Boston United legends honoured at new Jakemans Community Stadium

Former players have parts of ground named after them...
Paul Ellender will have a bar named after him.Paul Ellender will have a bar named after him.
Paul Ellender will have a bar named after him.

Boston United have immortalised a selection of club legends after naming parts of the Jakemans Community Stadium in their honour.

This week the Pilgrims have announced the main bar-restaurant at their new home will be called Ellender’s after Paul Ellender, who skippered the club to the 2001-02 Conference title before featuring for the club in all five of their seasons in the Football League.

“What an absolute honour it is for me to have a bar named after me at the new stadium,” Ellender said.

“Absolutely shocked, but what a privilege. Can’t wait to come down and see it.

“When the fans are allowed back in I’ll be straight down there.”

A second bar will be named Kabia’s.

“It’s been a long old year,” said Jim Kabia, who played as a striker for the club during two spells between 1974 and 1988.

Chris Cook in the suite named after him.Chris Cook in the suite named after him.
Chris Cook in the suite named after him.

“But my year was made when Mr Newton (chairman David Newton) rang me and asked me if he could use my name.

“I’ve always considered the people of Boston, the fans, as my second family.

“I consider it an honour and a privilege you want to use my name.”

Kabia’s will be adjacent to the 1933 banqueting suite, a function room named after the year of United’s formation.

Inside Ellenders bar.Inside Ellenders bar.
Inside Ellenders bar.

Meanwhile, four executive boxes will be named after Chris Cook, Paul Bastock, Martin Hardy and Marc Newsham.

Keeper Bastock is the club’s all-time appearance record holder with 678 outings while Cook - current club director and former manager, academy head and groundsman - is the record goalscorer, having netted 181 times in more than 400 appearances, including Boston’s only goal at Wembley.

Defender Hardy made 476 appearances and striker Newsham scored 109 times in 242 appearances, helping Boston win the 2008-09 UniBond Premier play-offs.

“What an honour and a prestige,” said Bastock.

Inside Ellenders bar.Inside Ellenders bar.
Inside Ellenders bar.

“It’ll be magnificent for my grandchildren to come and visit Boston United in the future.”

United have also announced the Main Stand will be known as The Acorn Taxis Stand following a sponsorship deal with the Boston firm.

The Pilgrims unveiled the interior of their new stadium during a series of videos this week. Click here to watch them.

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