Boss Paul Hurst pleased with new faces as Boston United prepare for first friendlies
As Boston United kick off their pre-season friendlies this weekend, boss Paul Hurst said he was pleased to get the core of his squad together after a glut of signings over the last two weeks.
Six more new faces arrived over the past week in Ben Hammond, George Ward, Jack Holmes, Connor McBride, Luke Faxon and Lewis Shipley, making it 10 summer signings so far with more to come.
The Pilgrims host Lincoln City on Saturday before heading to Alfreton Town on Tuesday and Hurst said: “We said at the end of last season we would have to be patient this summer.
“We have been to a degree, but we have probably got to this point quicker than I thought we might do.
“We have managed to get some lads in that I feel have - again it's that word – potential.
“The reality is that many of our signings are going to be on the unproven side. But some do have experience so we have a bit of a mix.
“Many of them are of a younger age, though Connor McBride won promotion with Rochdale last season, but probably didn't play as much as he would have liked.
“Lewis Shipley played his part at Barrow though it wasn't a good season for the club. But there was a lot of turnover there with players and management, so it wasn't the easiest environment.
“But I think he has some good attributes we can use.
“Luke Faxon has no experience but has been primed ready for a loan move for a while now and this is his opportunity.
“Jack Holmes also probably didn't play as much as he'd have liked at Rotherham but had come from non-league and played some games in League One, which was a big jump for him. But we feel he has good ability. He handles the ball well and can beat a man.
“I liked what I saw of Ben Hammond at Forest. He looks like he has an extra gear in him and can play three positions which is always helpful with a smaller squad.”
He continued: “They all bode well and are working hard at the minute, particularly in this weather.
“It's a tad on the warm side but I've told them there will be games in which this is the case, including the first pre-season game this weekend against Lincoln.
“The forecast is extremely warm so we need to get used to those conditions as much as possible.
“It doesn't feel like we will be realistically ready for the games in many ways – and they will come quickly now.
“But is it ultimately an extension of training and an opportunity to see them first hand playing under certain instructions. I am looking forward to see how they get on.
“We still need a few more faces but we now have the core of it. “We will have to work in the loan market for some of the signings and a lot of the time the loans are not yet available as clubs assess what they have got and who they will let go out. So we will stay patient.”