'I want a Liverpool-Pilgrims double!' Boston United's Alex Whittle sets sights on promotion... at the fourth time of asking

Alex Whittle is determined to end the season with two firsts - a Liverpool-Boston United double.

The Pilgrims defender has already celebrated his former club winning a league title for the first time in his life this season.

Now he wants to claim his first promotion at the fourth time of asking.

"I was hoping for the Liverpool-Boston double and there's still a chance of that," said 27-year-old Whittle, who came through the same Reds youth team as Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady and Jon Flanagan.

"I was always Liverpool, getting tickets for the games.

"When I was 18 I got released and, obviously, I lived away for many years so it was hard to get to the games, but I'm a big fan. Most of my family are Reds. It's a long time coming."

With Liverpool crowned Premier League champions, Whittle is now plotting part two of what would be the perfect season for him.

As United prepare to host the winners of Brackley Town and Gateshead on July 25 in the National League North play-off semi-finals, the left back has his sights set on securing promotion after missing out with Dunfermline and Warrington.

"I've lost three play-off finals," he continued.

"I lost two in Scotland and one last year with Warrington against King's Lynn. They always say third time lucky, but hopefully it's fourth for me."

Whittle feared he may not get a crack at the play-offs when it was first suggested the National League's regional divisions were not classed as 'elite sport'.

But now he has returned to training, all focus is on promotion.

"It's good to be back. I didn't think it was going to happen to be honest.

"It was a frustrating time, the league above's play-offs were happening and what I was seeing on Twitter, ours wasn't happening. I was buzzing to get back, you all want to be back at football as quickly as possible.

"When you start getting the feel of the ball it all comes back to you. The lads have kept in decent shape as well and they're a fairly fit team as well.

"Everyone' s close as well. There's no divide or cliques. Everyone encourages everyone to do well.

"We're all in this together to win it. We've got that 20-man squad that can do it at this level, definitely."

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