Boss Paul Hurst delighted and surprised after pulling off defensive signings coup for Boston United
Boston United manager Paul Hurst said he was delighted and a bit surprised to pull off the signings he has managed to bring in to bolster his defence over the past week.
Jake Rooney and Jamie Grimes, who were both excellent while on loan at Boston last season from Derby and Chesterfield respectively, have both returned to sign on a permanent basis along with 21-year-old Sheffield United right-back Sai Sachdev on loan until January.
“I am really pleased. If I am being totally honest I didn't think we would see Jake and Jamie back in a Boston shirt,” he said.
“I find it a little bit strange and I feel some clubs have missed out on the opportunity of getting them.
“But it's worked out well for us and I am delighted to have them back.
“Sai is a player I have monitored for some time. He is a player that's had some back luck with injuries but I rate him very highly. Finally everything has aligned and we get the chance to work together.”
Hurst continues to look at players and used two trialists in Saturday's 1-0 home friendly win over League One Peterborough United.
“Maybe one or two more would be the ideal scenario for us,” he said.
“Time is short in terms of the big kick-off. But in terms of being able to sign players we still have lots of time realistically.
“Signing the players we have has given me food for thought in terms of the team and formation and I think we are at the stage where we can play more than one formation quite comfortably with the players we have got.
“I am very happy with the flexibility and adaptability the squad gives me.”
Tom Cursons scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute on Saturday with a fine solo effort moments after seeing another glorious chance go begging.
The Pilgrims were good value for their victory, with new recruits Grimes and Rooney returning to action.
They play their next friendly at Grimsby Town on Wednesday night before a trip to Hednesford Town on Saturday and Hurst said: “We have two more friendlies now before a free week going into the season opener against Aldershot.
“There were of positives to take from Saturday's victory against a League One side.
“They had lots of young players but very good technical players who asked us a lot of questions. So I was really happy with what I saw.
“It also highlighted the things we need to work on and try to improve.
“We played a three at the back, or five depending on the phase of play, and the lads took the information on board very well at short notice.
“It gives me another possible option of how to line up if I decided to go that way.”
Boston will also send a young side to Horncastle Town on Friday night for their annual John Rawdon Snr Memorial Trophy game.