Boston United chairman David Newton has issued an update as the Pilgrims prepare for the final dozen fixtures of the National League campaign.
Mr Newton commented: “Firstly, can I thank our fans for the unbelievable support home and away so far this season. I think all realistic fans realise that this is a huge step up, and the National League is relentless – there are no poor teams! It is peppered with ex-Football League clubs, and many ex-EFL players. Travelling, work and commitment from everyone is at another level.
“We thoroughly deserved the promotion with the performances in the latter part of last season, and we were the better side all through the play-offs, but we were not quite prepared for the step up to the National League. Not many teams are – there is always a period of adjustment.
“The move to hybrid training (where we train three days per week) was taken as a transition from part-time (training two evenings) and as a first step towards full-time football. The hybrid model has proved to be successful with the promotion, and we have been monitoring how things have gone this season.
“Of course, we are desperate to remain in the National League, and we feel we have the right management team, and squad, to make that happen. We will add further to the squad if the right players become available. We are starting to build the momentum needed to secure that league position, but it may well go right down to the wire, so we need every fan to keep helping us get over the line. The atmosphere home and away is building and really helps make that one percent difference needed and inspires the lads in the key moments.
“We have decided that the club will go full-time next season, as we do not wish to just ‘stay’ in the National League – we wish to compete. Although I cannot even contemplate this at the moment, if we did not retain our National League position, this would give ourselves the best chance of bouncing back.
“We already have a healthy budget for the National League, which is similar to what Graham worked with in League 2, and that will not change significantly, but moving to full-time creates opportunities for bringing in different types of players, and we would look to have more accommodation available, so travel distance is not such a barrier to players joining Boston United.
“We will have to work hard to make sure that recruitment is as good as it can be, and that it fits within budget. Our development structure is working well, with Dylan Hill now cemented in as a first choice player, and it was fantastic to see young Jacob Scott make such an accomplished National League debut against Yeovil Town on Tuesday night. Others are also coming through the system.
“This is the next step on the way of rebuilding the club after the dark days of 2007.
“As soon as the funding agreement under the Government’s Levelling Up Partnership has been signed (which is taking much longer than we had hoped), we will be out to tender on the South Stand and Sports Hub, with construction hopefully starting within the next few months.
“At present, our total focus is on securing our National League position, and as I have already said, I believe we have the right management team and squad to do that, so when we add in our fanatical fanbase, hopefully we will be unstoppable just like the end of last season.
“This has been a fantastic season back in the top tier of non-league football. Let’s continue to enjoy the ride!”
