on Saturday when fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley are the visitors to the Staffsmart Stadium. The Pilgrims, currently one point above the two relegation places, will be desperate to follow up on their valuable 2-1 success over Barnet on New Year’s Day. But they will have to enter the fray minus the services of two key defenders. Tim Ryan has followed striker Anthony Elding in being sold to offset crippling debts. The left-back has joined Darlington for what is again said to be “an undisclosed five-figure fee.” And Paul Ellender will miss out due to a one-match ban for five bookings. In addition, midfielder David Rowson has returned to parent club Darlington after a loan spell. And Saturday marks the concluding day before loan deals involving Ian Miller and Jason Kennedy are due to expire. With resources already wafer thin within the United ranks, manager Steve Evans is again facing selection problems. However, defender Mark Albrighton is back from a loan stint with Darlington and could be pitched straight back into the Boston squad.
Mon 01	Goals early in each half helped Boston United to prise maximum points from their home League Two fixture against Barnet. Mark Greaves and an Ismail Yakubu own goal helped to yield a vital 2-1 success — a result made all the more important by the fact that fellow strugglers Macclesfield, Accrington and Rochdale also all won. The Pilgrims stay 19^th in the table, but the gap on the likes of Mansfield, Grimsby and Darlington has been diminished.
Mon 01	Boston United continue to face an uncertain future as 2007 dawns. Fresh from news of a proposed strike by players over unpaid salaries, the subsequent sale of Anthony Elding to help foot the Pilgrims’ December wage bill and news that two other players were also being pencilled in for sale deals, the United camp still had to prepare for their New Year’s Day home clash with improving Barnet (kick-off 3pm). Manager Steve Evans was facing up to the prospect of being without Tim Ryan and Francis Green (reported illnesses) plus Jason Kennedy (injured at Rochdale) in addition to long-term absentees Simon Rusk and Stewart Talbot.
DECEMBER 2006
Sun 31	Striker Anthony Elding has been sold to League Two rivals Stockport County in a move to generate funds to help Boston United to meet their December wages bill. And increasingly critical financial times at the Staffsmart Stadium could, according to manager Steve Evans, see two more players sold to offset other spiralling costs — with no immediate sign of impending buyers to take over from current controlling company Lavaflow whose shareholders are declining to plough further funds into the coffers. Elding’s sale for “an undisclosed five figure sum” comes six months after he rejoined his home town club and at a stage where he was United’s joint top scorer with five goals from 18 starts this term.
Sat 30	There was increased gloom and doom for Boston United as the year of 2006 drew to a close. Still facing an uncertain future due to crippling debts, the Pilgrims succumbed on their travels when tumbling to a 4-0 reverse away to Rochdale. After falling a goal behind just before the break, United always faced an uphill task — one that proved beyond their recall. News also emerged that United players had threatened strike action ahead of the trip to Dale over unpaid wages as the cash-stricken Staffsmart Stadium club. But this talk was defused ahead of kick-off. The defeat sees Boston slip back to 21^st in the League Two table, worryingly now just one point above the two relegation places. And with long-time basement dwellers Macclesfield now on a winning charge, concern is growing on all fronts for the Pilgrims.
Mon 26	Boston United suffered their first League Two defeat in five visits to the Sincil Bank home of Lincoln City. Despite a thunderous volleyed equaliser by Jason Kennedy, the Pilgrims were ultimately undone by home goals from Mark Stallard and Jeff Hughes. The result leaves United still precariously placed in the relegation zone. And with Paul Ellender collecting his fifth yellow card of the season, he will now miss the New Year’s Day visit to the Staffsmart Stadium of Barnet.
Sat 23	Dany N’Guessan’s fifth goal of the season helped Boston United to prise a valuable League Two points from table-topping Walsall. In the process, the Pilgrims took their mini-unbeaten league run to three games by virtue of the 1-1 draw against the Saddlers at the Staffsmart Stadium — and also edged one rung higher in the table, now sitting 19^th. Boston had taken a 55^th minute lead through their Glasgow Rangers’ loanee. But the visitors levelled through Tommy Wright 17 minutes later to ensure the spoils were shared. Boston boss Steve Evans said: “It was a little disappointing that we didn’t take all three points after we had gone ahead. But I couldn’t ask any more of my tremendous players. I always felt we could mix it with the best in the division and I felt Walsall only really threatened us from set plays. Unfortunately we switched off from one of them and it cost us a goal. But hopefully we can keep delivering this sort of display in what is a busy and difficult time for the club.” The Pilgrims’ next test will come on Boxing Day when they make the short trip to face county rivals Lincoln City (kick-off 3pm). It’s a match that sees striker Drewe Broughton still suspended. But David Galbraith will return after a one-match ban. Stewart Talbot and Simon Rusk, though, are long-term injury absentees.
Fri 22	More crucial League Two points are up for grabs tomorrow (December 23) for Boston United. But they face a hugely testing challenge when table-topping Walsall visit to Staffsmart Stadium. The Pilgrims, though, go into the clash buoyed by successive victories and two back-to-back clean sheets in successes over Wrexham and Torquay. However, Walsall have lost just twice all campaign and are hot fancies to gain instant promotion back to League One. Boston go into the clash still uncertain about their future survival — news on which remains shrouded in mystery. But on the field, United will be without suspended duo Drewe Broughton and David Galbraith while Simon Rusk and Stewart Talbot remain sidelined due to long-term injuries. Defender Ian Miller faces a fitness test to assess his prospects after picking up a knee injury last Saturday at Torquay and Lee Canoville awaits clearance for squad selection after sustaining a hamstring strain. Teenager Jamie Stevens is pencilled in to deputise if either are ruled out.
Sat 16	Nine-man Boston United clinched a dramatic and hugely important 1-0 League Two win away against fellow strugglers Torquay. Anthony Elding’s 41^st minute strike and a tremendous second half backs-to-the-wall defensive display saw the Pilgrims through to a second successive win that hoists them up to 20^th in the table and three points clear of the drop spots. But the win came at a cost with Drewe Broughton and David Galbraith both dismissed for double yellow card offences sendings-off that will see both subjected to suspensions next week.
Fri 15	Boston United today hit the road south in readiness for their vital League Two basement away clash away to Torquay United. The Pilgrims know that a draw will guarantee them status outside the bottom two in the division. It’s a match that sees rival keepers Andy Marriott (Boston) and Nathan Abbey (Torquay) lining up against their former clubs while Pilgrims’ defender Lee Canoville will also face his former employers. The Pilgrims — still with no news on their long-term survival — travel to Devon with only Stewart Talbot (calf) and Simon Rusk (knee) as definite absentees. Meanwhile Chris Holland and David Galbraith are fit enough to be added to the squad as United seek to follow up last Saturday’s impressive 4-0 victory over Wrexham.
Sat 09	Two goals each for Anthony Elding and Drewe Broughton fired Boston United to a welcome three-point League Two haul against Wrexham. The victory edged the Pilgrims out of the two trapdoor places in the division and brought at least a ray of light to the York Street set-up after a testing week.
Fri 08	A joint call has been issued to Boston United supporters to turn out in force to back the team and the club in tomorrow’s (December 9) home League Two clash with Wrexham. Pilgrims’ officials along with the committees of the Boston United Supporters’ Association and Boston United Supporters’ Trust have all expressed a wish to see “political differences” buried and for the townsfolk to attend the match, principally to illustrate there is a genuine desire from the town in general to seeing the name of Boston United continue in existence. Kick-off at the Staffsmart Stadium on Saturday is 3pm and the Pilgrims will be hoping to bounce back from their midweek reverse at Chester. Defender Lee Canoville is expected to again figure in the squad after his long injury absence. Centre forward Drewe Broughton is available after sitting out the trip to Chester as part of the loan deal from the Cheshire club. Meanwhile Ian Miller and Jason Kennedy remain integral parts of the United set-up after agreeing extensions to their loan deals from Ipswich and Middlesbrough.
Tue 05	Boston United’s week of gloom got no brighter when they tumbled to a 3-1 defeat away to Chester. Despite turning in a good first half performance, the Pilgrims ultimately surrendered the points in what was a depressing night in Cheshire. United’s only two crumbs of consolation was an 88^th minute goal from Dany N’Guessan and a late substitute appearance for long-term injury victim Lee Canoville.
Mon 04	United future looking precarious as plans are snubbed Boston United’s prospects of survival look increasingly precarious. There are fears that imminent liquidation could be on the cards after the Pilgrims had proposals for ground relocation thrown out today by Boston Borough Council planners. Ambitious plans had been earmarked for a switch to a new 7,500-seater stadium on the Boardsides as part of a complex four-site application that included new accommodation for neighbours Boston Town plus housing developments on the two clubs’ present grounds But all matters met with refusal this afternoon at a specially convened planning meeting at Boston College’s Conference Centre on Skirbeck Road — a meeting that drew around 50 members of the public. United chairman Jim Rodwell had previously advised a fans’ forum that the Pilgrims’ future was on the line if plans were turned down, citing the likelihood that the Inland Revenue would quickly come knocking at the cash-strapped club over around £1m debts if the security of planning consent was not forthcoming. Today’s snub to the four-site application now seems to have tipped the Pilgrims to the brink of extinction. United officials, together with ex-chairman Jon Sotnick (now chief executive at Darlington but who fronted the applications in the first instance) sought to gain a deferment of the four planning decisions to allow more time for issues connected with the club’s business plan to be ironed out. However, the planning committee voted against that suggestion, citing that United had had nearly two years to get their strategies in order. Coun Mary Wright said: “I am surprised to hear of these requests for deferment. We have spent many hours looking at these proposals. It is two years since Mr Sotnick came to us with his plans. We have got to decide on these plans within the report we have in front of us.” Coun Alan Day said: “We all carried out site visits on November 24. Asking for a deferral is just buying time. We have to make decisions today be it for or against.” Coun Ossie Snell believed a delay could be acceptable and said: “If we are going to make important decisions, we need all the information we can get.”