Ideal Boston United retained list becoming clearer for boss Paul Hurst

The Pilgrims secured another season at National League level in Monday's 1-1 draw at Brackley Town, and Hurst said you could never be certain on a player's future.

“We are not too far away from having our minds made up,” he said.

“But I can give a reflection on a player that I've had before, who was injured for a large part of the season, and what he had done prior to that was certainly not enough to warrant a contract.

“But he was then arguably our best player in the play-off games and we tried to keep him, but he got himself a move to a higher level.

“So I don't think it's ever over for anyone.”

Fans always have their own ideas of which players should stay and Hurst said: “I sometimes think people may not understand the situation that they can be in as individuals. They might not want to be here at Boston United. I don't know.

“People do see things that I see, they are not silly and I am not trying to pretend I am better than anyone else.

“You see certain aspects, you see body language, you see a willingness to work, you see a willingness to get back and help and be in the right positions.

“You can see them live at a game or on the various platforms you can watch them on.

“If you want to do your homework and your research properly, you watch players.”

He added: “I am not so sure anyone will have left Brackley on Monday with too much credit – one or two maybe. But certainly quite a few that you wouldn't say have done.

“I don't take any pleasure saying that. I am genuinely trying to help them to see the importance of it, whether it's my thoughts or whether you speak to other managers and know what they are looking for.

“I say to them, every time they go on the training pitch and, certainly in games, every time they step over that white line, there is a chance to impress.

“You also want them to have some pride in their performance for themselves first and foremost.”