Boston United: A Historical Overview

Introduction

Boston United is a professional football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. The club was founded in 1933 and currently competes in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. Boston United has a rich history, having won the FA Trophy twice and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1957.

History

Pre-War Years

Boston United Football Club was founded on 26 May 1933 by a group of local businessmen. The club's first match was a friendly against Grantham Town, which they won 2-1. In 1935, Boston United joined the Midland League, where they played for the next 12 seasons.

Post-War Years

After the Second World War, Boston United joined the Football League, where they played for the next 11 seasons. In 1957, the club reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they lost to Aston Villa. This remains Boston United's best run in the competition.

Decline and Revival

In the 1960s, Boston United began to decline, and in 1970 they were relegated to the Fourth Division. The club remained in the Fourth Division until 1984, when they were relegated to the Football Conference.

In 2002, Boston United returned to the Football League, but they were relegated again in 2007. The club then suffered financial problems and entered administration in 2009. However, Boston United was rescued by a group of local businessmen and returned to playing in the Football Conference.

Recent Years

In 2013, Boston United moved to a new stadium, the Jakemans Stadium. The club has since achieved promotion to the National League North, where they currently compete.

Stadium

Boston United's home stadium is the Jakemans Stadium, which has a capacity of 5,385. The stadium was opened in 2013 and replaced the club's previous home ground, York Street.

Supporters

Boston United has a loyal and passionate fan base. The club's supporters are known as the "Pilgrims". Boston United has a number of supporters' clubs around the world, including the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Honours

• FA Trophy: 1985, 2002
• Lincolnshire Senior Cup: 1949, 1950, 1954, 1961, 1964, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2000, 2017

Notable Players

Boston United has had a number of notable players over the years, including:

• Sir Bobby Charlton: England legend who played for Boston United in the 1950s.
• Denis Law: Scotland legend who played for Boston United in the 1950s.
• George Eastham: England international who played for Boston United in the 1960s.
• John McGovern: England international who played for Boston United in the 1970s.
• Peter Beardsley: England international who played for Boston United in the 1980s.

Club Records

• Most appearances: John Martin (578)
• Most goals: Paul Mitchell (152)
• Biggest win: 9-0 against Grantham Town in 1955
• Biggest defeat: 11-2 against Notts County in 1956

Trivia

• Boston United is the only club to have won the FA Trophy twice.
• Boston United is the only club to have played in all four divisions of the Football League.
• Boston United is the only club to have been relegated from the Football League twice.
• Boston United is the only club to have entered administration twice.
• Boston United is the only club to have moved stadium twice in the last 10 years.

Conclusion

Boston United is a historic club with a loyal and passionate fan base. The club has had its ups and downs over the years, but it has always managed to bounce back. Boston United is a true example of the resilience of the English football club.

Tables

Boston United's League Record