Matt Tootle convinced to join Boston United after being made to feel wanted and impressed by the Pilgrims' project

Matt Tootle was convinced to join Boston United after the club made him feel wanted.

The former Notts County and Crewe Alexandra right back agreed to drop down to the National League North after being impressed by the Pilgrims' project... and the persistence of manager Craig Elliott.

"Craig tried to sign me on loan last Christmas when I was at Notts County, but at the time Chesterfield had made an offer at a higher level," the 29-year-old said.

"But when I spoke to Craig it never left my mind because I knew they had big ambitions.

"With everything we'd spoken about, that stayed in my mind when the season ended. He got in touch probably May-June time and we've been speaking since.

"You know what, they showed me the most interest and that's what I felt like I wanted.

"I had offers from higher teams but I wanted to come somewhere I felt wanted. It's a club where I felt there's a project at and we could go somewhere."

From the new Jakemans Community Stadium to the way training is conducted, Tootle has been impressed by United's ambitions.

The way the club is run off and on the pitch was also a deciding factor for the former Shrewsbury Town man.

Having been part of the Notts County squad which was relegated from the Football League in 2019, Tootle felt boardroom matters played a huge part in the Magpies' relegation.

That turbulent campaign saw County have three permanent managers within the first three months of the season, be put up for sale shortly after owner Alan Hardy accidentally included a nude photo of himself in a post on Twitter, and issued with a winding-up petition.

"Two seasons ago when Notts got relegated, I feel like that was out the players' hands in some senses because the situation that was going on at the club," Tootle added.

"When you're at a club that feels like it's being run properly and the club knows where it wants to go I think you'll see the performances on the field will match that.

"I've only been to training twice, but everything feels to be run really professionally, especially for a part-time club, from top to bottom they know what they want to do."

Manager Elliott is determined to go one better than last season's play-off final defeat to Altrincham and has brought in players with promotion pedigree.

Following Paul Green and Connor Dimaio into the club is Tootle, who won the 2012 League Two play-off final with Crewe, beating Cheltenham Town 2-0.

"It was my best achievement in the game, it was amazing," the defender said.

"Like I said to Craig, we probably lacked that bit of experience and maybe needed a few older heads in the side to get over the line.

"When I won the League Two play-off I was 21. A lot of the side were young lads but we had older players in there to even that out.

"I think that's key and what he's trying to do now, bringing in Paul Green, myself and people who have achieved in the game."

The early stages of pre-season training aren't enjoyed by most footballers, but after having last season cut short after joining the Spireites on loan, Tootle is happy to be back... even if it means the slog of running.

"COVID was tough and it's forced everyone out the game," he added.

"I've been running on my own for nearly six months, trying to keep myself going. It's been tough at times and you felt like it's never going to end.

"To get out again knowing you have a structure is good. When you're training on your own you never push yourself as hard as you get pushed at training, so it's nice to know what I'm doing next year and have a vision for what' going to happen. Hopefully, it's us getting promoted."

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