Peter Crook challenged to win back goalkeeper spot after signing new Boston United contract

Peter Crook is being challenged to win back his place between the sticks after signing a new deal with Boston United.

The keeper played second fiddle to Ross Fitzsimons last season, but manager Craig Elliott says he would have 'no sleepless nights' with the 27-year-old in goal again.

Crook made 44 appearances in his first season with the Pilgrims, where an impressive campaign was blighted by two high-profile errors - in the FA Cup defeat to Rochdale and for the only goal of the play-off final against Altrincham.

But last term his only outing was in the 3-0 FA Trophy victory at Evesham United.

Elliott, however, doesn't want to dwell on the past and is challenging Crook - who has kept 18 clean sheets in 45 appearances for Boston - to become a starter once again following Fitzsimons' sale to Stockport County.

"In my opinion we had two of the best keepers in the league, I believe that," Elliott said.

"He had a great season the year before. He made a couple of errors in the big games, we know that, but I'd argue he was one of our top four or five players that year.

"He knows this league, he's a great age for a keeper. The rest is up to him to come back and show what he can do."

Elliott, who previously managed Crook at Ossett Town, believes the player's experiences with Boston will make him stronger.

"It's the life of a goalkeeper," he continued. "Ross made a big error against Kettering (in last season's 2-2 draw) but it went under the radar a bit.

"Had that been on TV people may have remembered Ross for that.

"I've known Pete a lot of years and he's been a keeper who's done well for Boston.

"He's got good character and, in the Rochdale game, it said a lot about him that he made a mistake early but he went on to have a good game that night.

"That shows you the character of the lad and that he's a mentally strong person. He's another good player to sign for us."

Crook may not have featured regularly last season, but he remained a vital part of the squad.

Elliott continued: "To be fair, it was never a matter of saying 'that's it, the door's shut'.

"Ross started off in the nets but I'd have had no sleepless nights putting Pete back in.

"He played in the FA Trophy and had a good game. He would have played in the next game but he had a slight groin injury.

"I know he's a good keeper and another good lad around the place."

Crook is signed up, but Boston will still look to bring in another stopper to rival him.

"I think you always want two goalkeepers," Elliott added.

"We'll see what happens with that. My main aim is to keep the lads from last season with us first."

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