"I think I've enjoyed every minute. I love it!" Craig Elliott reflects on three years at Boston United

Craig Elliott can look back proudly at the progress Boston United have made over the past three years.

It has been a little more than 36 months since the former Shaw Lane boss took over at York Street, charged with dragging the club out of the National League North's relegation zone.

Three years, 116 players, 123 matches (60 wins, 23 draws), an FA Cup run to the second round, one play-off final and a stadium move later and Elliott has now assembled a squad ready to challenge for the league title.

Plenty has been packed into those three years, but it is the club's progression that has brought a feeling of satisfaction to the United boss.

"You look back and there's been ups and downs. That's football. But I will say I look back with fondness," he said.

"The club's progressing and that's the main thing for me as a manager. I want to get better and, with the stadium and things happening on the pitch as they are, it's a good time to be manager of this club.

"I'm just very proud to stay this long at a big club like Boston. It's difficult at times but I'm very proud to be here."

In his first season with the Pilgrims, Elliott took over a struggling side and guided them to a ninth-place finish, the side having an outside chance of a play-off spot right until the final day of the campaign.

His second season saw things begin brightly, but a mid-season rebuild saw the club eventually finish in 11th.

But a summer revamp saw last season's squad finish third before losing to Altrincham in the play-off final, also going on that memorable FA Cup run before losing to League One Rochdale in a replay.

This term United, with games in hand, are looking to secure that coveted promotion.

"I'm very proud that every club I've been at I've always left it in a better position," Elliott added.

"I've always managed to get every club I've been at fighting for league titles. Sometimes you get there, sometimes you fail, but it's something I try to do every season.

"It was only the middle season where we faltered a little bit, but apart from that in most of my seasons we've been fighting for promotion.

"That's what I want at Boston every year, consistency."

While content with the progression on the pitch, what brings Elliott the greatest job satisfaction?

"I think I've enjoyed every minute. I love it, I'm very very happy that the people I work with, from Craig (Singleton, secretary) to David (Newton, chairman), everybody around the place, volunters like Roy (Hackford), they're brilliant people," he said.

"The highs are working with good people; my staff, players and everybody involved.

"It just feels like a good place and, as long as your'e happy in your work, that's the main thing."

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