Rooney booster as Boston United strengthen rearguard with triple signing

He was the third important defensive signing of the week after the arrivals of Jamie Grimes and Sai Sachdev.

The 22-year-old Rooney put pen-to-paper to join the Pilgrims following a hugely productive loan spell from Derby County last season.

Rooney scored three goals in 16 appearances as Paul Hurst's side secured a 12th place finish in the National League and returned to Lincolnshire a fortnight ahead of the club's third campaign back in the top flight of non-league football.

His re-emergence at the Jakemans Community Stadium was completed ahead of training on Thursday morning.

Grimes, 35, returned following his departure from Chesterfield, having spent a hugely successful loan spell at the Jakemans Community Stadium between February and April.

He has now put pen-to-paper on an initial one-year deal to become a permanent addition to the United squad.

Grimes' 16 appearances in Amber and Black included eight wins, five clean sheets and one crucial goal at Forest Green Rovers.

United also brought in Sheffield United right-back Sai Sachdev on a loan deal running until the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old defender spent the opening weeks of pre-season as part of the Blades' first team set-up, including a training camp in Spain, and now arrives at the Jakemans Community Stadium until the New Year.

Sachdev has made two senior appearances for the Bramall Lane club to date in addition to a brief loan spell with Oldham Athletic in 2024.

The Leicester-born full-back links up with fellow Blade Luke Faxon in Lincolnshire – and, along with Grimes, started Saturday's friendly against Peterborough United while Rooney came on as a substitute.