In an exclusive interview with The Linc, Boston United’s Young Player of the Season reflects on the Pilgrims’ historic promotion.
Lincolnshire-based Boston United look ahead to their highly anticipated return to the National League, after securing their promotion. It will be the first time since 2002 that the Pilgrims will play in the fifth tier of English football.
Ian Culverhouse and his side finished sixth in the National League North and therefore reaching the play-offs. There they went on to beat Brackley Town 2-1 in the play-off final, booking themselves a spot in the National League for the 2024/25 season, after wining two penalty shootouts to get there.
A member of the promotion-winning team, Dylan Hill, said: ‘‘I can’t believe it’s true. It’s a massive opportunity and the best feeling when I get the chance to play and make a name for myself.’’
Hill was one of the players that joined the club last summer and, in that time, has established himself as a fan favourite as well as being popular a popular figure among the squad. He won the club’s Young Player of the Season, something he also accomplished the season prior during a loan spell at Harborough Town.
‘‘I was lost for words to be honest it wasn’t expected. To get recognition for all the hard work I’d put in is a nice feeling and one I’m thankful for,’’ said Hill.
Exciting Games Ahead for Hill:
Hill expressed his eagerness to get playing against some well known sides within the English football pyramid. The midfielder even had his eyes on specific teams that he is most looking forward to facing.
He said: ‘‘There’s so many to choose from the likes of Oldham, Rochdale and Hartlepool. They’re massive clubs from the EFL and playing in massive stadiums week in week out against top players.
‘‘Because of this, it will only help me learn and develop. For me it’s something to look forward to massively,’’ the midfielder added.
Boston will be joined in the National League by National League North winners Tamworth and relegated League Two sides Forest Green Rovers, who were in League One just two seasons ago, and Sutton United.
Not All Smooth Sailing for Hill and the Pilgrims:
Despite a hugely successful first season for Hill, there were some set-backs that were not always visible to the fans. In the case of the 20-year-old midfielder, he had to compete for a spot in Culverhouse’s side.
‘‘I was out the side for a couple of games but I knew I had to keep my head down, work hard, be patient and it all worked out in the end,’’ explained Hill.
The Pilgrim youngster also went on to express how the side faced difficulties at the business end of the season. He said: ‘‘As a team you’re always going to face challenges and every game is a different challenge. I think when we had to win our last 2 games of the season to make it into the play-offs people would have doubted us. But we proved them wrong.’’
Hopes and Ambitions:
It has been confirmed by Boston United that Hill had put pen to paper on a new deal with the club ahead of the upcoming season. He joins the likes of Zak Mills and Tom Leak in signing on the dotted line, emphasising the clear initiative of not just remaining in their new division, but also competing in it.
Hill looked ahead to the next campaign, and marked his goals for the upcoming term.
He said: ‘‘To play as many games as possible and try and prove people wrong that doubted by showing I can play at this level, as well as showcasing myself and my ability. As well as that, have the strongest season possible with Boston as this will be a memorable one for us and the fans.”
The Pilgrims will face Gainsborough Trinity in a pre-season friendly this summer, before embarking on their historic return to the National League.
Feature Image Credit: Steve W Davies Photography