SportsEcho Image: SportsEcho
Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 07:00
DAVID NEWTON has not given up hope of keeping star defender Shaun Pearson at Boston United.
Pearson is widely tipped to leave York Street this summer after an outstanding two seasons with the Pilgrims since being plucked from Stamford.
Championship side Sheffield United are believed to be among a growing list of Football League sides monitoring the youngster's progress.
And it would be little surprise if Grimsby Town joint-bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst, who took Pearson to Boston, also made an approach.
Pearson has made no secret of his desire to enter the professional ranks and with United looking increasingly unlikely to go full-time next season, even if they win promotion, this looks set to be his last campaign at York Street.
Chairman Newton says there was has been no approach for Pearson so far and insists he is still working on keeping the player at Boston.
"He's our player and my aim is keep Shaun here if we can," said Newton.
"That's what I'm working on.
"I know he wants full-time football and I understand that, but he also wants full-time football at the right club.
"Unless the right club comes in, he won't just jump ship at the first offer.
"I'd like Shaun to be with us next season."
Despite Pearson being out of contract in the summer, United would still be entitled to a fee because the player is under the age of 24.
Meanwhile, Newton has launched legal proceedings against Grimsby Town and former Boston bosses Scott and Hurst following the pair's controversial defection to the Mariners last month.
"We got a response from Grimsby and Rob and Paul which was not satisfactory and we have started legal proceedings. Papers have been served on them," explained Newton.
"It's very, very sad. We had a good relationship with them (Scott and Hurst) and it shouldn't end like this, should it?
"But it's about principles. If someone has not done something right then I think things needs to be redressed.
"But that's a side issue at the moment. We're in the play-offs and it's a fantastic achievement.
"Obviously Rob and Paul played a big part in that. It's a shame that they are not here to be a part of it, but Jason (Lee) and Lee (Canoville) have picked up the mantle and taken us forward. We saw a fantastic performance on Monday (at Nuneaton).
"I'm delighted with the guys and, going into the play-offs, that is the sort of performance you want."
Barring an unlikely set of results, Boston will finish third in Blue Square Bet North, meaning they will visit Nuneaton or Guiseley for the first leg of the play-off semi-finals next Tuesday (May 3, 7,45pm).
The second leg will be at York Street on Sunday, May 8 with the final seven days later.
