Can familiarity breed success for Boston United?

Boston United may have chosen the wrong Christian festival to launch their online Advent calendar - but you won’t see many Pilgrims fans moaning.

It’s been a happy Easter indeed for supporters as the build up to feast day has seen news of new signings teased out daily, five in as many days.

But there will have been no rush to Wikipedia to learn more about the latest player as each one is a household name for United fans.

First was club captain Luke Shiels, followed by midfield enforcer Tom Platt.

Keeper Peter Crook was the next player on the list of those agreeing to remain down Pilgrim Way, with club captain Jay Rollins and experienced Matt Tootle, announced earlier today, also added to the list.

If the reaction on social media is a good way to judge the mood, then Boston fans are having the best Easter Bank Holiday weekend since the Pilgrims beat Grantham to win the Dr Martens title and Bazza saved two penalties at King’s Lynn (special mentions to Jonathan Wafula versus Kidderminster, Jake Hall versus Tamworth and Lee Thompson versus Yeovil).

These signings - along with Jordan Burrow and Scott Garner, who were already tied down - suggest Craig Elliott is sticking with the plan he hoped would bring glory last season until those null and void votes were counted; powerful, athletic, experienced players with a knowledge of this level - and what it takes to be successful.

Elliott made no secret of the fact he wanted to keep the majority of last term’s squad together for another crack at promotion.

So far his plan is paying off, and the Pilgrims boss has even hinted there could be more business done next week.

The talent assembled in the 2021-22 squad so far is obvious. But what also stands out is the similarities coming out of their mouths.

Shiels and Platt both spoke about their desire to win that coveted promotion, but also about about the closeness of the squad.

Friendships off the pitch create an all-for-one attitude on it - look no further than Mitch Rose’s red card against Chester last season.

A group of players going into a new campaign with a professional understanding already in place will also be an advantage,

The daily Easter updates have created a much-needed spark in the imagination of fans after a miserable year.

But the Bank Holiday weekend isn’t over yet. Can we hope for another one to round Easter off nicely tomorrow?

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