"My aim is to prove myself in men's football!" Lewis Gibbens ready to put nightmare year behind him as he joins Boston United

Lewis Gibbens is ready to put a tough year behind him and prove himself at Boston United.

The defender became the Pilgrims' second summer signing after turning down a short-term offer from former club Mansfield Town.

"My aim's always to prove myself in men's football. I've played reserve team football and I want to do well in the men's game," said Gibbens, who has had two previous loan spells at York Street.

"Every time I've been there I've been welcomed. I know Craig (Elliott - manager) very well and I like working with him.

"The club did well and hopefully we can push further next season."

Boston may well have been the natural choice for Gibbens after his two previous stints with the Pilgrims saw him develop an affinity for the club.

"I've followed them every week, as well as Mansfield's scores," added the 20-year-old, who had decided to join the Pilgrims prior to their National League North play-off defeat to Altrincham earlier this month.

"It's a club I want to do well. It was gutting they didn't win the play-off final, but I think the decision was made before that game anyway. It's a shame, but we want to do it this year now."

Gibbens' two loan spells at Boston were both cut short by injury, his first due to a shoulder injury at Spennymoor Town in the 2018-19 campaign.

Last season, his time was ended early by a groin injury picked up in the FA Cup victory at Hednesford Town which ended his campaign.

"When I spoke to Craig it seemed like the right move for me this season," Gibbens added.

"I had a tough season last season and it'll help me develop this year.

"When I got injured in the Boston game I didn't manage to play or train again that season with the lockdown coming.

"I had two operations on my groin and when I was ready to come back lockdown happened."

Manager Elliott has spoken highly of the young defender, tipping him for a career in the Football League."That's always my target, but I'll always put in 110 per cent, wherever I am," Gibbens added.

"That's the type of person I am and if that opportunity comes I'll take it. But I'm at Boston and so looking forward to this season."

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