Evans shocked by lack of arrivals

Steve Evans

Boston United boss Steve Evans has described the arrival of no loan signings on transfer deadline day as a “huge shock” to the Pilgrims.

Evans had lined up Albert Jarrett (Watford), John McCombe (Huddersfield Town), Michael Proctor (Hartlepool United) and Kris Gate (Newcastle United), but the manager was told that no new signings were being sanctioned by the board.

The Pilgrims have just 12 professionals at the manager’s disposal for the last eight matches of the season and it undoubtedly leaves Evans with the biggest task in his managerial career.

United travel to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow evening, with only two players being available for the substitutes’ bench, with young scholar Jamie Stevens expected to travel. However, Evans was still looking forward to the match with his usual enthusiasm and belief.

Speaking to bufc.co.uk, Evans said: “We are looking forward to the match at Wycombe. We go there depleted in numbers, but with great spirit. I had four players keen to sign and had magnificent support from each of those clubs, so it would, in real terms, have cost very little.

“The chairman has agreed to meet with me on Monday to explain but told me today he wholly recognises the job I have been left to perform. I look forward to that meeting, but in the meantime, I need to concentrate only on the match tomorrow evening at Adams Park. That is my sole thought.

“I have a great set of players and together we are a superb unit. Every one of them and all the management team will give everything they have. We have produced two outstanding performances in the last two matches and we now need that for the remaining eight matches of the season.

“I go home today on the floor, but with the help of my wife Sarah-Jane, my children and my brilliant staff, I will be back fighting in the morning. As I told the players and staff today, no-one is going to feel sorry for us, so we have to knuckle down and give it everything we have. I hope and trust our supporters give us the backing they have given us in recent weeks and that has undoubtedly played a key part in the wins over Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town.

“A member of the local media commented this afternoon that the clubs around us have much bigger squads, Torquay (25), Wrexham (26), Macclesfield (25), Accrington (24) and Bury (22), but I am still confident that the players we have can deliver league football here next season. Look at the squad numbers and compare that with our 12; we really have a huge task.

“I am a fighter and so are my players. In adversity, 'heroes' come through and that is what we can all be at Boston United this season. Effort, passion, commitment, tenacity and luck are just a few words that spring to mind as we go about our business for the next six weeks.”