The season recaps continue at ToD. Today it’s the turn of long-time Pilgrims fan Adam Upsall to offer up his thoughts on where things went right last season, and where they might have gone better.
My favourite moment of the season was…
Entering the JCS for the Lincoln pre-season game. The time away from watching our team had much more of an impact on me than I ever imagined it would. Missing the final chances to say goodbye to York St was harsh, walking in that sunny afternoon felt emotional and cathartic. Plus, a 5-0 win is always welcome.
My player of the season was…
The three other contributors to this so far have all gone Shane Byrne, I’d not argue that in the slightest, but because they have, I’ll go elsewhere. Tom Platt. As ever it seems, he just does his job. I’m unable to recall a game he has played in where he seems to have fallen short. Does all the dull stuff brilliantly and was a miss we likely didn’t realise till trudging out of the LNER the other Saturday afternoon.
My goal of the season was…
I mean the best goal is Danny away at York, rivalled only by Jake and his diving header away at BPA. My favourite goal though was Shane Bryne getting the winner at home to BPA. My boys were with me that day and watching their reaction as they celebrated it was great. Those who take kids to matches know the worst thing is a dull 0-0, sometimes even worse than a defeat. A comeback win right in front of your eyes, that keeps them wanting to come back. That and the sweets.
My favourite away trip of the season was…
Kiddy in the playoffs. I ended up spending most of the day in the town ahead of the match, had a walk along the canal, got to the ground very early (so early I didn’t pay for parking…) and watched and felt the build-up. Then the game itself was the very rare situation of us turning up, at a proper ground with a proper home support and putting in a proper away performance. We deserved that. The team, staff, board and supporters. I floated all the way back to West Yorkshire.
I really wish I hadn’t bothered going to…
Leamington. Was a game that, on reflection, was why Craig Elliott lost his job. We just had not progressed when it came to going to ‘places like that’ and heading home empty handed. I moaned all the way back to West Yorkshire.
I think our first proper season at the JCS was…
A learning curve. As supporters we had to find and get used to new routines, new surroundings and new facilities. Likewise, the matchday staff, its really easy to pick holes in stuff, its really hard to get things right without understanding what is wrong. The feedback, then the response, is pleasing and hopefully a sign of further supporter consultation and involvement. On the pitch similar, we got it right, wrong and somewhere in between in equal measure.
If I could retract one furiously held opinion I had during the season, it’d be…
We can’t do it away at top 6 sides. Which to be fair was the case till Paul Cox put the players under, clearly, some sort of hypnosis to stop conceding early goals. We all said it after York, it was one away game too far, but those three ahead of it were bloody brilliant.
If we’re going to get promoted next season, Paul Cox has to…
Win the league, playoffs are clearly not for us. To do that, or at least go close, he needs players that will do exactly what he wants. He will get the chance to do that this summer with the added bonus of time at the end of this season to be confident in making the right calls on the 21/22 squad. Sort the keeper situation early as well, three different goalkeepers getting man of the match awards before Christmas tells you something isn’t right.
If Boston United could improve one thing off the field next season, it’d be…
A massive wind break for the south end, or just crack on with building the stand. Plus put a non-alcoholic beer option in at the East Stand snack bar (niche I know, but you did ask).
My realistic hope for 2022/2023 is…
The same as every season for me. Make it enjoyable, be that via great football to watch, great results via whatever means or a team/squad that give it their all. And a cup run, I say that every year as well.
Other 2021/2022 recaps
Oliver Atkin
Pete Brooksbank
Christian James
Callum Bates
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