Boston United manager Craig Elliott labels non-league football fans 'incredible' as generous donations help clubs during coronavirus crisis

Boston United boss Craig Elliott has lauded the financial donations non-league fans have made to their clubs during the COVID-19 crisis - with a special thumbs up to the Pilgrims faithful.

With teams impacted by the loss of match day revenue since the league was postponed, many have had to ask supporters to make donations to help them keep afloat.

Other clubs - including United, who are also building their new stadium at present - have had to find additional funds to compete in the play-offs due to the unfurloughing of players, the costs of staging matches and regular coronavirus testing.

Many supporters have had to dig deep to help as they find themselves financially struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's amazing. I've been looking at non-league and seeing what the fans have been doing," Elliott told The Standard.

"It's incredible across the board. In non-league, what fans do, it shows you how important they are to the club."

Elliott also gave a special thanks to the United fans who have been donating generously despite the play-off matches being staged behind closed doors.

"It doesn't surprise me with our fans, they're incredible," he added.

"They are the heartbeat of the club and we'll miss them in the games, but we're appreciative of what they do."

How are Boston United fundraising?

The Pilgrims launched a donations scheme to help fund their play-off costs - estimated to be between £30,000 and £70,000 - on Saturday.

And within 48 hours the total stood at more than £6,300.

United are also auctioning off York Street memorabilia on ebay and the Building Together campaign, which asks fans to donate objects towards the new stadium, also continues.

On top of that, fan Scott Walden is aiming to raise funds through his Pilgrim Pixels page and supporter Mel Moxon's Jam Jar fundraiser, which asked supporters to donate their loose change, has raised £3,380.

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