Boston United Squad 1996/7

Appointed player-manager in May 1996 after captaining "The Pilgrims" to the runners-up spot last season. Greg re-joined the Pilgrims for the second time at the start of 1993-94 season. He was originally signed from Kettering Town in 1986. He then moved onto Sheffield Wednesday for a fee of £20,000 during the 1987-88 season. In four seasons at Hillsborough, Greg made 26 first team appearances and had loan spells with Preston, Northampton and Orient before moving onto Mansfield Town in the 1990-91 season to make over sixty appearances in their colours. Greg has represented the Unibond League against the F.A. XI for the past three seasons.

Chris Cook b. 19/5/62 Assistant Player Manager

Longest serving player at York Street. First joined the club as a 16 year old schoolboy and has since given tremendous service to the club with over 500 first team appearances and in excess of 150 goals, the most memorable of which was his superb effort at Wembley in the 1985 F.A. Challenge Trophy Final against Wealdstone. Chris was granted a testimonial in the 1989-90 season. He eventually left York Street for spells with Altrincham, King's Lynn and Boston Town before "coming home" to jointly manage the newly established reserve team four years ago. However midway through the 1994-95 season, he made a fairytale return to first team action scoring the winner in a 1-0 away win at Matlock. Since then he has seen regular first team action and last season added a further 18 goals to his tally. Appointed assistant manager in the close season.

Paul Bastock b. 19/5/70 Goalkeeper

Paul is regarded as one of the top keepers in semi-professional football and is now in his fifth season with the club. Has extensive experience with Cambridge United, Coventry City and Kettering Town. Has also played in Malasia and has represented the Unibond League against the F.A. XI. Paul now lives locally and has become a proud father during the current season.

Martyn Bunce Goalkeeper

Local lad Martyn Bunce provides goal-keeping cover for the first team and has always acquitted himself well when called upon to do so. Although somewhat short for a keeper, he has excellent reflexes and is an outstanding shot-stopper.

Jonathan Scargill b. 9/4/77 Goalkeeper LOAN PERIOD FINISHED

Signed on a month's loan from Sheffield Wednesday to provide cover following Paul Bastock's sending off in the home game against Barrow.

Paul Casey b. 6/10/61 Defender TRANSFERRED TO LINCOLN UTD

A firm favourite with the York Street fans. Paul re-joined the Pilgrims in July 1991 for a fee of £5,000 after a spell with Lincoln City. Originally joined the club in 1982 from Sheffield United where he made 30 Football League appearances. Paul was a member of United's FA Trophy side in the 1985 final against Wealdstone. He then transferred to Lincoln City in April 1987 and helped them win promotion back into the Football League at the first attempt after their relegation the previous season

Darren Clyde b. 26/3/76 Defender

Born in Northern Ireland. Signed on loan from Barnsley, his only previous club.

Martin Hardy b. 12/12/62 Defender

Martin returned to York Street at the start of last season after a one season break at Matlock. He joined the Pilgrims from Worksop Town in 1988 for a fee of £10,000, going on to make 220 appearances and scoring 17 goals in his first spell at York Street. The former manager released him following United's relegation from the Vauxhall Conference. Martin has represented the Football Association and has also toured with Middlesex Wanderers. Recently appointed club captain.

Richard Mason b. 5/6/77 Defender LEFT TO JOIN HEDNESFORD TOWN

Spent the last two months of last season at York Street on loan from Sheffield Wednesday and turned in some tremendous performances. After being released by the Owls, United moved quickly to secure his services for the current season. Has been outstanding in pre-season.

Chris Withe b. 25/9/62 Defender

Another new signing from Shrewsbury Town where he made 41 Football League appearances last season. Hugely experienced player having appeared in the colours of Newcastle United, Bradford City, Notts County, Mansfield Town and Bury.

Steve Appleby Midfield

Local lad Steve joined his home town club in the 1994-95 after previously playing in the Conference for Kettering Town and captaining UCL side Bourne Town. Voted "Player of the Year" in his first season and named "Player's Player of the Year" last term. A big favourite with the fans who appreciate his non-stop efforts.

Andrew Stanhope Midfield

Local lad recently signed from King's Lynn. Previously a trainee with Peterborough United.

Steve Chambers b. 20/7/68 Utility

Steve first signed for the Pilgrims in the 1992-93 season from Mansfield Town where he made over sixty appearances. Later had a loan spell at Gateshead. Started his career with Sheffield Wednesday. Some bad injuries in recent years saw him side-lined for long spells but last season he returned to full fitness and was a regular member of the team.

Mark Melson Utility

Another product of the reserve side who has always done well in the first team colours. Outstanding control and ball skills.

Neil Timby Utility

One of the first products of United's successful reserve side. Neil was a regular member of the first team squad last season and showed his versatility by acquitting himself very well in a variety of positions when called upon to do so. He is also a four handicap golfer and is the current holder of the club championship at Boston G.C.

Simon Armstrong b. 23/11/78 Forward

Seventeen year old signed from Lincolnshire League Skegness Town in July 1996 after impressing in pre-season trials. He has also been included in the England Schoolboy Under 18 squad for the forthcoming season.

Phil Brown b. 16/1/66 Forward

Now in his second season at York Street, Phil is a very experienced striker who joined the Pilgrims from Vauxhall Conference side Kettering Town. He started his career at Sheffield Wednesday before moving onto Stockport County and subsequently was a member of Lincoln City's championship side when they won the Conference.

Leroy Chambers b. 25/10/72 Forward

Signed at the start of the season from Chester City. Previous clubs include Sheffield Wednesday.

Andy Gray b. 8/8/75 Forward TRANSFERRED TO LINCOLN UNITED

Andy is now in his third season with the club after signing from a local Sheffield Sunday League side. Had trials last season with both Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry and was also selected for the Unibond Representative side against the F.A. XI at Accrington Stanley. Last season's form had a host of Football League scouts following him.

Darren Munton Forward TRANSFERRED TO GRANTHAM TOWN

Darren first joined the club in the 1992-93 season from UCL side Bourne Town where he had been a prolific goalscorer. Darren is equally at home playing down the centre or wide on the left. In September 1995 he left the club to join Beazer Homes Leagues side, King's Lynn but after failing to settle down he returned to York Street last March and scored some important goals that helped United achieve the runners-up spot last term. He is also a talented cricketer.

Carl Smaller b. 15/3/70 Forward

Signed in July 1996 from neighbours Boston Town FC where he had been the top scorer there for the previous three seasons. Formerly had experience with Division One Grimsby Town.

Steve Williams b. 3/11/75 Forward LEFT TO JOIN STAMFORD FC

Signed in August 1996 having previously been with Lincoln City as a YTS player. Whilst there he made a number of first team appearances before being released midway through last season. Subsequently joined rivals Peterborough United and has had trials with Cambridge United in the close season.