And he reckons it will be the defence Boston United will be bolstering.

Hurst has been in negotiations with a number of unnamed players this week, despite being on holiday in Greece. And he hopes he can name a few more names as soon as possible.

"The phones been busy again this week and I've been speaking to lots of players," Hurst told The Standard.

"There are players who are keen to sign for Boston United. We've got to make sure they can play the way we want them to.

"Hopefully, we could have one or two signed up next week. The players in question are more defensive players."

Hurst and fellow boss Rob Scott wanted a complete overhaul of the squad which fought off relegation from the UniBond Premier on the final day of last season.

Only Adam Millson, Aaron Butcher and Liam Parker remained at York Street.

Midfielder Mark Camm, full back James Cullingworth and strikers Marc Newsham and Jamie Clarke have since been snapped up. But Hurst is not worried the club has just seven players on the books.

He added: "There's still a long time to go and Rob and myself are still talking to a lot of players.

"The longer the summer lasts the less demanding players are.

"There are also a lot of players we'd like to look at and so we have invited some down to start training with us.

"We're glad many of them have said 'yes'. But that's what you'd expect for a club like Boston United – people should want to play here."

"And it's the nature of non-league football that players don't often get paid in the summer months, so many are happy to wait and try to get a place here."

The seven players United currently have on their books, with the exception of Butcher, are, Hurst believes, adaptable players able to turn out in a number of different positions.

This, the joint boss believes, is vital for success and can also help cultivate a happier team spirit.

"The players we have signed are all capable of playing in different positions," he added.

"Marc Newsham, who we had at Ilkeston last year and I knew from Rotherham, is a good striker, but he can also play on the right. It's the same with Liam Parker, James Cullingworth and Mark Camm.

"We're not going to have a squad of 25 to choose from. And if we started picking up a lot of injuries and only had players who could play in one position we'd be in trouble."

But Hurst also believes a utility squad is a happy squad.

He added: "When I was a player I'd rather have played out of position than be sat on the bench. I hope it's the same for these players.

"Not everyone will be happy all the time as there are always going to be players left out, but this gives them better options for playing."

BOSTON United's Centre of Excellence is holding trails for youngsters hoping to break into the Pilgrims ranks.

Trials for the under 10s, 11s, 12s and 13s will be on Saturday at York Street (9.30am) while the under 14s, 15s and 16s will have their opportunity a week later (July 4).

Hopefuls should register their details by emailing youth@ bufc.co.uk