Boston United have put together a list of transfer targets, but priority remains keeping current squad

Manager Craig Elliott wants to make most of additional time to build a squad that can challenge for National League North title...
Craig Elliott wants to keep the majority of his current squad together. Photo: Oliver AtkinCraig Elliott wants to keep the majority of his current squad together. Photo: Oliver Atkin
Craig Elliott wants to keep the majority of his current squad together. Photo: Oliver Atkin

Boston United have begun discussing the targets they want to bring to the club for next season, manager Craig Elliott has revealed.

Although the Pilgrims' priority is convincing the current squad to remain at the Jakemans Community Stadium for another crack at promotion, Elliott and his team will continue to window shop.

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"We always look. We've always got a list," the manager said.

"There are players that we possibly missed out on last summer who potentially become available for us in the summer.

"Me and the chief scout Rich (Boryszczuk) talk on a daily basis. The list is constantly evolving, players we've played against who have caught our eye, players from last season we wanted to bring in who were maybe under contract or we couldn't financially get. Things change.

"The big thing is looking for gaps, how to improve this squad and the areas we looked a little short in."

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With the season made null and void, United are keen to make the most of the extra time to carefully craft a side they believe can begin to push for the National League North title.

While the Pilgrims will be unable to approach many names on their list due to players currently being under contract with other clubs, planning can begin.

"We know it's a merry-go-round and we know how it works," Elliott added.

"The biggest difference this time is that there's a lot of time in front of us now where I think we can make sure the decisions are right.

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"We have to use this time wisely to make sure we get decisions right. We want a nice positive summer and start to the season."

Elliott, however, believes he already has the foundations of a very good side under contract.

And - whether or not they play together again this season, following news that a combined North and South League could get the green light - he wants it to stay that way.

"First and foremost, I want to retain as many of the current squad as as I can," he added.

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"I said that to all of them last meeting I had. I've loved working with this group and my idea is to keep as many of them as I can.

"I know football changes so we'll have to see how it pans out. Getting a definite end to this season will let us move forward, then I can look at getting this group sorted before we make any other signings."

Elliott confirmed a number of the squad have shown an interest in remaining, but knows that heads can still be turned.

"They have (said they'd like to stay), but they do that anyway," he added.

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"Players always give you lip service: 'I've loved working here at Boston' and things like that.

"I'm an experienced manager now and it's all very nice to hear, but I'm not naive enough to know that it's an open market again soon.

"I know they're contracted but we all know discussions go on and other teams will want to get some of our players."

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