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Boston appoint ex-Leeds, Derby, Rotherham, Crewe, Doncaster player as interim boss

Boston United appoint ex-Leeds, Derby, Rotherham, Crewe, Doncaster player Paul Green as interim boss after Craig Elliott’s dismissal.

The Pilgrims sacked manager Elliott earlier this week with the club 7th in the National League North table, 12 points behind leaders Brackley Town.

They are in the final play-off spot, yet United had been expected to challenge for the title after making some impressive signings last summer.

SACKING CLUB STATEMENT:

Boston United have regrettably parted company with first team manager Craig Elliott.

The 43-year-old leaves his role following Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Alfreton Town.

The former Shaw Lane boss, who took over the United reins in November 2017, memorably guided the Pilgrims to the second round of the FA Cup in 2019 and the National League North promotion final in 2020.

Elliott departs the Jakemans Community Stadium with the club’s sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

CRAIG ELLIOTT’S RESPONSE:

“It’s the first time it’s happened to me in my career. I was a bit shocked at the time,” he said.

“When things like this happen there’s maybe sometimes a bit of bitterness or anger, but I don’t feel any of them.

“It’s just more disappointment that I couldn’t be judged in any other season and finish what I started.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to get a squad in place and felt that, with a lot of games to go, I could set out to achieve what I wanted to.

“I’ve not had long periods of bad results before and, this league as well, taking that into account, I was always confident with players coming back that we could go on and do well.

“But it is what it is. There’s no bitterness. It’s been an unbelievable experience. I’ve got nothing but fond memories of my time there.”

“I have confidence in my ability and felt I had enough credit in the bank to see the job out,” Elliott added.

“But I’ve nothing but good things to say about everybody involved. Including the chairman, the players and everyone.

“It’s a fantastic club and me and my family have absolutely loved it. It’s been great.”

“It’s been overwhelming to be honest. I was shocked with the amount of calls and messages I got, which was nice,” Elliott added.

“It can be a lonely place being a manager, but last night it wasn’t. Especially messages from other managers in the league, it’s been a bit overwhelming.

“I had a couple of messages last night from different clubs, but it’s still early and you have to wait and weigh things up.

“I’ve never been in this position before. It’s all new to me.”

“I think I’ve done a good job as well.

“In a strange way these things are never easy to end. You know it will end but it looks well on my part to leave a club in the play-offs and you’re always judged as a manager if you leave a club in a better position. I like to think the people of Boston will realise I’ve done that.

“I took over in difficult circumstances and there’s no doubt I’d raised expectations and left it in a good place.

“There’s been a lot of things to overcome over the years, Covid and taking over a team second bottom. Even moving into a new stadium, it was a difficult process.

“These things have all made me a rounded manager and I’ve learned a hell of a lot from a chairman who shows what it’s like to be professional and carry yourself with integrity.

“That’s one thing I will carry forward.”

And on his future, Elliott continued: “I’d like to think I’m a sought after manager.

“I’m still a young manager and have managed a lot of games and had a lot of success. I’ve had a lot of experience.

“I’ve never had a break in 13 years so it will be nice to become a normal person for a bit with my family.

“I definitely feel ready for a new challenge when it comes, but I won’t dive right in, it has to be the right one.”

BOSTON STATEMENT ON REPLACEMENT:

Boston United are inviting applications for their first team managerial vacancy.

The Pilgrims are currently positioned within the Vanarama National League North play-offs, as well as remaining in the Buildbase FA Trophy fourth round, ensuring there is plenty to play for over the second half of the 2021-2022 campaign.

The ideal candidate would have experience of successfully managing at National League North level or above, although applications would be welcome from managers wishing to progress their careers who are currently successfully managing at a lower level.

Applicants should possess a good knowledge of non-league players, and have good contacts within the game, together with excellent coaching and man-management skills.

With the club now established in a our new purpose-built Community Stadium, it is an exciting time for the right candidate to help deliver success on the pitch to meet the ambitions of the club.

Suitable candidates are invited to send their CVs and covering letters to United club secretary Craig Singleton in the first instance – via craig.singleton@bufc.co.uk – all of which will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Applications will be accepted until 5.00pm on Tuesday January 11.

The club can confirm that experienced midfielder Paul Green has agreed to act as the club’s caretaker manager in the interim period.

The 38-year-old, who has made 34 appearances for the Pilgrims over the last two seasons, will lead United following Craig Elliott’s departure from the Jakemans Community Stadium.

United can further confirm that assistant manager John McDermott, first team coach Lee Stratford and goalkeeping coach Rich Lawrence have all departed alongside Craig Elliott – and do so with the club’s sincere thanks for all their hard work and commitment – and our very best wishes for the future.

Boston United interim boss Paul Green wants to make most of insider knowledge as he leaves Doncaster Rovers: “I think that’s the biggest thing, knowing the players early doors and what they’re about and what they can deliver,” whose first game will be at Gloucester City on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a quick turnaround, training on Thursday then the game Saturday.”

“It came as a shock to everyone, Craig being relieved of his position,” Green added.

“I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news. I knew how hard he worked behind the scenes, trying to push this club forward.

“I didn’t expect it, but I got the call asking if I’d take charge until they found someone suitable for the job.

“I said yes. Obviously, it’s something I’m interested in moving forward.

“I’ve got my UEFA B (coaching licence) and I’m just finishing off my A now.

“I’ve got to send a couple of things through and hopefully that’ll be cornered off.

“It’s a side of the game I’m interested in pursuing.”

HIS PLAYING CAREER:

Youth career
– Sheffield Wednesday
2001 – Doncaster Rovers

Senior career
2001–2008 – Doncaster Rovers – 236 games (30 goals)
2008–2012 – Derby County – 125 games (10 goals)
2012–2014 – Leeds United – 41 games (4 goals)
2014 → Ipswich Town (loan) – 14 games (2 goals)
2014–2016 – Rotherham United – 61 games (3 goals)
2016–2018 – Oldham Athletic – 47 games (1 goal)
2018 → Crewe Alexandra (loan) – 20 games (1 goal)
2018–2020 – Crewe Alexandra – 52 games (3 goals)
2020 – Boston United

National team
2010–2014 – Republic of Ireland – 22 games (1 goal)

Twitter users reacted as Boston appoint the ex-Leeds, Derby, Rotherham, Crewe, Doncaster player as interim boss…

@Gavfrost: Good luck to Greeny but how can he do that alongside fitness coach role at Donny

@pgjackson1: Why Paul Green has left DRFC, not sure why the club didn’t explain it properly. I’m not sure about anything with them anymore

@Gazz_DRFC: Is this a fucking joke? I love Greeny as if he was my own child but he’s got a massive job on with our squad never mind playing in and managing another. Can’t Butler do it? ##drfc

@Matt_Walker96: Our team’s currently got the worst fitness in the league and our fitness coach is acting as manager at a different club. Another normal day at Club Doncaster

@TomGraves: Good choice for interim. Big appointment looming

@TheMurphy___: It doesn’t scream organised

@j17_jj: Boston United need a manager… he’s the man

@ButlerAndy: Called this on Sunday, Paul’s an excellent choice

@BostonUnitedMem: Good luck to @greendog2020, it’s a good appointment for the time being as the players will look up to you for guidance and leadership. #Allthebest

@TrailOfDebt: So, contrary to many fans’ expectations, the club evidently didn’t have a certain ex-King’s Lynn boss lined to automatically stroll into the job and are now going through a standard application/interview process. I think that makes the timing of CE’s sacking even more surprising.

@EoghanLamont: Good luck greeny lad, hope it goes well at Boston

@VikingWay_: Love Greeny but this has to be good news. Get in a proper fitness/strength and conditioning coach(es) who’s not got ties to other clubs, and get one in quick. I think some undervalue how important an area this is, especially for us in the position we’re in now. #DRFC

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