Preview: Can Boston United avoid relegation? – Opinion

In the remainder of this series I will take a closer look at the recently promoted Boston United and whether they have what it takes to survive on their National League debut.

Let’s start…

How did Boston perform last season?

It was certainly a season to remember for Boston United in the National League North, as Ian Culverhouse’s team were promoted back to the Fifth Division after winning the play-offs.

Boston United secured a place in the play-offs on the final day of the 2023/24 season after beating Hereford 2-0, qualifying for a play-off quarter-final against Alfreton Town.

Boston knocked out both Alfreton Town and Scunthorpe United on penalties to reach the play-off final. Goals from Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles secured a 2-1 win over Brackley Town to secure promotion.

Consistency was key for Boston United, who finished with the seventh-best home record and sixth-best away record in the division while conceding just 46 goals. Only Tamworth (29), Scunthorpe (38), Brackley (37) and Chester (37) managed to better the tally.

Summer transfer activity so far:

The off-season has proven to be a difficult one for Boston United, who have lost several first-team players, two of whom signed for the same EFL team.

Boston confirmed that four players had been released from the club’s roster, while popular loanee Deji Sotona returned to his parent club.

Elsewhere, play-off finalist Keaton Ward and EFL veteran Michael Bostwick had their contract options activated, but 11 players still had their futures uncertain.

Dylan Hill, Tom Leak, Cameron Gregory, Jack Lovelace, Zak Mills, Jordan Richards and Martin Woods all signed new contracts, but unfortunately four players did not.

Kelsey Mooney and Jimmy Knowles have both been signed by League Two club Accrington Stanley, Brad Nicholson has been signed by NL North club Scunthorpe United and fullback Jai Rowe remains a free agent.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Boston United though, as the football club has already signed eight new players this summer. The most notable new signings are Frankie Maguire from Sheffield United, Adam Marriott from Bromley and Mitch Roberts from Oxford City.

Roberts has Championship experience with Birmingham City and previously played in the National League for clubs including Solihull Moors.

Their other signings are: Kieran Coates (Chester), Dan Mooney (Altrincham), Sam Osborne (Buxton), Cameron Green (Welling United) and Tony Weston (Derby County, on loan).

Verdict so far: Unfortunately for Boston, it is no secret that they have lost at least four players who I believe would have been guaranteed starters for the club this season. In particular, two key players have been lost to the EFL.

This has understandably had a significant effect on the squad heading into the summer transfer window, although Boston United fans were probably expecting at least two of the four players to leave, so their departures will come as no surprise.

When we look at Boston’s new signings, we see that almost all of their players have yet to prove themselves at the National League level. That’s a concern, but it could also work to their advantage, as the motivation to prove themselves is there.

I was worried about their upcoming season as I watched their business but the one signing that gives me a little bit of hope is Mitch Roberts. He is versatile and has experience in the fifth division which makes him a leader within this squad and two or three additions like that will change people’s external perspectives on what the club can achieve this season.

Pre-season 2024:

So far this month, Boston United have played in four pre-season friendlies, with mixed success so far.

Ian Culverhouse’s side defeated neighbours Boston Town 1-0, but then suffered two straight defeats to Spalding United and League Two side Grimsby Town. Fortunately, their run of defeats did not last long as the team secured a 4-2 victory over Kettering Town.

With two wins and a clean sheet so far, Boston United have four games left, two of which are against EFL opponents.

The remaining friendlies are: Peterborough United (23 July), Peterborough Sports (27 July), Notts County (30 July) and Gainsborough Trinity (3 August).

Pronunciation: It’s safe to say that the pre-season has not been a walk in the park for Boston United, but as I’ve said before, results mean nothing.

During their matches, many trial players were present as the football club prepared for the new season.

Boston have shown some positive things so far, with two wins and a clean sheet, and with a wide variety of goalscorers so far.

With two EFL opponents on the horizon, Boston United must use these games to analyse what they have to offer, where they need to improve and how their new signings (particularly the inexperienced ones) perform against better opposition.

Star player:

Although I have kept a close eye on Mitch Roberts as a key player for Boston, the ‘big name’ in the squad stands out for me: former Peterborough United and Lincoln City player Michael Bostwick.

The 36-year-old joined from League One club Stevenage last summer and has made 47 appearances in the league or play-offs, scoring once and keeping 20 clean sheets as captain.

Bostwick won the League Two title with Lincoln City, as well as two EFL Trophy wins, and last season he expanded his team with promotion to the National League.

Despite his age, Bostwick’s experience and leadership will be vital to Boston United in the National League next season. As long as he remains fit, Ian Culverhouse’s side have a greater chance of avoiding relegation.

What do Boston fans think about their team’s chances this season?

To be honest, the National League North & South are not my strong points, so I decided to talk to two supporters instead of one, to get a better idea of ​​what we can expect from the club this season.

First, I spoke to supporter Kyle (@1Graveseh on Twitter), who said…

“I personally think we can avoid relegation and I think we will do that by playing entertaining football.

“We play better against better teams, so I think we will surprise some fans with great results against teams that are expected to beat us.

“I’m also very happy with the players we’ve signed so far (although we still need three or four more).

“My biggest concern is the goals, we’ve lost our two top scorers and replaced them with an unfit Adam Marriott and Tony Weston on a six-month loan from Derby. I expect us to bring in another striker but I think it will be another young player on loan.

“I was also worried about the centre-backs, but I was very happy with the arrival of Mitch Roberts.”

Meanwhile, fellow supporter Charlie (@charliebufc on Twitter) added…

“I think the off-season has been productive. We have brought in several players who complement each other brilliantly and have adequately replaced those we lost.

“From the few games we’ve played, we already look like a stronger team. We like to play expansive, passing football and with probably the best pitch in the league.

“Of course, as a newly promoted team, we are favourites for relegation. However, I believe that with a tactically astute manager and players with great potential, we have the opportunity to survive.

“We still need an experienced defender and a reliable goalscorer. It’s going to be a tough season but if we can stay up we have the facilities and people to build on this and re-establish ourselves in the National League.”

Where do I think Boston will end up?

When a team is promoted to the National League, the priority in their debut campaign should be to avoid relegation to the sixth division. That is exactly what I think about Boston United.

The football club has a long and proud history, with a very dedicated fan base, and they have overcome the pain and anguish of the past and come closer to their dream of one day returning to the EFL.

However, I do have a number of concerns about the football club at the moment which further reinforces the reasoning why I believe they are in danger of being relegated again.

The loss of players like Rowe, Mooney and Knowles has seen the overall quality decline and almost all the new signings are still unproven. In addition, Kieran Coates was a standout for Chester last season but is yet to feature this month due to injury, leaving him behind the rest.

Of the four clubs promoted to the National League last season, only two (AFC Fylde & Ebbsfleet United) survived, with one of them only confirming their survival on the final day. Meanwhile, Oxford City and Kidderminster Harriers were relegated straight back.

I’ve seen some Boston United supporters who are rightly confident and believe they have what it takes to stay up this season, but unfortunately I think their goal at the moment is to avoid relegation – whether they can achieve that remains to be seen…

Boston United fans, where do you think you will finish this season?