Boston United will 'take their time' to land the right targets this summer

Boston United have begun putting their squad together for next season - and now manager Craig Elliott is preparing to cast his net further.

In an exciting week for the club the Pilgrims have announced seven new deals in as many days, securing the services of nine of last season’s squad for the immediate future.

Elliott wants to strengthen his squad by bringing in a few players who are new to the club, but admits he will take his time in order to land the right targets - with a goalscorer and central defender understood to be among his top priorities.

“We could do with two or three additions, but hopefully we can carry on where we left off,” said Elliott, whose side were sitting in the play-off spots when last season was made null and void.

“I think we need to look down the spine a little bit and add to what we’ve got. I don’t think it’s anything urgent.

“We’ve got some players secured in the last week and now we can take our time and make sure we get the right ones.

“They’ve got to be better and want to take us to the next level as a team to keep up with the big hitters in the league.”

Goalkeeper Peter Crook and defenders Luke Shiels and Matt Tootle have agreed news deals this week.

Midfielders Tom Platt and Paul Green, plus attackers Fraser Preston and Jay Rollins are also staying.

Defender Scott Garner and last season’s leading scorer Jordan Burrow were already on board for the 2021-22 campaign.

“I think the first thing as a manager, you want to be able to work with good people and lads who want to improve, learn and be successful,” Elliott added.

“That’s what we’ve got at the minute and, I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but there are no bad eggs and I think that’s the thing.

“I think they’re good ages as well, we’ve got that good mixture of young lads and experience.”

United will report back for pre-season at the end of June, but player fitness levels will be assessed earlier due to the long lay-off from action.

Elliott added: “Because of what’s happened we’ll have a few test weeks to see where we’re at and the lads know what we need. Then we’ll look at a few friendlies.”

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