Boston United was formed in 1933 as a successor to the short-lived Boston Town. Reflecting their position on the map, they’ve competed at various times in the Midland League, Northern Premier League, and Southern League. Their golden era came in the 1970s, when they topped the Northern Premier League four times. Unsurprisingly, the Pilgrims were invited to become founding members of the nationwide fifth tier – the Alliance Premier League – in 1979. Of that original cohort, only Altrincham, Wealdstone and Yeovil Town remain alongside them in the 2025/26 National League.

The club spent five seasons in the Football League (2002–07), all in the fourth tier, though their time there – and the circumstances of their promotion, some argue at the expense of Dagenham & Redbridge – were mired in controversy. Much of the focus centred on their then-manager, the undeniably capable but combative Steve Evans, who was suspended from football for 20 months over contract irregularities at Boston and later received a suspended prison sentence for tax evasion. Remarkably, Evans returned to the club following his suspension but resigned after their relegation from the Football League in 2007. Financial collapse followed, with Boston dropping directly from League Two to the sixth tier, and then falling down another level a year later. The whole sad story is told in somewhat colourful terms by a Yeovil fan here. The Pilgrims returned to the Conference North in 2010, and finally reclaimed a place in the National League in 2024.

Now playing at a new ground, under fresh leadership and with a renewed sense of ambition, the club seems to be leaving behind the shadows of its troubled past.

Not the greatest oddity of Boston United’s stay in the Football League in the 2000s was the appointment of Paul Gascoigne as player-coach. He stayed for five matches.

Boston United started the season with former Newport County and Bristol Rovers boss Graham Coughlan as manager. He had been appointed in November 2024 after the Pilgrims had a tough start to their first season for over 20 years in the fifth tier. Having engineered their survival late in the 2024/25 season, a disappointing first half of the 2025/26 season Boston United started the season with former Newport County and Bristol Rovers boss Graham Coughlan as manager. He had been appointed in November 2024 following the dismissal of promotion-winning Ian Culverhouse, after the Pilgrims had a tough start to their first season for over 20 years in the fifth tier. Having engineered their survival late in the 2024/25 season, a disappointing first half of the 2025/26 season meant that it was, in turn, Coughlan’s time to go.

Paul Hurst

Coughlan’s successor, appointed on 14 January 2026, was Paul Hurst. who had served as joint manager of the Pilgrims early in his career as a manager, working alongside Rob Scott from 2009 to 2011. On that occasion, Hurst had been instrumental in gaining promotion for the Pilgrims from the Northern Premier League to the Conference North. After leaving Boston, he went on to serve as manager for two of the larger football teams in Lincolnshire – Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe Utd (leading Grimsby on two separate occasions) – and also spent two spells in charge of Shrewsbury Town. He also spent a short period in charge at Ipswich Town. Before going into management, Hurst had spent almost his entire footballing career (as a left back) at Rotherham Utd, making over 430 appearances for them over a period of 15 years.

Keeping afloat, at least. While the Pilgrims seem to still be finding their feet at this level, their performances this year have generally been palpably superior to those of last year, and they have managed to stay out of the relegation zone for almost all of the season to date. Among their more creditable performances have been a 2-1 victory over Wealdstone, 1-1 draws with Scunthorpe Utd and Southend Utd, and a 2-2 draw with York City.  Among those to forget: 3-0 and 4-0 defeats by Truro City and Morecambe, respectively. Moreover, a definite uptick has been notable in the month or so since Paul Hurst took over as gaffer, and a comfortable mid-table finish is certainly not out of reach.

This season’s fixture for Rovers at the Boston Community Stadium, played on a Tuesday night in October 2025, was largely one to forget, remaining a 0-0 draw.

The Pilgrims’ most recent visit to Nailsworth was in December 2024, with a Harvey Bunker goal extending Rovers’ unbeaten run to 10 matches as the game finished 1-0.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

The Park and Ride does not operate for evening matches; nor is there any public transport in Nailsworth after evening matches.

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 4.45pm.

Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 4.45pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.