"These lads are experienced and ready!" Boston United youngsters a 'breath of fresh air' says boss Craig Elliott

Craig Elliott has described working with Boston United's new crop of youngsters as a 'breath of fresh air'.

The Pilgrims have recruited plenty of know-how this summer with the likes of Paul Green, Jordan Burrow, Matt Tootle and Ross Fitzsimons arriving with Football League and even international pedigree.

The squad has been balanced out with the signings of several younger players, with Tyrell Warren and Lewis Gibbens joining after previous loan spells while Josh Askew, Connor Dimaio and back-up keeper Jake Frestle are also all under 25.

But it is the abundance of experience these younger players have - and their readiness for first-team football - that has impressed Elliott so much ahead of a campaign where he believes squad strength will be more important than ever.

“We’ve got some really good young lads and I’m enjoying working with them," Elliott said.

"They’re not just young lads, they’re good players as well, who will push really hard to get into the team. It’s been a breath of fresh air.

“You can sign young lads and think they’ll be good in six to 12 months and you try to develop them. But these lads are experienced and ready.

"Everybody, it’s going to be difficult (to select teams). They’re all as goods as each other and it’ll be good to see them pushing each other.”

Warren came through the Manchester United academy, Gibbens featured in League Two for Mansfield Town and Dimaio and Askew have both won the National League North with former clubs Stockport County and Salford City.

Frestle, meanwhile, knows all about the club having come through the youth set-up.

Askew has received rave reviews from the manager since he begun training with the Pilgrims this summer, and his battle for the left-back slot with fellow newcomer Scott Duxbury, a National League North title winner and only 25 himself, looks to be one of the most intriguing selection dilemmas awaiting Elliott.

“It’ll be good competition for that left back spot," he said.

“Josh, in particular, has been a stand-out player in the first two games of pre-season,” Elliott added.

“He’s been superb, but it’s good competition. We’ve now got two great left backs fighting for that shirt.”

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