We welcome the safe arrival to the Staffsmart Stadium of the management, players and fans of our F.A. Trophy opponents Kidsgrove Athletic. Our visitors ply there trade in Unibond Division One South where previous United F.A. Cup opponents this season, Glapwell and near neighbours Stamford, also compete. In the qualifying round to this competition Kidsgrove overcame Retford Town with an away victory by two goals to one.
On reintroducing the Golden Goal tickets this year BUSA originally agreed to prepare tickets for each home League game. However, after comments received in respect to them not being on sale at previous cup games, we have managed to have some printed and available for the game today. As usual tickets are just £1 with a maximum of only 181 available (0 to 90 minutes for the Pilgrims and our opponents and a 0 - 0 option). The £75 prize on offer is for the person with the ticket that matches the team and time of the first goal scored as announced by Mick over the tanoy. The £75 is paid out immediately after the game at the BUSA table in the Sports Bar, through the main door and on the left.
Even though it is a cup game the winner will also be entered into the draw to be the match ball sponsor for the last home game of the season. The winner of that draw will then be able to partake in the benefits that a match ball sponsor receives. This includes four match tickets and matchday passes to the VP lounge, complimentary matchday programmes, full-time buffet and half-time refreshments, one reserved car park pass, a matchday souvenir, a photograph with the 'Man of the Match' and commemorative photographs which are sent out at a later date. As they say, "not bad for a quid" !!
Printing the tickets does take some time and it we may not always be able to produce them especially at short notice but, particularly if the support already given to the venture continues we will make sure we will do our best to oblige. The first test of this is obviously for the visit of Cambridge United in the F.A. Cup a week today. We will see what we can do.
Albeit a disappointing outcome to the last home game here against Hednesford it was great to welcome back to Boston one of a few recent United players who can be classed already as a United legend, Paul Ellender.
As you are aware Paul received a fantastic and deserved welcome on the night and it was great that he found time after the game to visit the BUSA table in the Sportsbar. BUSA was proud to sponsor Paul for a number of years and very much appreciated him spending some time signing the range of his No. 4 Pilgrim shirts we have. We are sure that the yet to be formalised testimonial game for Paul will be as well supported when it takes place and he will receive an equally if not greater reception on that day.
Last but not least we have a BUSA Junior Member with a birthday during next week so many happy returns and best wishes from BUSA goes to Daniel Ashton of Boston.
Enjoy the game.
08/10/08 Hednesford Town
We welcome the safe arrival to Boston of the management, players and fans of tonight's opponents Hednesford Town. We trust they will have a safe but point-less return journey to the midlands after our Unibond Premier League clash. May we also welcome BUSA Member Pat Portas who is using our pass to the VP Lounge today. We hope you enjoy the facilities of the Lounge Pat and the lads deliver a performance and victory to make your visit one to remember
The BUSA Golden Goal ticket sellers will be out again in force this evening and we would be most pleased if you can continue the great support shown to this initiative to date and buy a ticket. Tickets are just £1 and with a maximum of only 181 available (0 to 90 minutes for the Pilgrims and our opponents and a 0 - 0 option) the odds are good to say the least to bag the £75 prize on offer. Should you be the lucky winner with the correct first goal details as announced over the tanoy by Mick, please collect your winnings immediately after the game from the BUSA table in the Sports Bar, through the main door and on the left.
It is worth noting that in addition to the £75 prize money all Golden Goal winners throughout the season will then be placed in a draw to be the match ball sponsor for the last home game of the season. The winner of that draw will then be able to partake in the benefits that a match ball sponsor receives. This includes four match tickets and matchday passes to the VP lounge, complimentary matchday programmes, full-time buffet and half-time refreshments, one reserved car park pass, a matchday souvenir, a photograph with the 'Man of the Match' and commemorative photographs which are sent out at a later date. As they say, "not bad for a quid" !!
The support given by you the fans to our Golden Goal competition and in using our coach service to away fixtures so far this season has given BUSA the confidence to make a donation of £1,000 to the Save the Pilgrims Fighting Fund. The clubs financial state is well documented and therefore any help that can be given directly to this fund can only be of benefit to the well being of the club.
Within the next week we have two away trips to undertake (subject to a possible replay) to the North West to Southport in the F.A.Cup at the weekend followed by a Unibond Premier League game at Marine on Tuesday 14 October. Both trips still have seats available which can be booked before or after tonight's game in the Sports Bar, at the club offices in the week, online at the BUSA website www.unitedforyou.co.uk or the club website www.bufc.co.uk. At the time of writing these notes the actual costs for the Southport F.A. Cup trip are not known but will be advertised accordingly. For the Marine trip our standard rates of £16 for BUSA members, £19 for non-members and £10 for Junior BUSA members will apply. Please remember our recent announcement that BUSA members in full time education can now travel at the Junior rate.
The atmosphere here in the Stadium on a matchday has certainly worked in our favour against sides who are not used to playing infront of such crowds/noise so far this season. Looking at the Hednesford website it looks as though they turn out infront of home gates in the 400/500 region, larger gates than some of our previous visitors. In that case we need to be extra vocal tonight to ensure a suitable effect which, we are sure, the drumming and signing from the Townend will provide.
Enjoy the game.
04/10/08 Bradford Park Avenue
We, the fans, have quite rightly been made aware of the financial state of Boston United. When new owners take over a club in the higher realms it usually means the end of any financial woes but the further down the league pyramid you go the less likely the problem is solved. By reminding us of, or, more to the point, by not letting us forget, our new owners are making sure rose tinted spectacles are not worn.
Fund raising events are the obvious way forward after cutting costs where you can and if possible attracting new investment. The club has taken to organising such events as a matter of course now but even proud men have to resort to more fundamental means if needs must, hence the “Save the Pilgrims” initiative. It is a straight forward example of please give us your money we need it, and why not?
In early season conversations with David Newton, BUSA was very much encouraged to continue doing what we do in raising funds and supporting Boston United. The significant difference was that the same message went out to all other similar parties, sponsors and United staff alike with the added message that to survive the club needed these contributions as before plus more, hence the “Save the Pilgrims” fund. It was this sentiment that underlined the decision of the BUSA Committee at our last meeting to make a direct donation to the cause. We hope other potential contributors will follow suit.
Today we welcome the management, players and fans of Bradford Park Avenue to Bostonshire this afternoon as our opponents for the three Unibond Premier League points on offer. The similarities between the fortunes of the two teams on show over the relatively recent past being too numerous to detail in this short article. We hope that BPA continue to make progress on and off the field but obviously not to the detriment of The Pilgrms.
With more and more young adults entering full time education we have reviewed our pricing structure for BUSA membership and travel to hopefully offer assistance to such United supporters. We decided that the membership structure of £5 for Junior BUSA Members and OAP’s and £10 for Adult Members would remain the same as would the associated benefits. The change we made however was that for those fans over 16 and therefore paying £10 BUSA membership that are still in full time education, could travel on our coach to away fixtures for the Junior Travel price of £10 (a £6 per game saving). This would be subject to providing suitable proof of being in full time education. The current support for both our away travel and Golden Goal initiative to date was taken into account when making this decision so please continue your support and we will continue to help you, help us help the club.
At the beginning of a season as memberships to BUSA are received almost daily it is awkward for us to keep on top of Junior Members birthdays and obtain the individually signed birthday cards from the club. We apologise for the lateness of some cards and announcements but are confident this will settle down in the near future. So, many happy returns and best wishes from BUSA, albeit belatedly, goes to Junior Members Rosie Flint of Horncastle, James Boyall of Timberland and Daniel Harrison of Boston.
The BUSA pass to the VP Lounge today is being used by Jamie Cottrell and his guest. Hope you have a good day Jamie and we secure three points to make your day complete.
Enjoy the game.
14/09/08 Glapwell F.C.
We take a break from league action this afternoon for an F A Cup Round 1 Qualifying tie. We therefore welcome the management, players and fans of our opponents for today Glapwell F.C.
Glapwell is a small village in Derbyshire and the club play at Hall Corner. Glapwell FC is a member of the Unibond Division One South Football League. After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Unibond league in 2006/07, Glapwell finished the 2007/08 season in runners up spot in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and ultimately were promoted to the Unibond Division One South. Glapwell was established in 1985 and has gradually climbed the non-league ladder reaching their highest league to date.
Glapwell is used to playing in front of crowds in the low hundred so once again it is an opportunity for us, the fans, to make our presence heard and play our part in helping Boston United reach the next round of this historic competition. We are all well aware of the financial position of the club and the fact that each round successfully completed in the F.A. Cup is rewarded by much appreciated income, the further we progress the better it is for all concerned.
BUSA was formed “to raise funds and support Boston United” and we are pleased to say that we are slowly building up our efforts already for this season. Membership is growing nicely, the away travel arrangements are being well supported but the most significant success so far has got to be our re-introduction of the “Golden Goal” competition. With a maximum of 181 £1 tickets available (0 to 90 minutes for the Pilgrims and our opponents and a 0 - 0 option) we have had a £75 winner every game so far and as tickets have been virtually sold out for each of the 4 league games so far funds raised has exceeded the £350 mark which is brilliant!
The tickets are available at each home League Game (so our sellers have a day off today!), initially in the Sports Bar and then in and around the ground so please continue your support when the tickets are next on sale and see if you can bag yourself the £75 prize money. Should you be the lucky winner please collect your winnings immediately after the game from the BUSA table in the Sports Bar, through the main door and on the left.
In addition to the £75 prize money all Golden Goal winners throughout the season will then be placed in a draw to be the match ball sponsor for the last home game of the season. The winner of that draw will then be able to partake in the benefits that a match ball sponsor receives which includes four match tickets and matchday passes to the VP lounge, complimentary matchday programmes, full-time buffet and half-time refreshments, one reserved car park pass, a matchday souvenir, a photograph with the 'Man of the Match' and commemorative photographs which are sent out at a later date.
Not bad for a quid !!
And remember all funds raised by BUSA are used for the benefit of Boston United and the fans, so please continue in helping us, helping you to help the club.
Enjoy the game.
06/09/08 Guiseley
A warm welcome is extended this evening to the management, players and fellow fans from Guiseley. Let’s hope the folk from the home of Harry Ramsden’s gets a battering on the pitch tonight!
We’ve got two away trips coming up, Ilkeston on the 9th September and Matlock on the 20th September. Both still have seats available, bookable by contacting Maureen in the office or Jan before and after games in the Sports Bar. Full details of future trips and departure times are available on the BUSA website, www.unitedforyou.co.uk. Tickets cost £16 for BUSA members, £19 for non-members and £10 for juniors. If we keep filling the coaches as we have done so far, then we can hopefully start to bring the prices down.
During last season, BUSA, amongst other things, purchased a pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for use by our members, made a £750.00 contribution towards pitch drainage works, bought the ground staff a line marking machine and some associated items and sponsored Ellie’s shirt. We’re hoping to better this during this season and are relying on our members to help wherever they can. The Golden Goal has got off to a cracking start and is selling out every week. Membership is also climbing high. However, the committee is always on the look out for any volunteer help, fresh ideas or whatever else you have to offer. Committee members can usually be found at the BUSA table in the Sports Bar (enter door, turn left) or can be contacted via email. All details are on our website, www.unitedforyou.co.uk. If you’ve not joined yet, then don’t delay. £10 for adults, £5 for juniors, with a host of benefits including discount away travel, 10% off at the club shop, free draw for usage of the VIP lounge and load more benefits from local businesses. For any parent contemplating enrolling their offspring as a Junior BUSA Member it is worth considering the option of becoming a mini-pilgrim instead. The Mini Pilgrims package is for under 10s and for £10 includes free entry to every home league match (when accompanied with a paying adult), Junior photo membership of BUSA, a birthday card and Christmas card signed by United players, 10% discount on club merchandise, newsletter, 10% discount on a season ticket, signed replica shirt on your 10th birthday and all the other benefits of belonging to BUSA. Application forms are available from the York Street ticket office.
We welcome the return of FA Cup football next week at the Staffsmart Stadium with the visit of Glapwell in the first qualifying round. Remember that the Golden Goal competition is for league games only, so will not be running for this game. However, I’m sure the 50/50 sellers would welcome your spare pound for one week.
Enjoy the match.
03/09/08 Worksop Town
A warm welcome is extended this evening to the management, players and fellow fans from Worksop Town. According to the fantastic non-league website run by Tony Kempster, Worksop are our local derby this year, being one mile closer than Ilkeston.
This game comes on the back of two profitable away trips – both for the club and BUSA. Three points for the lads up at Bury against FC United Of Manchester was followed by a hard earned draw up on Merseyside as we restricted Prescott to only scoring twice. I’ll ignore the obvious Tracy Temple jokes! BUSA was a winner as we took around 100 fans to these two fixtures. With the increase in fuel, we’ve had to marginally increase our prices this year for away coaches. However, if the buses continue to be filled, then we’ll have the capacity to reduce the prices as the season goes on. We’ve got two away trips coming up, Ilkeston on the 9th September and Matlock on the 20th September. Both still have seats available, bookable by contacting Maureen in the office or Jan before and after games in the Sports Bar. Full details of future trips and departure times are available on the BUSA website, www.unitedforyou.co.uk.
Congratulations go to our first two Golden goal winners, I Butler and D Cannell. Both collected a nice cash sum of £75 and now have a chance to be the match ball sponsor for the last game against Cammell Laird. We’ve been selling out of tickets so far, so make sure you get yours nice and early tonight and on Saturday. They are available for only £1.00 from the BUSA table in the Sports Bar or the various sellers around the ground. Remember that every single penny raised goes towards helping your club.
BUSA is committed as ever to continue to “Raise Funds and Support Boston United” and will be doing so through as many means as we can in the season ahead. Please help support our efforts by rejoining BUSA. Remember that in addition to knowing that you are helping the football club there are also number of personal benefits for BUSA members, including discounts at local businesses and most importantly 10% discount at the club shop.
Finally, a big thanks go to all the fans who are sticking by the club and keeping attendances amongst the highest , not only in this league, but also some leagues well above us. The return of home fans to the Town End has been fantastic, generating a level of noise that some visitors (and home supporters) are totally unaccustomed to. Keep on drumming!
Enjoy the match.
23/08/08 Ashton United
We welcome the management, players and fans of Ashton United our opponents this afternoon in our Unibond Premier League encounter.
BUSA is committed as ever to continue to “Raise Funds and Support Boston United” and will be doing so through as many means as we can in the season ahead. Our joining fees have remained the same for 2008/2009 at £10.00 for adults and just £5.00 for juniors/concessions. Please help us, help you to support the club by joining BUSA. It is worth noting that in addition to knowing that you are helping the football club there are also number of personal benefits for BUSA members.
During the 2007/08 season BUSA, amongst other things, purchased a pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for use by our members, made a £750.00 contribution towards pitch drainage works, bought the ground staff a line marking machine and some associated items. The total of these contributions alone was just shy of £2,000 - so BUSA members in 2007/8 need to take a huge pat on the back, knowing that you really helped to make a difference.
David Newton & Neil Kempster have stressed that BUSA’s ongoing support remains vital to Boston United, so please join BUSA and encourage your fellow supporters to do the same, so that we can all continue to help the club where we can. Membership can be obtained in the Sports Bar before and after each home game, via any committee member or through our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk
For this season BUSA has put to bed our shirt raffle and brought back the previously popular Golden Goal competition. Even easier than the shirt raffle, you pay your pound for a ticket and if it matches the team and minute for the first goal as announced by Mick in the box, then you win £75. Furthermore, all winners will go into a draw at the end of the season with one being pulled out to be the Match Ball Sponsor for the last home game against Cammell Laird. May we remind you that as a Match Ball Sponsor you get;
- Four match tickets & matchday passes to VP Lounge
- Complimentary matchday programmes
- Full-time buffet and half-time refreshments
- One reserved car park pass
- Matchday souvenir
- Photograph with 'Man of the Match'
- On-pitch matchball presentation prior to kick-off
- Commemorative photographs sent out afterwards
All in all not a bad return for a quid!
All proceeds will be used to benefit the club. Tickets will be available around the ground, in the Sports Bar from the BUSA table before the game. On presenting the lucky ticket to BUSA representatives in the Sports Bar the winner will walk away £75 better off. All winners will also feature on the BUSA website - www.unitedforyou.co.uk
Having started the season with two home games not surprisingly the next two united games are away from home with a journey on Monday to FC United of Manchester and the following Saturday to Prescot Cables. Should you wish to travel on the BUSA coach to either destination you can book a seat for either trip before or after today’s game in the Sports Bar. For the trip to Prescot Cables seats can also be booked during the week in the club office. Prices are £16 for members, £10 for junior members and £19 for non-members.
Let’s get behind the lads and make some noise.
Enjoy the game.
20/08/08 Ossett Town
The start of the new season is now upon us as we welcome Ossett Town to Bostonshire this evening to open our Unibond League campaign. As ever with BUFC things are not straight forward and as you all know we (and Nantwich Town) had to start our season later than the rest of the league.
Whilst fully appreciating that the club is not out of the financial woods yet and there is still a lot of work to be done, the feeling is that providing the “off field” side of the club continues to remain in good hands we cannot be knocked back anymore for the same past misdemeanours. Looking positively it is as if someone has switched on the light at the end of the tunnel and we are at the position now where we can all do our bit to move the club towards that light.
BUSA is committed as ever to continue to “Raise Funds and Support Boston United” and will be doing so through as many means as we can in the season ahead. It was felt it would be counter productive in the present climate to increase membership fees so they have been left the same for yet another season (£10.00 Adult or £5.00 for junior and concession). Please help support our efforts by rejoining BUSA. Remember that in addition to knowing that you are helping the football club there are also number of personal benefits for BUSA members.
For the season ahead BUSA has agreed our away coach travel arrangements with Sleafordian Coaches. Based on last seasons figures we averaged 33 travellers on the coach to each away game and the increased fuel costs we have unfortunately had to increase the cost of travel to £16 per trip for members and £19 for non-members. We have been able to leave the cost for junior BUSA members the same at £10. Thinking positively however, our demotion does mean that ground admission costs will be less than last season which will somewhat balance out the increase in the cost of travel. As in previous years seats can be booked before and after home games in the Sports Bar or during the week in the club office.
A significant change for this season from BUSA is the retirement of our shirt raffle to make way for the return of the Golden Goal competition. Tickets will cost £1 and be available from the Sports Bar and around the ground before all home games. If your ticket matches the team and time for the first goal scorer as announced over the tannoy then you win £75. Furthermore, all winners will go into a draw at the penultimate home game with a chance to be the match ball sponsor for the last home game of the season against Cammell Laird. If you have the winning ticket you can claim you £75 by producing it to the BUSA representatives in the Sports Bar after the match.
Since the inauguration of the clubs Safety Advisory Group BUSA has been an active member. Whilst fully understanding the crowd safety and segregation element of the ground we have continually kept it in the group and the club’s thoughts to return the Townend back over to home fans as soon as it would be practical. It is good to see that our representation on this matter has helped towards getting what the fans want. It is up to us fans now to ensure that not only that the work involved by all parties to allow access to the Townend has not been a waste of time but we create and maintain the important role that fans have to play in making enough noise to ensure that our opponents visit is as daunting and nerve racking as possible.
Enjoy the game.
26/04/08 Hyde United
Back in August 2007, Saturday the 11th at about 2.55pm to be more precise, we heard for the first time a blast of “The Boys are Back in Town” over the sound system here at York Street. The occasion was our opening day Blue Square North encounter with Workington Town. It was written then in this column that to some extent, the weather or the outcome of the game (within reason) was secondary as there will be smiles on the faces of all those present - simply because we can be here. The club was in existence and Boston United were playing again.
Today we will see the culmination of those league fixtures and perhaps we should view the fixture in a similar vein in respect to just being content that the club is in existence and Boston United have been playing again. Taking all things into consideration, we should probably realistically view the season in terms of some success. We have flirted with the higher positions of the league without threatening them whilst never being serious contenders at any time for a relegation spot.
Throughout the season we have again provided coach travel to all away league fixtures in conjunction with Sleafordian Coaches. All being well with the club in the summer we will be negotiating with Sleafordian to provide similar facilities for next year. Although the official away trips have ended we do have one more excursion planned should demand be sufficient. The destination is Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park on Sunday May 11 to an Ernie Cooksey benefit match.
The seat prices for the coach will depend on numbers on the following scale, 20 passengers £23, 30 passengers £15 and 40 passengers £12. These figures are based on a break even basis but rest assured should actual numbers mean a profit is made it will be donated to Ernie’s fund. Bookings can be made after the game at the usual BUSA table in the Sports Bar or during the week at the club offices. Unfortunately, the usual online service is not available for this trip. Please book as early as possible so arrangements can be made as early as practical.
On the BUSA front we have a number of Junior Members with birthdays to mention so our best wishes and many happy returns go out to Jack Moore, Craig Fiske, Ryan Brooks and Andrew Jacobs. The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge is being used today by Ian Butler of Boston. Let’s hope the lads deliver a performance and a result you and your guest will remember your day by Ian.
After the game today, in conjunction with a number of other selections we will be presenting our customary three BUSA awards of Player of the Year and Favourite Player of the Year voted for by our full and junior members respectively, and our Special Recognition Award, the choice of the BUSA Committee. We hope you will stay and watch the presentations that have been arranged.
We started the year with optimism for the future but as we offer a warm welcome to our opponents today Hyde United the future of our beloved club still remains in doubt. A doubt that to a major extent is due to finding ourselves between a HMRC rock and a Football League hard place.
Buoyed on by our club Chairman, BUSA has worked with BUFCST to get as many fans as possible to write to HMRC to encourage them to listen to our cause. We produced a draft letter for fans to sign at the Blyth game and we can report that over 500 letters were signed. The offer is again available for those fans who have not contacted HMRC to sign a letter today. Look out for representatives around the ground with clip boards to hand. We will ensure that every letter signed will be individually posted on. Who knows whether it will make a difference, but we won’t know unless we try. What was encouraging as we circulated through fans last Saturday was the amount of people who had already put pen to paper - keep it up!!
Enjoy the game and hopefully the success of everyone’s efforts will mean we will see you all here again next season.
19/04/08 Blyth Spartans
We really are down to the wire as the end of the season fast approaches with just two games to go. We are however quite fortunate that those last two games are here at The Staffsmart Stadium. For the first of those final fixtures we welcome today the management, players and fans of our North Eastern opponents Blyth Spartans. Blyth currently lie ten points and six places below us in the league having played one game less.
At half time in the Stalybridge game we all heard our chairman make a heartfelt plea to us, the fans, to try and help with the perilous and possible fatal position the club finds itself in. To this effect BUSA and BUFCST have sent a joint letter to HMRC to put forward the fans view and to help try and persuade them to be more receptive in reaching a solution that they, the football authorities and all our creditors are happy with to enable Boston United as we know it to continue.
Around the ground today you will see members of BUSA and BUFCST with drafts of letters that you can also send to add your voice to the situation. Please add your signature to a draft and do your bit, the more letters we send, maybe, just maybe will have an effect. There undoubtedly will be cynics out there who will say we are wasting our time, what is the point, it is out of our hands or the like but, quite simply, what else can we do? In extremely simple terms we believe doing nothing is definitely not an option.
The resurrection of Boston United started a mere couple of weeks before this season began and we are all under no illusion that the reinstalling of the good name of the club in the football world and the placing of the club on a secure footing again will be more of a marathon than a sprint and all we ask is for the opportunity for us all to help complete that marathon.
Using a shameless link, BUSA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate vice chairman Neil Kempster on his completion of one marathon, the London one last Sunday, and hope he can be equally as successful in completing his other one, in respect to Boston United.
Voting slips for the BUSA Player of the Year and Favourite Player of the Year are arriving thick and fast but may we take this opportunity to remind you that Tuesday is the last day you can register your vote and the chance to present one of the awards to the winning player of your choice after the Hyde game next Saturday.
We have a number of Junior members birthdays to mention this week, so our best wishes and many happy returns go out to Joshua Swepstone of Holbeach St Marks, Kasey Davis of Fishtoft, twins Jack and William Tether of Boston, Liam Adams of Boston, Nathan Harrison of Boston and Oliver Moore of Kirton.
The BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is Charlotte Richardson. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Charlotte and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Last but by no means least, and putting the world of football into perspective somewhat, you may or may not already be aware but former United midfielder Ernie Cooksey is currently fighting cancer. A website www.erniecooksey.com has been set up to keep people informed on Ernie’s health and fundraising events which are being planned to fund possible treatments.
Please have a look at the site and do whatever you can to help.
Enjoy the game today.
05/04/08 Stalybridge Celtic
Stalybridge Celtic provide the opposition at the Staffsmart Stadium this afternoon for our Blue Square North fixture. We welcome the management, players and fans of our Cheshire visitors to Bostonshire. With the Pilgrims being on the receiving end of a 1 - 0 defeat against the top side Kettering here a couple of weeks ago, it will be interesting to see how we fair against the side currently second in the table, particularly after our satisfying 2 - 2 draw away at Southport last Saturday.
Without wishing to tempt fate, BUSA has one more away trip to successfully operate next weekend to Tamworth, to complete yet another season where we have provided travel facilities to all United away league games. We have worked closely with coach provider Sleafordian Coaches and can guarantee that at the earliest opportunity in the close season we will be negotiating with them again in preparation for 2008/2009 journeys.
It has been extremely pleasing to note throughout the year the compliments paid to the travelling fans by the club chairman, vice-chairman, manager and players. By providing a coach option for travellers BUSA is proud to have contributed towards the away attendance and support for the team. Our thanks also goes out to Sleafordian Coaches for helping us make this possible.
For the trip to Tamworth seats are available at the usual rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us for the last away game of the season please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game today, at the club office in the week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
The voting forms for the BUSA end of season Player / Favourite Player awards are in the process of being distributed and if members haven’t actually received a form yet we can assure you it will be hitting your door mat very shortly. BUSA members have an option to choose their "Player of the Year" while our Junior members will vote for their "Favourite Player of the Year." As in previous years the members of the BUSA Committee will also vote on who will receive the "BUSA Special Recognition" award to complete our usual three categories of awards.
Although clearly marked on the voting slip may we take this opportunity to bring members attention to the fact that all voting slips need to be returned by Tuesday 22 April.
We have three Junior members birthdays to mention, so our best wishes and many happy returns go out to Laura Appleyard of Boston, Harry Clarke of Boston and Ben Lawrence of Swineshead.
Last but not least, the BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is Carl Fox. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Carl and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
24/03/08 Kettering Town
Welcome to the Staffsmart Stadium for this Easter Monday local derby against Blue Square North high flyers Kettering Town. As a full time outfit our opponents have been at the right end of the league table throughout the season and are likely to prove a difficult side to get the better of. Kettering will provide a benchmark against which to judge ourselves if we are to have realistic promotion aspirations next year, so lets hope the lads are up to the test, we apply ourselves well, produce a credible performance and get a positive result.
Next Saturday sees us make the trip to the North West for a game against Southport before we return to Bostonshire the following Saturday for another game against a promotion chasing side, in the form of Stalybridge Celtic. Continuing with our promise to provide transport to all away league games BUSA will be running a coach to Lancashire seaside on Saturday with seats available at the usual rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office in the week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
As we approach the last few games of the season it is opportune to remind BUSA members that they will soon be receiving our traditional player / favourite player of the season voting slips. BUSA members will choose their "Player of the Year" while our Junior members will vote for their "Favourite Player of the Year." As in previous years the members of the BUSA Committee will also vote on who will receive the "BUSA Special Recognition" award to complete our usual three categories of awards.
At this moment in time we are in discussions with the club to continue the practice of presenting our awards on the pitch before the last home game of the season, a game scheduled for the 26 April with Hyde United providing the opposition. We should like to carry on with our practice of a BUSA member and a Junior member being drawn from those who voted for the winning players, to accompany representatives from the BUSA committee to present the respective awards, on the pitch, on the day.
Having worked extremely well with the new owners of the football club throughout the season we are very hopeful in we will be allowed to present our awards as in previous years.
Last but not least, the BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is Jacob Brook of Fishtoft. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Jacob and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
15/03/08 Burscough
We see a return to Blue Square North League action here at the Staffsmart Stadium this afternoon after three consecutive away trips for the Pilgrims. Burscough, who currently are a few positions above us in the table, provide our Lancashire opposition today in what is game five of our eight game run in the month of March.
In the reverse fixture back in September we lost the encounter by two goals to one in somewhat controversial circumstances. A Jon Stevenson strike on the hour opened the scoring only for slack marking and a soft penalty within a two minute spell see us go behind. However, deep into injury time, the ball fell to Ashley Nicholls who struck an “equaliser” to salvage a point from the trip only for the referee to blow the final whistle before the ball crossed the line. The “goal” being disallowed incensed fans and players alike, with John Froggatt receiving a red card for his part in the protests. Lets hope we can secure the points on offer today in a more comfortable fashion.
Since our last home game and therefore this column, our eighteen-year-old defender Michael Wood was named in the four man shortlist for the Blue Square North Player of the Month for February. Unfortunately for Woody he was not chosen but our congratulations go out to him for his efforts. As the gaffer says, he is surely one for the future.
BUSA was again pleased to assist at the recent Boston United sportsman’s dinner which was held at the Boston West Golf Centre. Ex Liverpool and Aston Villa striker and current Wales assistant manager Dean Saunders was the guest speaker. We have previously heard our Chairman and Vice Chairman tell us that Boston United is slowly becoming acknowledged again by the ruling bodies of our game after our somewhat chequered recent past. It was equally reassuring to note on the night how the same two people had made a similar impression on Dean for him to openly praise the commitment of those behind the club and wish the club all the best for the future at the opening of his speech. As a gesture of that new found support, and a couple of phone calls later, he arranged a package of match tickets and a signed shirt to be added to the auction. The package proved a popular one for those in attendance with package raising a very healthy sum for United.
Next Saturday we make the trip to Worcestershire with a game against Redditch United, a side which we defeated comfortably by three goals to nil earlier in the season. As ever BUSA will be to providing supporters with away coach travel at our standard rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office in the week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
On our Junior BUSA member front we have a new junior member who joined in time to receive his BUSA birthday card signed by the United squad but alas not for a mention in the relevant programme. So our belated best wishes and happy returns go out to Callum Day of Boston.
The BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is Ellie Doubleday of Spalding. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Ellie and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
01/03/08 Harrogate Town
The Pilgrims return to home action this afternoon after last Saturday’s long but lucrative trip to the North West, where an early Jon Rowan strike and some resolute defending ensured that all the three points on offer at Borough Park Workington came back to Bostonshire and the topic of “the play offs” remains an item for discussion.
We welcome to the Staffsmart Stadium the management, players and fans of our opponents today, Harrogate Town. In was back in August, only the second game of our season, when we made the mid week away trip to Harrogate. United fans were still on cloud nine that we had a club/team at the time which made the narrow 3 - 2 defeat easier to accept from a highly entertaining game. From that match onwards the Wetherby Road side have been at the right end of the Blue Square North league table, which puts our performance on the night into perspective and proves we should not have any doubt in our minds that we are capable of beating sides at the top end of the table.
Today is the first day of a very busy and crucial March fixture calendar for Boston United. We are scheduled to play eight games in the month with five of those being away from home. The commitment from BUSA to provide supporters with away coach travel to all away league fixtures will obviously continue for these games. Transport for the trips will be at our standard rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us to any of the forthcoming trips please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office in the week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
In order to cope with the strains of such a compact spell of fixtures it will not be a surprise if we see Tommy Taylor make some additions to his squad. At the time of writing these notes two strikers have joined the York Street ranks and BUSA would therefore like to formally welcome both Hakeem Araba and Micky Nuttell to the club. Hakeem has joined colleague Sam Gaughran on work experience from Peterborough United while Micky returns for his fourth spell in amber and black from Boston Town and, in the kindest way, needs no introduction!
On Thursday evening at Boston West Golf Centre the club will be holding another of its sportsman’s dinner. The speaker for the event is ex Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders. The auction planned for the evening will include some sought-after signed shirts from the Premiership, including William Gallas (Arsenal), Curtis Davies (Aston Villa) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United). Tables were sold out on a first come first served basis but lately a few odd seats have become available. Should you be interested in attending it could be worth checking with Craig Singleton at the club on (01205) 363264 if any such seats are still available.
On our Junior BUSA member front we have a number of juniors with birthdays that will occur before our next home game. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to Ryan Butler of Boston, Kieran Rollings of Boston, Matthew Kemp of Fakenham, Callum Houlden of Boston and Liam Swepstone of Holbeach St. Marks.
Finally, BUSA committee member and United stalwart Dick Killick is the BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today. Dick was out of the country at the time of the draw so could not be charged with influencing the result although we did have an internal enquiry! We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Dick and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
16/02/08 Solihull Moors
Good afternoon to all United fans for this afternoon’s Blue Square North fixture against Solihull Moors. Our opponents are a newly created club formed from the amalgamation in 2007 of established clubs Solihull Borough and Moor Green. In the reverse fixture in October we registered our first away win of the season with a goal from Paul Ellender and two from Lee Thompson cancelling out a home strike from Jason Moore.
In this column we have previously mentioned the part fans can play in making ourselves heard to support the lads and put pressure on our opponents, particularly from the point that some visitors to Boston are only used to playing in front of small crowds. Today is again such an example, so lets get behind the lads like we did last Saturday against high flying AFC Telford United and help secure another home victory.
As fans are aware, the playing surface here at York Street has received many complimentary comments this season which is primarily down to the hard word and expertise of ground staff Nobby Croston and James Portas. BUSA is very proud in being associated with the work required in maintaining such a surface and was pleased to hand over a cheque for £750 to contribute towards the cost of aeration and verti-draining works prior to the game last Saturday.
BUSA was formed to “Raise Funds and Support Boston United” and we see this contribution as another example of our ongoing commitment. However, we cannot continue to give such assistance without the help of our members and United fans. So, please support our initiatives when you can so that we are able to help you, help us help the club.
Next Saturday the Pilgrims are away from home in Blue Square North with a long trip to the North West for a game at Workington Town. BUSA will be providing transport for the trip at our usual rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us to Workington please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office in the week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
Before returning to action back here at the Staffsmart Stadium Boston United will be holding a fans’ forum on Wednesday February 27 in the Sports Bar with a 7.30pm start. Everyone who attends we are sure will have the opportunity to listen/question chairman David Newton, vice-chairman Neil Kempster, manager Tommy Taylor and we understand other staff members of the club as well. We are sure the evening will be an interesting and informative one and would encourage all fans to attend.
On the Junior BUSA members front we have one belated birthday to mention, Rob Morey of Tumby Woodside and one, Joe Ashton of Freiston, who has a birthday before our next home game. Our best wishes and many happy returns go to you both.
Last but not least, Jane Faulkner of Swineshead is the BUSA member using our pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Jane and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
09/02/08 AFC Telford
After two away games culminating in a win and a loss, the Pilgrims return to action this afternoon at the Staffsmart Stadium with a home game against AFC Telford.
We often mention the part fans can play in making ourselves heard to support the lads and put pressure on our opponents, particularly from the point that some visitors to Boston are used to playing in front of small crowds. Albeit from a different perspective it is as important today that we do get behind the lads, because it could well be that we will see the most away fans here at the Staffsmart than we have seen so far this season. We must make sure therefore we are heard.
On 24 January 2008 BUSA held an “Evening with Graham Bean” at Blackfriars Art Centre. Blackfriars is a community cause predominantly run by volunteers so BUSA was pleased to be able to use the facilities especially as the aspiration of Boston United is to progress on a community club basis. The evening was the first such event BUSA has organised and we were looking to learn from the experience as well as raise some funds.
The evening was not meant merely as a fundraiser, but also a chance to give supporters the opportunity to hear the views of Graham Bean on what happened at the club, other football stories and his insight into the beautiful game he describes as a “multi million pound cottage industry”. Many interesting stories came out as part of the evening such as Boston's role in a Jerzy Dudek sending-off appeal, the outcome of the Boston enquiry being a major reason why he left the FA, how defending Darren Ferguson gave him the chance to subsequently represent Manchester United and dad Sir Alex.
Although attendance was a little disappointing the general feedback received from those who attended was extremely positive. We will live and learn from our events and look forward to hosting more in the future. On a practical note we were well aware that our break even figure was comparatively low so a nice tidy sum was in fact made from the evening.
The following Thursday (31st) our Chairman attended a meeting of the Supporters Trust as an invited guest in the first of what is hoped to be the start of many joint/complementary initiatives of the two parties. Although the parties have differing objectives our Chairman did notice the similarities of not only the make up of the committees but also that of the business conducted.
In the last couple of weeks we have seen some movement from the club player wise with David Galbraith and Lee Crocket leaving to pastures new. Midfielder Galbraith has left United to join Blue Square North table-toppers Kettering Town to resume a full time career in the game, whilst young keeper Lee Crockett also left the club to pursue his career elsewhere. At the time of compiling these notes Corby Town are the club expected to gain Lee’s signature. BUSA would like to express our thanks to David and Lee for their work at Boston United and wish them well for the future.
Next Tuesday evening The Pilgrims are away from home in Blue Square North with a game at Blyth Spartens. BUSA will be providing transport for the trip at our usual rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you wish to travel with us to Blyth please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office early next week, or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
On the Junior BUSA members front we have just one birthday to mention - best wishes and many happy returns to Adam Spivey of Gedney.
Finally, the BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is being used by BUSA Member Scott Sharpe. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Scott and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
16/01/08 Nuneaton Borough
Good afternoon and welcome to the “Staffsmart Stadium” for our match against Nuneaton Borough in the Blue Square North League. Our rivals today lie just outside the play off places so a victory would certainly help bring us closer to the sides currently in those coveted spots.
At the time of writing these notes we are unsure whether a legend is to return to Boston. We are all lead to believe it is a matter of when and not if Mr Paul Bastock returns, so fingers crossed that the situation is resolved - or has it been already! Whatever the outcome we are sure to have a different keeper between the sticks to hopefully continue our three game winning run now previous incumbent Curtis Aspen has completed his loan spell from Hull City.
Next Thursday evening (24 January) with a 7.30pm start, BUSA will be hosting our “Evening with Graham Bean” at Blackfriars Art Centre. As you are probably well aware Graham is a character who will be forever linked in the history of our club and is coming back to Boston to host an evening of questions, answers and anecdotes from his career that has spanned from the beat in Barnsley to representing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Graham will be including in his show answers to as many pre-submitted questions as he is able so, please submit any questions you wish to be considered to any BUSA committee member or on line to our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk as soon as possible.
Every Matchday Programme for the game today will include a “brown envelope” containing a flyer giving details of the evening’s event. Two of those envelopes will also include a pair of free tickets for the production and five more envelopes will include a voucher for a free drink to be used at Blackfriars on the night. Our grateful thanks goes out to Boston United Football Club for their assistance in this initiative and to Chris Cook for kindly producing the flyers for BUSA.
Tickets for the evening are available from Blackfriars box office on 01205 363108 at £15 each. BUSA can reveal that to make it easier to attend we have now arranged with Blackfriars that admission can be made on the night. May we remind BUSA Members that you will be charged the full amount for the evening but please remember we have made provision for all BUSA members who do attend to receive a free drink from the bar on the night, on production of their current membership card.
Another option for fans wishing to attend is the availability of an “Executive Box” for four people for the event. The box is advertised on the E-Bay auction site with a closure scheduled for 21 January, so why not get together and get your bids in.
BUSA was formed to raise funds and support Boston Unites so as ever all profits from this event will be used in this way, so please come along, enjoy the evening, support our event and help us, help you support our club.
For the next two Saturdays The Pilgrims will away from home with games at Hinckley and Hyde United. BUSA will be providing transport for the trips at our usual rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Should you be wishing to travel with us please book your seat as soon as practical in the Sports Bar after the game, at the club office during the week or through the club website www.bufc.co.uk
The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is being used by BUSA Member John Collins of Heckington. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day John and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
On the Junior BUSA front we have a number of members with birthdays to mention. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to James Wood and Joseph Harrison of Boston, Kimberley Ashton and Karl Mumby of Wrangle, Thomas Swain of Leverton , Victoria Boyall of Timberland and Will Hutson of Sibsey.
Enjoy the game.
05/01/08 Leigh RMI
This afternoon we welcome the management, players and fans of today’s opponents Leigh RMI. Leigh are one of those few clubs with an unusual suffix to their name rather than the more common United, City or the like. RMI stands for “Railway Mechanics Institute” a reference to previous connections with the railway industry.
In this column we have already spoken of the part the fans can play in making ourselves heard to support the lads and put pressure on our opponents, particularly from the point that some visitors to Boston are used to playing in front of small crowds. The situation arises again today with Leigh RMI who usually play in front of a home crowd of less than 200 and, according to their website, have never this season faced an attendance, home or away, we are likely to have today.
So, you know what to do, replicate the excellent support given to help secure the 3-1 win at Gainsborough on New Years Day, make some noise, get behind the lads and again do your bit towards helping gain the three Blue Square North League points on offer and help move us closer towards those sought after play off positions.
After the victory over Alfreton last Saturday, in which 17 year old youth team defender Michael Wood completed a commendable debut, full-back Adam Smith returned to Peterborough United after a successful 17 game three-month loan spell at the Staffsmart Stadium. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Adam well and who knows, our paths may well cross again in the future.
On Thursday 24 January with a 7.30pm start, BUSA will be hosting an “Evening with Graham Bean” at Blackfriars Art Centre. Graham is a character who will be forever linked in the history of our club and is coming back to Boston to host an evening of questions, answers and anecdotes from his career that has spanned from the beat in Barnsley to representing one of the biggest clubs in the world. Tickets are now available from Blackfriars box office on 01205 363108 at £15 each. More details can be found on the “Live Events” section of the Blackfriars website, www. blackfriars.uk.com
As ticketing for the event is being arranged through Blackfriars directly, concessions cannot be accommodated so although BUSA members will initially be charged the full amount we have made provision for all BUSA members who do attend to receive a free drink from the bar on the night, on production of their current membership card.
Graham will be including in his show answers to as many pre-submitted questions as he is able so, please submit any questions you wish to be considered to any BUSA committee member or on line to our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk as soon as possible.
On the Junior BUSA members front we have a number with birthdays occurring before our next scheduled home game. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to James Wood of Boston, Thomas Swain of Leverton and Will Hutson of Sibsey
The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is being used by BUSA Member Leigh Walden. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by. Earlier in the season, United let slip a 2-0 half time advantage at Leigh RMI to eventually draw 2-2. Let’s hope we can go one better and secure victory and make sure the three Blue square North points on offer remain in Bostonshire.
Enjoy the game.
29/12/07 - Alfreton Town
After being without a home league fixture at the Staffsmart Stadium for some three and a half weeks and seeing Christmas come and go, we are here again only three days after our Boxing day encounter with Gainsborough Trinity, welcoming the management, players and fans of our opponents Alfreton Town for today’s Blue Square North encounter - let’s hope that the Pilgrims can take the three valuable points on offer.
The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge for the game here at York Street today is being used by BUSA Member Sue Hooten. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Sue and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by. Earlier in the season, Alfreton came out 2 - 1 winners in the reverse fixture when United visited our Derbyshire rivals, so let’s hope we can make amends for the outcome of that August encounter.
Christmas period deadlines imposed by the Programme Editor have restricted the scope for BUSA news items, but we can confirm a couple of significant pieces of news. The first is to report that constructive dialogue between BUSA and the Supporters Trust has taken place and looks like taking place on a more regular basis. The Trust has relatively recently established a working board with officers voted into official positions which we at BUSA believe will not only establish the Trust on a firm footing but also make communications between the two parties much easier. The Chairmen of both parties have had a couple of informal discussions which have already resulted in the BUSA Chairman being invited by his counterpart to attend the regular Supporters Trust meetings, an invitation that our Chairman, supported by the BUSA Committee was pleased to accept. At the time of writing these notes no such “official” meeting had taken place but we are sure it will only be a matter of time.
The second news item is on the social side in that it will not be long now until we hold our “Evening with Graham Bean” at Blackfriars Art Centre. Graham is a character who will be forever linked in the history of our club and is coming back to Boston to host an evening of questions, answers and anecdotes from his career that has spanned from the beat in Barnsley to representing one of the biggest clubs in the world. With a 7.30pm start on 24 January 2008, tickets are now available from Blackfriars at £15 each. As ticketing for the event is being arranged through Blackfriars directly, concessions cannot be accommodated so BUSA members have to be charged the full amount. We have however made provision for all BUSA members who do attend to receive a free drink from the bar on the night, on production of their current membership card.
On the Junior BUSA members front we have a number with birthdays to mention. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to William Bateman of Spilsby, Ben Appleyard of New Bollingbrooke, Ryan Overton of Wrangle and Jay Auty of Boston.
Last but by no means least, as with all other league away fixtures BUSA will be providing coach travel to the New Years Day derby game at Gainborough Trinity. Should you be considering travelling by coach please check at the BUSA table in the Sportsbar either before or after todays game to see if seats are still available and to make booking transport easier for our travel coordinators.
Enjoy the game.
26/12/07 - Gainsborough Trinity
A warm Boxing Day welcome to everyone for The Pilgrims Blue Square North fixture today against Lincolnshire rivals Gainsborough Trinity. We trust everyone had a good Christmas Day and is looking forward to working off any over indulgences by supporting the Pilgrims to victory this afternoon.
On Friday 14 December BUSA held its annual Christmas Party for Junior Boston United fans. The evening got underway with some party games before a tour of the dressing area on the way to Santa’s Grotto to meet Santa and his special helpers for the day - players Mbiyeye Medine and Kieran Leabon.
Each Junior left the grotto with a present from Santa, a cuddly toy and tickets to future United games. The evening continued with a party tea and more games before concluding with some music to dance to. The party was once again hugely successful and BUSA would like to thank the following people for their contributions in achieving this - Mick Small for the cuddly toys, Paragon Labels for the match tickets, Andy Dunmore for the use of the Sports Bar and last but not least Boston United for opening up the ground, helping with arrangements and providing players.
In the lead up to this fixture BUSA is again pleased to have been able to assist the club by contributing towards the cost of essential drainage works that have been carried out to the pitch prior to the fixture today. Assisting in the production of a decent playing surface will not only help the players on match days, but also help towards the pitch recovering quicker from usage - not mentioning how awful a game can be for fans to watch if it is played on a poor surface.
In addition to this current contribution, BUSA has also recently supported a number of other causes, namely - having previously bought a line marking machine for the ground staff we have funded a string line drum to complement it and improve the job even more and have sponsored both the Club chairman, David Newton and the Supporters Trust Chairman, Mel Moxon in the recently held Santa Fun Run.
The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge here at York Street today is being used by BUSA Member Matthew Holland. We hope you and your guest enjoy your day Matthew and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Last but by no means least, we have a number of Junior BUSA members with birthdays to mention. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to Stephen Smith, Tom Appleyard, Jack Lawrence, William Flinders, Charlotte Richardson, Ruth Singleton, Jamie Simmons, Joseph Flint, Alexander Stanwell, Steven Wilson and Chloe Miles.
Enjoy the game.
01/12/07 - Southport
A good afternoon and a warm Bostonshire welcome goes out to the fans, management and players of today’s opponents, Southport. As you are probably well aware, Southport have two former Pilgrims, Chris Holland and Matt Hocking, in their ranks. We are sure United fans will welcome them both appreciatively back to the Staffsmart, whilst hoping they do not enjoy the visit on the pitch too much and go home empty handed points wise!
Next Saturday The Pilgrims are on the road again with a trip to Vauxhall Motors. As the next scheduled Blue Square North game after that is again away from home, at Barrow on 22 December, unless a home fixture is rearranged for our blank Saturday (15 December) it means that today will be our last home match before Christmas!
As ever BUSA will be running coaches to these away games with our usual seat rates of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. May we remind you that you can book seats at our table in the Sportsbar after the game, at the club office in the week or online at www.bufc.co.uk
As our members should now have received a copy of our November Newsletter we can now make a couple of BUSA initiatives known to the wider Pilgrim fans. On Friday 14 December we will be holding our Christmas Party in the Sports Bar for our Junior United fans. The evening promises to be lots of fun, with party games and food and a visit from Santa with some special helpers. Tickets are just £3 and having been available to BUSA Junior Members only until today are now on open sale to all Junior fans. Parents or guardians of juniors wishing to attend should contact any of the BUSA committee to reserve tickets as soon as possible.
On 24th January 2008 BUSA is pleased to announce that we will be holding “An Evening with Graham Bean” at Blackfriars Art Centre. Graham is a character who will be forever linked in the history of our club and is coming back to Boston to host an evening of questions, answers and anecdotes from his career that has spanned from the beat in Barnsley to representing one of the biggest clubs in the world. More details will follow in this column and the local press in due course but in the meantime we can say that Tickets are available from Blackfriars at £15 each, with BUSA members receiving a free drink from the bar on the night, on production of their current membership card.
Last week BUSA representatives provided help to the club by way of assisting at the Sportsmans Dinner held at Boston West Golf Club. Ex Leeds United and Scotland legend Eddie Gray was the guest speaker and an enjoyable evening was had by all, but more importantly much needed funds were raised for the club.
BUSA also recently attended an evening hosted by Community Lincs to find out about a scheme known as Building Bridges. The purpose of the scheme is to help build bridges between local residents and those people who are new to both the country and the community. The scheme is looking for volunteers who may be able to offer just a couple of hours per month to attend a session to help teach English in a non classroom situation and assist people into settling into the community.
…. And the link to Boston United?? Quite simple, if people begin to feel like they are part of the community and are able to forge relationships with Boston United supporters, then they begin to have a common factor - The Pilgrims. On being made aware of the scheme by BUSA David Newton & Neil Kempster pledged as much help from the club as practical. They see the scheme as having benefit to both the community as a whole but also to that of the football club in the form of potential new supporters and therefore increased numbers through the turnstiles on a match day.
In the first session held, it was later explained that the giggles that echoed round the room were due to the fact that “BUSA” is Russian for “kiss”!
If you feel that you would like to be part of this, please contact BUSA Secretary, Pauline Chapman for further details.
Finally the BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge here at York Street is being used today by BUSA member Michael Faulkner of Quadring Euadyke near Spalding and his guest. We hope you enjoy your day Michael and the lads produce a performance and a result to remember it by.
Enjoy the game.
14/11/07 - Hucknall Town
This evening we welcome the management, players and fans of our Nottinghamshire opponents Hucknall Town. In this column last Saturday we spoke of the part we the fans, could play in making ourselves heard to support the lads and put pressure on our opponents, from the point that the Boston visitors that day were used to playing in front of crowds of only a couple of hundred.
Tonight the situation is very similar, while on Saturday some 1460 plus United fans cheered the lads on to a resounding victory, Hucknall were being held to a home draw in front of a crowd totalling 337. You know what to do, make some noise, get behind the lads and do your bit towards helping gain the three Blue Square North League points on offer which would move us closer towards those sought after play off positions.
In the next few days our final Newsletter of 2007 will be on the way to our BUSA members. The Newsletter is the usual interesting combination of information, articles, quizzes and notification of forthcoming BUSA events. Once our members have received there copies the Newsletter will then be placed on our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk and copies made available at our table in the Sportsbar for the December 1st Southport game. Our thanks go out to BUSA Vice Chairman Pat Everitt for producing another fine edition.
On Saturday The Pilgrims are on the road again with a trip to Stalybridge Celtic. The coach departs York Street at 10am with a stop for a leisurely lunch planned en-route. The following Saturday (24 November) we have an F.A.Trophy tie away in the North East at Gateshead. Providing there is enough support from people wishing to travel, BUSA will run a coach to the game. As ever, to help us with planning, if you intend to travel on these or any other of our trips we organise please book as early as you are able. Our usual seat prices are £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. You can book at our table in the Sportsbar after the game, in the week at the club offices or online on the United website www.bufc.co.uk
The BUSA pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge here at York Street is being used today by BUSA member Maurice Gross of Sutterton and his guest We hope you enjoy your evening Maurice and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Concluding, we have a number of our Junior BUSA members with birthdays in the next couple of weeks. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to Craig Dodd, Mason Walmsley and Nathan Miles of Boston, Jacob Brook of Fishtoft and Lewis Cammack of Ruskington
Enjoy the game.
10/11/07 - Vauxhall Motors
No, you do not have to pinch yourself, we are here at the Staffsmart Stadium to see United play a home game! It is some 5 weeks since a home Blue Square North fixture and a day short of 4 weeks since the last game here.
Today we welcome the management, players and fans of our opponents from Cheshire, Vauxhall Motors. As a team used to playing in front of a home crowd of only around 200, the 1400 or so Pilgrim fans here today will have an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how making ourselves heard should play a significant part in our team taking all of the three points on offer this afternoon.
Ironically, having had some 5 away games in a row before today, we quickly have another home game when next Wednesday Hucknall Town visit Boston. However, it is then back on the road with a league fixture at Stalybridge Celtic on 17 November. BUSA will continue with our commitment to provide transport to all away league ties and would anyone who wants to travel but has not booked onto the Stalybridge trip please do so as soon as possible. Seats are available at the usual cost of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Please book at our table in the Sportsbar after the game, in the week at the club offices or online on the United website, www.bufc.co.uk. The following Saturday, 24 November (subject to confirmation) United have a F.A.Trophy tie away in the North East at Gateshead. On the proviso that there is enough support from people wishing to travel, BUSA will run a coach to the game. Again, to help us with planning, if you intend to travel please book as early as possible.
On Wednesday 24 October BUSA had a busy day with representatives meeting with Club Chairman and Vice Chairman David Newton and Neil Kempster in the afternoon and holding a committee meeting in the evening. We discussed a number of issues with David and Neil and look forward to their fruition in due course. Members will be able to read more details in the latest, soon to be released, BUSA Newsletter.
As we have done in previous seasons, BUSA has again purchased a pass to the Vice Presidents Lounge here at York Street. A draw amongst BUSA members is carried out for the use of the pass on a match day. The pass entitles the winner and a friend of his or her choice to use the facilities of the lounge before and after the game. BUSA Member Richard Daubney will be using the pass today and we hope you enjoy your day Richard and the lads produce a performance and result to remember it by.
Last but by no means least, we have some Junior BUSA members with birthdays to mention. Our best wishes and many happy returns therefore go out to Blake Garwell, David Waters, Callum Worth and Ben Jacklin all of Boston, Sam Appleyard of New Bollingbrooke and Sam Gostelow of Louth.
Enjoy the game.
14/10/07 - Hinckley United
We welcome the management, players and fans of Hinckley United to the Staffsmart Stadium for the second time this season for today’s FA Cup 3rd qualifying round tie. In the 2nd qualifying round both clubs had similar results with Hinckley beating Grantham 4 - 2 whilst the Pilgrims defeated Buxton 4 - 1. When the two clubs met in the league back in August a Jon Stevenson goal for Hinckley cancelled out a Jon Froggatt header resulting in a share of the spoils. The form book therefore would lead us to believe we may see a close encounter this afternoon, but hopefully home advantage should see us through.
It will be interesting to see what affect the moving of the game to a Sunday afternoon will have on the attendance.
The “magic of the cup”, the novelty of the kick off time or the availability of spectators who usually participate in sport themselves all could make a contribution. Football at Sunday afternoon teatime - will Dunmores be providing cucumber sandwiches - Who knows?
On closer examination of the fixture list, our committee at its recent meeting decided that to have a social event during half term week in October as planned would probably not be that good timing. In this respect we are putting the event back a couple of weeks with a tentative date of Friday 9th November for our “Family Fun Night”. Once we are aware that all parties involved can accommodate the date change we will confirm details in the usual places, the Sports Bar, this column in the Matchday programme, the Club offices and our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk.
At the same BUSA meeting the date was set for the popular BUSA Childrens Xmas Party. It will take place in The Sportsbar on Friday 14 December. If previous years are anything to go by the event will be great success. Details, ticket availability and prices are still being considered and will be advertised in due course. Watch this space.
We return to Blue Square North action next Saturday (October 20th) with an away trip to Solihull Moors followed quickly by a trip on Tuesday October 23rd to Nuneaton Borough. BUSA will be running coaches to both games at the usual cost of £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members. Please book at our table in the Sportsbar after the game, in the week at the club offices or online on the United website, www.bufc.co.uk. On Monday 29 October United face another away trip this time to Kettering Town in the next round of the Setanta Shield. Providing there is enough support from people wishing to travel, BUSA will run a coach to the game. BUSA is hopeful that enough interest is shown and we will be able to price seats as if it was a league game. Again, to help us with planning, if you intend to travel please book as early as possible.
Finally, forthcoming Junior BUSA birthdays are Daniel Ashton of Boston and Brandon Norman of Kirton. Many happy returns and best wishes to you both.
Enjoy the game.
06/10/07 - Worcester City
Good afternoon and welcome to the “Staffsmart Stadium” for our match against Worcester City in the Blue Square North League. Our Worcestershire rivals lie two points and just one position below us in the table. A victory today will not only move us further away from our visitors but hopefully improve our league position.
The signed shirt raffle returns today after an FA Cup break last week. BUSA representatives will be selling tickets in the Sports Bar and both in and outside the ground before kick off. With sales limited to a maximum of 150 tickets your £1 investment does stand a reasonable chance of success, but rest assured, if you are not the lucky winner your £1 will be put to good use by BUSA in its role of “raising funds and supporting Boston United.”
Continuing our working relationship with local businesses BUSA is pleased that benefits to BUSA members at The Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex and Creations Health Club are to continue this season. Junior members (under 10) can enjoy swimming at just £1.10 while adult members benefit from Creations health club membership of £25.75 per month compared with the regular rate of £34.00 (terms and conditions apply). Discounts are available only upon the production of a current BUSA membership card and our thanks go out to manager Dave Horry and his staff at the complex for their continued support. With benefits also available from Chris Cook Printshop and the United club shop, joining BUSA at just £10 for adults and £5 for Juniors does make sense, so why not join and help us, help you help the club.
For any parent contemplating enrolling their offspring as a Junior BUSA Member it is worth considering the option of becoming a mini-pilgrim instead. The Mini Pilgrims package is for under 10s includes and for £10 includes free entry to every home league match (when accompanied with a paying adult), Junior photo membership of BUSA, a birthday card and Christmas card signed by United players, 10% discount on club merchandise, newsletter, 10% discount on a season ticket, signed replica shirt on your 10th birthday and all the other benefits of belonging to BUSA. Application forms are available from the York Street ticket office.
At our recent BUSA committee meeting it was agreed to organise a “Family Fun Night” for BUSA members and guests during the October half term week. The exact details of the evening are still being planned but are likely to include a quiz, tombola, raffle, play your cards right and a session or two “Freds Family Bingo” usually only safely performed in the confines of a coach on an away trip! In keeping with the evening the quiz will not be to taxing and suitable for all age groups. Please keep an eye out for more details in the usual places, the Sports Bar, this column in the Matchday programme, the Club offices and our website www.unitedforyou.co.uk
Last but not least Junior BUSA member Nick Appleyard of Stickney has a birthday tomorrow. So our best wishes and many happy returns go out to you Nick.
Enjoy the Game.
29/09/07 - Buxton
With a break away from Blue Square North League action, today we can start the dream of going on a long and coveted F.A. Cup run, which would not only bring in much needed additional income for the club along the way, but would also allow us fans to enjoy the traditional anticipation of the draw for future opponents after a previous round victory - hoping for at least “a home draw”. Many other clichés can and will be used by numerous parties over the remaining parts of the competition, but you can guarantee that “being drawn at home” will be the most used quote until the semi-finalists are known. Let’s hope that the Pilgrims can stay in the competition as long as possible. As supporters we do have a part to play in this - we need to get behind the lads from the moment the referee blows his whistle and continue by being the famous twelfth man until the final whistle.
This afternoon we welcome the management, players and fans of Buxton F.C. to the Staffsmart Stadium. Buxton compete in the Unibond Premier League and at the time of writing these notes lie 17th in the table with 8 points from 8 games. Last Saturday they lost narrowly (3-2) at our near neighbours Stamford and while the Pilgrims had a free mid-week “The Bucks” had a local derby against Leek Town to overcome on Tuesday night. United striker Jon Froggatt was once on the playing staff at The Silverlands.
Next Tuesday evening the 2nd October The Pilgrims are away at Gainsborough in the Setanta Shield. Although the trip to Gainsborough is a cup encounter and as such not part of our league travel arrangements with Sleafordian coaches, BUSA is still looking to provide transport to the game, should there be sufficient demand. Prices will be set on the basis of the more who travel the cheaper it will be, so if you haven‘t booked and are considering the trip please call into the Sports Bar after the game and see Jan or Sandra at the BUSA table for availability.
BUSA membership for 2007/2008 is building up very nicely, our membership cards have now been received from the printers and are being distributed. In previous years, amongst other BUSA benefits, Junior BUSA members also received birthday and Christmas cards signed by the United squad. In a conversation we recently had with United boss Tommy Taylor he confirmed that he was more than happy for this practice to continue. The first batch of birthday cards for this season were then duly dispatched to the club for signing and we are hopeful for their return in time for distribution prior to our first birthdays.
The first of our Junior members with birthdays to mention are on September 26th Daniel Harrison of Boston and September 27th Jordan Massam of Kirton. Many happy returns and best wishes to you both.
Enjoy the game.
19/09/07 - Tamworth
Good evening and welcome to the Staffsmart Stadium for our first home evening fixture of the season. Our opponents tonight are old adversaries Tamworth who were held to a goalless draw on Saturday by Barrow. Having recently beaten Barrow here at Boston and then produced a sound performance to comfortably deal with Redditch a few days ago, let’s hope the Pilgrim’s recent form book holds up and that they also secure the three points on offer this evening.
Although to a tight deadline (due to a slight club ownership situation!) BUSA managed to agree a deal with Sleafordian coaches to continue providing our away travel service and we are delighted that we have been able to keep prices the same as last season, being £13 for members, £10 for junior members and £16 for non-members to all away league fixtures. When compared to other travel clubs these prices represents great value for money and by keeping all journey costs the same, our travellers can be safe in the knowledge that the price to all league matches will not change and that they can budget accordingly.
We take our travel responsibilities very seriously and both of our travel co-ordinators have been CRB checked. Additionally, the Lincolnshire Police 2006 - 07 End of Season report for Boston United, which was reported to the Club’s Safety Advisory Group stated that “Thanks should be passed to BUSA for their continued support and assistance relating to the fans of Boston United, their help, especially with away travel, has resulted in the travelling support being recognised by other clubs as being one of the best in the league”
Take up of travel has already improved on last season, so our thanks go out to those travellers, old and new, who use are already using the service. However we are always keen to encourage and welcome new travellers so why not give it a try. We use luxury coaches and have a number of entertainment items on board to while away the miles. Seats can be booked in the Sports Bar before and after every home game, at the club offices in the week or on line at www. bufc.co.uk. Remember, if you become a regular traveller it makes sense to become a BUSA member, as well as other benefits, you will save £3 on every league trip you make.
For our Setanta Shield tie on Tuesday 2nd October away at Gainsborough Trinity we are looking to provide transport to the game, should there be demand. So, if you are considering travelling please add your name to the list. We will then assess demand and act accordingly on the basis that the more who travel the cheaper it will be!
Due to its popularity in previous years, BUSA has now purchased a pass for the Vice Presidents Lounge. Shortly all current BUSA member will be entered into a draw for the use of the pass on a United home game. The pass allows the winner and a guest use of the Lounge before and after a fixture. The Vice Presidents Lounge is where players, sponsors and special guests mingle and it is the location for all the post match presentations. We will make a draw for all home games up to early January so if you haven’t joined BUSA yet, what are you waiting for! The second draw for the remaining home games will take place over the Xmas period.
Also again proving popular is our “signed shirt raffle”. With no squad numbers used in Blue Square North our weekly raffle is more personalised this year as the winner can choose the player of his/her choice to sign a home shirt. The draw is made at half time of each game with the winner presented with their shirt on the pitch at the following home game wherever possible. With tickets limited to 150 per draw the odds of winning are not too remote. Please support this initiative to help us to help you to help the club.
Enjoy the game.
15/09/07 - Redditch
Good afternoon and welcome to the "Staffsmart Stadium" for our match against Redditch United in the Blue Square North League. Currently our Worcestershire rivals lie just above us the table but a victory today will see the roles reversed.
With seven games of the season completed by the "resurrected" Pilgrims we are now beginning to get an indication of how we are going to fair in our new league surroundings. With football being the great discussion forum it is, the indications are always subject to the interpretation of fans. To our knowledge our performances have been accompanied with comments ranging from "we are lucky to have a club so results are secondary at the moment" through to "we should be dominating this league"! Let's hope before long the comments can become consist