The Lincolnshire-based outfit have consolidated their status as a fifth tier outfit over the last two years and despite finishing just four points better off than the 2024/25 campaign last seas , they placed seven spots higher in the league standings.
From late January onwards, Boston were considered one of the division’s most in-form teams, only losing three of their last seveteen matches.
Included in that run was a thrilling 6-3 victory away to Lincolnshire rivals Scunthorpe United and further striking away displays and wins against eventual play-off sides Boreham Wood and Forest Green Rovers.
A 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United in the final day of the season confirmed a 12th place finish back in April.
This season, Paul Hurst and his side will have their sights set on breaking into the coveted top seven, to earn themselves an attempt at returning to the EFL for the first time in two decades.
History
The Beautiful Game in the town of Boston dates back to the 1880s, with Boston United formed in 1933 after the original Boston FC went into liquidation. The team became a semi-professional squad and competed in the Midland League and the Southern League and even became founding members of the Northern Premier League in 1968.
Despite winning the league in 1977, the club missed out on election to the Football League because their ground, York Street did not meet the required standards. This prompted major redevelopment to their historic home.
Under manager Steve Evans, the Pilgrims won the Football Conference in 2002, which secured them a spot in the EFL for the first time. They spent five seasons in the fourth tier of English football before financial problems led to relegation from the Football League and then a further demotion to the sixth tier after entering a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in 2007.
After 14 successive seasons in the sixth tier, Boston United won the National League North play-offs, defeating Brackley Town in the final to return to the National League, where they have remained ever since.
Manager – Paul Hurst
After rejoining the Pilgrims after 15 years away from the dugout at the Jakemans Community Stadium, Paul Hurst steered Boston United to a very respectable 12th place finish.
The 51-year-old, jointly managed the Pilgrims between 2009 and 2011, during which time they lifted a trio of trophies in the 2009/2010 season, including promotion via the UniBond Premier League play-offs.
United were well set for another promotion until Grimsby swooped in to secure his services in 2011. In two separate spells, Hurst guided the Mariners to promotion from the National League on two occasions, in 2016 and 2022.
Amongst several individual accolades, the most notable award credited to hime was the League One Manager of the Season prize for the 2017/2018 as Shrewsbury reached both the play-off final and EFL Trophy final.
Following just over a year out of the game after being sacked by Shrewsbury Town after nine months in charge in his second stint, he was reemployed by Boston, to make it the third club he has had two spells at.
Previous Meetings – N/A
The Rebels have never encountered Boston United in a competitive meeting.
Stadium –
The Jakemans Community Stadium has been the home of Boston United since 2020, after the departure from the historic York Street ground after 87 years.
Built at a cost of around £11.5 million, the stadium was designed to provide modern facilities and meet Football League standards as part of Boston’s long-term ambitions.
The stadium is located on Pilgrim Way, holding a capacity of just over 5,000 spectators. It features a natural grass pitch, modern hospitality facilities, executive boxes and spacious concourses.
Distance from the Sussex Transport Community Stadium: 196 miles
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗