Craig Elliott says the buzz is back at Boston United as Pilgrims target promotion push

Squad happy to return after lockdown...
There's a buzz in the United camp. Photo: Eric BrownThere's a buzz in the United camp. Photo: Eric Brown
There's a buzz in the United camp. Photo: Eric Brown

A buzz returned to the Boston United camp when it was revealed the play-offs were back on, according to manager Craig Elliott.

The Pilgrims boss told The Standard that the squad are itching to return to action... but confesses he can’t guess which team will be celebrating promotion.

He said: “The lads were buzzing when I announced it looks like play-offs are back on. It’s football and we all love it.

“It’s what we do and for football to be back means a lot of excitement.

“You want the chance on the pitch to earn something and that’s hopefully what the teams will have the chance to do.

“The adrenaline’s been pumping and that competitive edge has come back. You start 24/7 again, thinking about what’s needed to win games of football.”

With non-league football suspended since March, all form is out the window.

While desperate to compete, Elliott says he wouldn’t like to guess how individual squad will gel as they take to the pitch again.

“I’ve not idea,” he said.

“There’s a lot of things I’m trying to digest. It’s never happened before, its unique.

“The big thing now is which team can get organised and deal with it the best way. We need to get the players in, see where they are fitness-wise and build from there.

“I think the adrenaline of big games will get players through matches. You’d like to have a game or two but there’s no point moaning.

“We have to just be thankful we’ve got an opportunity and get on with it.”

United chairman David Newton suggested taking part in the play-offs would cost clubs somewhere between £30,000 and £70,000, due to teams having to fund COVID-19 testing and the staging of matches, as well as taking staff off furlough leave.

Due to this, teams involved in the National League North play-offs have been given the option whether or not to take part.

Elliott thanked Mr Newton for allowing the club to compete and remains ‘confident’ the club can overcome the financial and geographical hurdles as his side look to secure promotion to the National League.

“It’s looking like it’s going to go ahead, which is great news,” Elliott said.

“There’s lots of things to organise and overcome, but as a club we’re confident we can meet everything.”