Why Jonathan Wafula, Martyn Woolford and Ben Middleton aren't in Boston United's play-off squad

Trio set to play for new clubs next season...
Jonathan Wafula.Jonathan Wafula.
Jonathan Wafula.

Martyn Woolford, Jonathan Wafula and Ben Middleton are not involved in Boston United's play-off campaign, manager Craig Elliott has confirmed.

Defender Middleton has linked up with Grantham Town and winger Woolford is expected to be officially unveiled as a Gainsborough Trinity player.

Wafula has also agreed a deal with a new club as he prepares for a fresh challenge.

"They're not in the 20-man squad," Elliott said of Middleton and Woolford.

"They knew about that, they were free to go and good luck to them. They've done well for us this season.

"I had to think about worst-case scenarios, losing players through illness and who who can cover certain positions, trying to get a more rounded squad.

"I'm happy with the 20-man squad. We've got good options."

Ben Middleton. Photo: @RussellDossettBen Middleton. Photo: @RussellDossett
Ben Middleton. Photo: @RussellDossett

Elliott admitted he would have liked Wafula to have been part of the promotion push, but the utility man had already expressed his wishes to move on after finding starts hard to come by, beginning just four matches this term.

"Jonno let me know very early, literally as we went into lockdown, that he wanted a new challenge and he'd agreed something with somebody else," Elliott confirmed.

"He's someone I've worked with a number of years, going back to Shaw Lane and he's a great lad.

"I would have liked to have him involved in the play-offs but I respect his decision to move on. He let me know early so it wasn't fair to convince him to stay when other lads wanted to be part of it.

Martyn Woolford.Martyn Woolford.
Martyn Woolford.

"Sometimes it's a good thing for players and manager to move on. Me and Jonno have worked together for a number of years and he's never let me down once.

"He's been fantastic and we've got some good memories at Shaw Lane and he did well at Boston. His biggest thing is he can play so many positions that sometimes goes against him but he's a good lad and I've got nothing bad to say about him."