Boston United founded in 1933 had never reached League 1 before, had never played in the championship before, had never played in the premiership before.
Before Louis Ross took over.
Ross took Boston from The Blue Square Bet North to the dizzy heights of the Premiership in just 5 years, with 5 back to back promotions winning the Blue Square Bet North and the playoff final in the Blue Square Prem the year after. Ross then led Boston to win promotion from League 2 and won the JPT that same season. Ross then took Boston to consecutive league wins in League 1 and The Championship when his team were predicted to be bottom of the divisions both years. His first year in the Premiership resulted in Boston finishing 12th and winning the League Cup meaning Euro Cup qualification.
The Boston board have been generous in their wage and transfer budget for a club the size of Boston since they have been in the Premiership and Ross has created a squad that is young and thirsty for success. With an average age now going into his second season in the Premiership at 22.85 (the league’s lowest av. Age) Ross and his squad feel like they can mount a challenge at the top half of the table and try and break into the European spaces.
With new signings Humberto Salazar, Dave Rollo, Rafael Toloi, Roberto Sciacqua and Isco joining Ross’ squad they look set to improve even more this year and take Boston in the right direction.
The 'Regens' Ross has signed look set to become stars in the Premier League for this Boston side.
The season draws near and Boston have already made it into the 4th qualifying round of the euro cup. Liverpool first game of the season for Ross' boys
12 games in and Ross' boys are in 3rd with a game in hand (and chance to leapfrog Liverpool to go top) this depends on 2nd place Arsenal losing or drawing their game in hand on Liverpool too.
Ross has all but guaranteed Boston's progression into the next stage of the Euro Cup too albeit in 2nd place.
Injuries to Adamus, Sciacqua, Reynoso and Salazar have been a setback especially after they were all scoring freely.
Early signs this season look promising for The Pilgrims, with various job offers being turnt down by Ross he certainly has reason to remain loyal if the early season form continues with wins over Man U and Liverpool already being notched.
JANUARY
mid-way through the season and The Pilgrims have established themselves in the top 4 level with leaders Liverpool on 42 points. No new signings look likely but Ross hopes to clear out the dead wood.
Boston's 15+ unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of underperforming Man City but The Pilgrims recovered after that to beat Arsenal and draw with Liverpool. A tough Christmas period didn't phase the players and they will be stronger for it. With a fully fit squad Ross is confident they can challenge for the title too.
Stats and league table will follow!
Pilgrims top the table
Incredibly Boston have defied the odds and have found themselves in a second consecutive LC final after beating Liverpool and Arsenal along the way, and find themselves top of the table after 23 games, Ross has transformed this squad into the real deal.
The final straight
Ross' boys are battling for top spot but with a few teams below waiting for them to slip up a few bad results could see them out of the Champions League spots which would be massively disappointing after all their hard work this year.
Ross' biggest challenge this year is now upon him, 9 days in which they face Chelsea 3 times, once in the league and twice in the Euro Cup 1/4 finals. This young squad have shown they can be a title challenging team and can be a a threat but will their inexperience show?
A Turning point
A 2-1 loss in the league damaged The Pilgrims title challenge but what is more sickening is that they took a 3-1 lead into the second leg at York Street and threw it away, a 3-0 loss sees Chelsea progress, a controversial penalty and a last minute goal coming either side of Chelsea's second goal sunk The Pilgrims. The 55th minute saw Tommy Giggs Boston's on loan striker score a header which was WRONGLY chalked off and ultimately this cost Ross' side the tie.
"We have to move on, we need to come together more than ever now, Chelsea slipped up in the league at Man City meaning we are still in the title race. We know we are good enough and now have to show it."
This was Ross' reaction after the game, but many sections of the media are now questioning are Boston over-achieving or just not ready yet?
Close but no cigar?
Boston's inexperience showed when they conceded last minute vs. Newcastle to draw 2-2, after this they drew with Villa 1-1. After these two results it seemed the title was out of reach but after Chelsea lost to Sunderland and Boston beat Man City 4-0 the race was back open, with The Pilgrims sitting 2 points ahead of City and a point behind Chelsea who have a game in hand.
MASSIVE NEWS
After inflicting a crucial defeat upon them earlier in the season Ross' boys got their own back on Chelsea beating them 2-1 after being a goal down in the FA cup final!!!! without Salazar and Reynoso who are out for months it didn't seem likely but goals from Sciacqua (44 goals and counting) and Taborda secured the win
"Can't say I'm not disappointed after a draw on the last day we slipped down to third but all in all an amazing season. Champions League next year and the money we will have from that will help us massively, with a new stadium being completed this summer Boston is moving in the right direction and I want to be here when we win the league."
Ross seems positive and he has reason to be, an FA cup win isn't enough for this hungry manager and his players and in an end of season meeting he agreed on the following with the board for next year:
Sign Tommy Giggs permanently
Challenge for the title again
Keep star players
Add depth to the squad
WIN SOMETHING
