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National League North outfit struggling to find pre-season opponents

One particular National League North outfit has come out and revealed that they are struggling to find pre-season opponents this summer.

Manager Craig Elliott has admitted that his Boston United side are being forced to ‘play it by ear’ over the next months or two.

The Pilgrims return to training this Saturday having recently played out the playoffs, and with competitive action set to return in early October.

 
 
 
 
 
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However the date is still not confirmed, yet teams in the Premier League and English Football League knowing when they can kick off their league season.

Tiers above and below the three National League divisions are expected to begin their seasons in September, meaning they will have more time to play out fixtures, have better fitness, and be in competitive action at the same time Boston are looking to get their warm-up matches together.

“It’s been a bit full on to be honest,” said Elliott, whose side begun their recruitment later than some rivals due to their involvement in the National League North play-off final, held on the 2nd of August.

“I’m literally in the process of getting friendlies confirmed, training facilities sorted and bringing in players

“It’s not ideal. The play-off final backfired slightly. I’d take it all day long, but now we’re looking forward and doing a bit of catch up.”

Boston maybe have no choice but to fill their pre-season schedule with fellow National League sides along with those from either North and South division – as higher and lower level squads are already playing their friendly matches.

Another option reported could be to face EFL academy sides.

“It’s difficult to find teams,” Elliott continued. “Grimsby wanted one next week and we haven’t even started training yet.

“It’s difficult and we have to play it by ear and see who’s available.”

Boston United have been using the training facility at Doncaster Rovers’s Keepmoat Stadium has re-opened.

The same base was used by the club in the build up to the National League North playoff final, which saw them beaten 1-0 by Altrincham.

“We’ve just had it confirmed it’s open. The gym is not open but outside facilities are,” Elliott said.

“It’s been crazy the last few weeks.”

Boston will begin their campaign with an FA Cup fixture on the 3rd of October. Their league campaign is due to begin on the 6th of October, with fixtures yet to be released.

There was reaction after reports emerged that the National League North outfit were struggling to find pre-season opponents…

Meanwhile, the club have made a positive approach to the summer transfer window, one new arrival being the experienced Paul Green.

He is an ex-Doncaster Rovers, Derby County, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Republic of Ireland midfielder.

The 37-year-old has linked up with the Pilgrims after helping Crewe Alexandra win promotion from League Two at the end of last season, making 33 appearances in the process.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Reflecting on Green’s arrival at the Jakemans Community Stadium, United boss Craig Elliott said: “Paul is a player I personally know very well and he has had a fantastic career. He will bring vital experience but also quality and energy to our midfield.

“He has recently played a big part in helping Crewe to promotion to League One and I was delighted that he turned down higher league interest to sign for us.

“He is extremely fit and highly motivated to gain another promotion and I am very much looking forward to working with Paul this season.”

The Pilgrims have also signed ex-Notts County keeper Ross Fitzsimons along with Jordan Burrows and Lewis Gibbens.

Where can you see Boston finishing in the forthcoming season? Can they finally get promotion back to the top tier of non league football? Let us know!

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