This is absolutely tragic news.
Some time around the early 1990s Boston United ran a feature in the matchday programme where supporters were invited to pick their best all time "Boston United XI." I had no hesitation whatsoever in naming Paul Shirtliff as the best right back who had played for the club during my time as a supporter, and I maintain that opinion to this day. Yes, we did make it to the Football League, and yes we've had some really good players pulling on a Boston shirt, but in my opinion and as a supporter for almost 30 years, we have not seen Shirtliff's equal as far as right backs are concerned.
If life were in any way fair, then we ought to be inviting Paul Shirtliff back to the club as a legend. He's a lot more deserving of that title than some of the faces we've paraded around the pitch at half-time. It's really sad that this won't now happen. But I really hope that the club will allow for a minute's silence as a mark of respect at the next home game.
Condolences to Paul's family.
