Former Leeds United, Derby County and Republic of Ireland midfielder Paul Green sold by Boston United's ambition

Paul Green has arrived at Boston United hungry for a fifth career promotion - stating the club's ambition convinced him to turn down offers from higher-level clubs.

The 37-year-old former Leeds United, Derby County and Republic of Ireland midfielder has returned to non-league for the first time since winning the play-offs with Doncaster Rovers in 2003.

That 3-2 golden-goal victory over Dagenham and Redbridge was the first of three promotions with Rovers in a five-year period as they climbed up the pyramid from the Conference to the Championship, the 2003-04 Football League Division Three title secured at York Street following a goalless draw as Green lined up alongside ex-Pilgrims Tim Ryan and Mark Albrighton.

Promotion number four remains fresh in the mind as Green aided Crewe Alexandra to league One this March, and the former Rotherham United and Ipswich Town man isn't finished yet.

"I've been offered (deals at) higher clubs but obviously I was taking into account how they'd get on," Green told The Standard.

"It's always a gamble but looking at Boston's recent years and the ambition of the club it's something I want to be part of.

"I've got good memories from playing in non-league, so hopefully my experience can rub off on the lads and we can can have a successful season.

"It was a great era, Doncaster had a good set of lads which is a big plus. But obviously we had quality in there too. It just shows when you have a good squad together where it can take you."

Indeed, that blend of talent and team spirit is what Green believes creates a successful squad.

"It was massive with Crewe as well. I was there two-and-a-half years. The first year I was there we were struggling and confidence was down. But you could see how the youngsters developed and grew in confidence.

"To be honest I knew we would get promoted with the quality we had. You can see things in a dressing room and training, how you're going to get on.

"We were back in training on Saturday for the first time. I don't know any of the lads, but they seem a good set. That's what the gaffer wants, a good team spirit that'll get you far."

Green may just be getting to know his new teammates - in the surroundings of Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium, where the Pilgrims train - but manager Craig Elliott is a more familiar face to the Pontefract-born midfielder.

"We've known each other for a long time and I'm really looking forward to playing under Craig," Green said of his neighbour, who has already spoken of the vital promotion experience recruited this summer."Obviously, I've known him for a long time and I've looked out in his career how he's got on. He's always been successful and I want to have a successful year with him.

"I've fond memories of playing at Boston. Hopefully at the new stadium we can start making some more.

"(York Street) was always quite a hostile place. The fans get behind the team and I'm looking forward to playing for them rather than against them."

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