Boston United Parts Ways with Manager Ian Culverhouse Following Team’s Difficult Start

Boston United has dismissed manager Ian Culverhouse, with the team currently positioned next to bottom in the National League table. During his playing career, Ian Culverhouse made nearly 300 appearances for Norwich. The 60-year-old, a former defender for Norwich City and Swindon Town, was appointed just over two years ago. He successfully led the Pilgrims to promotion last season through the play-offs. However, this season, the team has secured only two wins in 16 league games—both away from home—and most recently drew 1-1 at Eastleigh on Saturday. Paul Bastock, Culverhouse’s assistant, has also left Boston. Bastock played 679 games for the club and, in 2017, broke Peter Shilton’s record in competitive club football by making his 1,250th appearance. Boston’s next fixture is a home game against Dagenham & Redbridge on 9 November. A short club statement said: “Ian took charge at the Jakemans Community Stadium in September 2022, helping to preserve the club’s National League North status in his first season at the helm, before guiding the Pilgrims to promotion through the play-offs in May. However, a difficult start to life in the National League has led to a change being made.” Before taking the Boston job, Culverhouse began his coaching career at King’s Lynn Town and had a brief spell in charge at Kettering Town.