“If we’ve played our last game at York Street then we have to start looking forward." Craig Elliott turning attention to life in Boston United's 'amazing' new stadium

Manager had one final look around York Street, but wants to 'make statement' at Jakemans Community Stadium
United celebrate scoring in their final FA Cup clash at York Street, a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale. Photo: Eric BrownUnited celebrate scoring in their final FA Cup clash at York Street, a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale. Photo: Eric Brown
United celebrate scoring in their final FA Cup clash at York Street, a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale. Photo: Eric Brown

Craig Elliott will be sad to see Boston United leave York Street... but he is determined to make some special memories at the club’s new home.

The Pilgrims look on track to kick off next season at the Jakemans Community Stadium, currently being built south of the town.

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Their York Street lease ends later this month, with United ending their stay at the place they have called home since 1933.

There is a slim chance the stadium may still host competitive action with the option of National League North play-offs still on the table, but any further matches this season look set to be played behind closed doors.

United may be, as Elliott says, ‘stuck in limbo’, but as league rivals begin to make closed-season signings, the United manager also has to look to the future.

“We always said we wanted to give York Street a good final season, but we also want to make a positive start at the new stadium,” he told The Standard.

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“I went to have a look around (York Street) and it was sad to see the boards coming down and the place being taken apart.

“But I also had a drive past the new stadium and it’s looking amazing, I can’t wait to get started there.

“If we’ve played our last game at York Street then we have to start looking forward.

“We want to make good memories at the new place and make a statement.”

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Elliott spoke about his desire for the Pilgrims to leave York Street in style, and the club certainly looked on track to do that before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the campaign early.

The Pilgrims had won 13 of their 19 competitive games and drew three times as they sat fourth in the National League North standings.

One final FA Cup memory was made as more than 4,000 supporters packed into the stadium to see United edged out 2-1 by League One Rochdale.

The one stand-out frustration was the final home game at the stadium being a 3-0 defeat to an in-form Gateshead side.

“It’s a shame if that’s our last home game,” Elliott added.

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“But I think overall we can look back at a good season, some good performances and a good FA Cup run.”

While Elliott plots a winning start to life at the new ground, he took time to reflect upon his United career so far.

“I’ll definitely miss it, it’s an amazing place,” he continued.

“I’ve said before, I get a buzz every time I turn up there.

“I’m immensely proud to be the manager of such a great football club.

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“It doesn’t look like it will end the way we wanted it to, but hopefully we created some special final memories for the fans.”

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