Disappointment, but Boston boss Hurst wishes departing star duo well
Boston United manager Paul Hurst admitted he was disappointed to lose prize assets Frankie Maguire and Jordan Richards, but has wished them well.
Maguire has signed for promoted York City in League Two while Player of the Year Richards has gone to National League rivals Scunthorpe.
“In all honesty, I think Frankie leaving was always on the cards,” said Hurst.
“We knew we would be up against it. The club had fought off interest the previous season.
“Since we came in in January he has scored goals and got assists and has probably been at the forefront of people's minds when looking for players in the position he plays and knowing he would be out of contract.
“So it wasn't the biggest surprise, though of course we would have liked to have kept him.”
He continued: “With Jordan, once we'd had a chat at the end of last season there was always the possibility of him moving on.
“He wanted to look at his options and what might come up.
“We did all we could to try to keep him.
“We put a good offer in front of him but in the end we couldn't quite compete with what Scunthorpe were offering. So we have to move on.
“I would have liked to have kept them both. But there are no sour grapes or ill feelings towards either – it's football.
“Lads have to do what they think is best for their careers.
“I am sure we will come up against Jordan this season and I am sure we will still shake hands and have the utmost respect for each other.”
The search goes on for new players and Hurst said: “We still have a few to bring in, that's for sure.
“We are close with a few.
“But with others there may be an element of waiting on one or two to see how lads perform in pre-season and, as things shape up, see where we feel we need to strengthen more.
“Out wide is certainly an area where we are looking along with one or two other positions.
“After a couple of games we will have a better idea of what we need to top up the squad.”