2004/2005 Preview - Boston United

LAST SEASON

Boston finished last season in 11th place, one place below us on goal difference only. A half decent finish to the season saw them move well clear of the relegation zone.

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

Not a great deal really. They missed out on the chance to sign Scott Severin from Hearts, he preferred to stay in Scotland with Aberdeen. Steve Boyack was another one who prefers Scotland to Lincolnshire when he signed on for two years at Livingston.

However, luck was on their side in Scotland when they signed Austin McCann from Hearts as well as Derek Lilley and Andy Kirk - clearly there is nothing wrong with their scottish scouting system!

Other big news in Lincolnshire this summer has been the announcement of the global giant 'Chestnut Homes' as their new sponsor together with their chairman's excitement over the possibility of 1000 travelling for their local derby against Grimsby Town next season. Never a dull moment in Boston folks.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

Unsurprisingly, I can find no-one even remotely famous that purports to be a Boston fan. The nearest I could find was Soccer AM and their love for Boston and the american commentary that they can provide to their matches.

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT BOSTON

1. Boston in the USA is said to be named after this small town in Lincolnshire.

2. Boston Stump is something on the lips of everyone in Boston. Apparently it is the biggest Parish church in England so you can go sightseeing to it when we play there. Even more strangely spacemen in orbit complain when it is lit up at night. Don't ask me why.

3. Just 59% of people were very satisfied with the cleanliness of their assembly rooms in January 2004. Bet you always wanted to know that!

4. Historians will tell you that the town was named after a 7th century monk St Botolph. He is said to have founded an abbey there in 645AD. If you really want to p ss the historians off ask them for proof of that - they have none!

5. Highlight of the year in Boston is the Burghley horse trials which will take place on 5-8 September this year. Shame we don't play there until January!

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST BOSTON?

Not overly. 4 games, 1 win and 2 draws is the record over time. We lead on goal difference though if that is any good. For the list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

They visit the Vetch on December 28th (nice short Xmas trip for them!) and we go there on 22 January. Bet you can't wait!

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

Well, there official site says that it is 'Coming Soon' so I'll point you in the direction of the Rivals site, that seems to have the key updates on it. Click the banner below

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

The reality probably says that they will finish where they did last season at best.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?