Boston United: 2025/26 Season Preview – A Club Rebooted?
After flirting with relegation for much of the 2024/25 season, Boston United will kick off the new National League campaign buoyed by the retention of their National League status. While their final league position of 19th told one story, the final third of the season told another—a remarkable late revival saw the Pilgrims take 24 points from their final 12 games, transforming them from drop-zone dwellers to last-minute escape artists.
Now, with a shift to full-time football, a new-look squad, and a visibly energised fan base, Boston are hoping last year’s great escape was the first step toward lasting progress.
Last Season in Review
- League Position: 19th (55 points)
- Average Attendance: 2,126 (12th highest in the division)
- FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round – Lost 0-4 at home to Gainsborough Trinity
- FA Trophy: 5th Round – Lost on penalties to Spennymoor Town
- Top Scorer: Jacob Hazel (16 goals, all competitions)
Boston endured a 13-game winless run and were second-bottom after 35 games with just 34 points. But a stunning final stretch saw them finish with 55 points — 2 places above the drop— and close the season among the league’s form teams.
Summer Business
Signings and retained list
- New signings: Jordan Cropper (Defender, Barnet), Ben Grist (Midfield, Leicester City – highly rated from Worksop loan), Liam Waldock (Midfield, Alfreton – on a 2-year deal), Rhys Lovett (Goalkeeper, Welling – Player of the Season), Michael Kelly (Defender, Scunthorpe – arrived on a strong two-year deal), Manni Norkett (Striker, Nottingham Forest — spent time on loan at Cheltenham Town), Bobby Jones (Goalkeeper — signs from Curzon Ashton), Alex Lankshear (Blackpool), Kieren Donnelly (Halesowen Town), Lenell John-Lewis (York City), Arjan Raikhy (Leicester City), Rocco Coyle (Hull City — loan until January 2026), Greg Sloggett (Hartlepool United — signs permanently after loan)
- Retained: Jordan Richards, Zak Mills, Connor Teale, Olly Green (sent out on loan to Spennymoor Town for season), Dylan Hill, Frankie Maguire, Jacob Hazel (injured, but contract honoured), Jacob Scott
Departure list
- Released/departed: Cameron Gregory (Brackley Town), Keaton Ward (Altrincham), Michael Bostwick (St Albans City), Brad Nicholson (Solihull Moors), Jai Rowe (Raith Rovers), Cameron Green (Solihull Moors), Kieran Coates, Tom Leak, Adam Marriott, Mitch Roberts
- Loans ended: Jimmy Knowles (since joined Altrincham), James Gale (since joined Altrincham), Oisin Gallagher, Tony Weston, Noah Wadsworth
Squad outlook
A major summer theme has been 2-year contracts, a significant shift from Boston’s prior short-term squad turnover strategy. Fans on the forum have praised this change in direction, with one noting: “I’ve moaned for years that we don’t do two-year deals—now we seem to be handing them out every day!”
Jordan Cropper’s arrival from Barnet has fans excited with the right back’s dangerous long throws and attacking energy a weapon of offensive intent. Cropper is viewed by some as an upgrade on the departing Jai Rowe, who leaves for Raith Rovers. Boston had hoped to keep the 23-year old Rowe, who was the only player to feature in all of Boston’s 55 competitive fixtures last season, but Rowe opted to move to Scottish Championship side after two successful seasons at The Pilgrims.
Top scorer Jacob Hazel is set for a long spell on the sidelines after a serious knee injury in April. Though the club honoured a new contract offer, an act appreciated by fans, his absence creates a major challenge in front of goal.
Without Hazel, Boston are having to reshuffle their attacking options. The recent signing of Manni Norkett, who spent time at Cheltenham, is largely unproven despite his brief spell in League Two, however, his potential is unquestionable having spent his formative years in the Manchester United academy. Boston have since bolstered further with the experienced John-Lewis and Kieren Donnelly, a 24-year old sharpshooter from Halesowen Town; who boasted a strike rate of approximately a goal every other game in the Southern Premier.
Looking ahead
The mood around the Jakemans Community Stadium has shifted. From resignation last March to quiet confidence this summer, fans are energised by the club’s proactive approach to recruitment, longer deals, and full-time shift.
One forum regular summed it up: “Under the old part-time/hybrid model, we wouldn’t have signed players like Kelly. Something’s changing. Let’s hope the scouting is good.”
There’s also belief in the squad’s spine—especially with talk of Connor Teale as captain material and the reassurance of Zak Mills’ re-signing.
2025/26 Prediction: 7th
Strengths:
- Excellent late-season form and momentum
- Move to full-time football raising squad quality
- Strong defensive additions (Cropper, Kelly, and contract extension for Mills)
- Fan energy and cohesion building
Weaknesses:
- Hazel injury leaves some questions up front; but signings have arrived to plug gap
- Rebuilding continues—need time to gel
Boston appear to have learned from last season’s close shave. They’re not just surviving anymore—they’re building. With better early form and if their signings can gel, a play-off charge is on.
Bookies’ Odds
BetVictor (11 June) gives them Championship winning odds of 100/1. BetVictor have since moved to price Boston at 66/1 (26 June) — most other bookmakers hover at 66/1).
