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Boston bound!

Marc Iles
21/ 7/2004

MARTIN Carruthers has gone from pre-season training at Macclesfield Town, to being unemployed, to potentially playing alongside England legend Paul Gascoigne in just 24 hours.

The 31-year-old striker ended his contract by mutual consent on Monday but was snapped up by Boston United 24 hours later - where he could soon be joined by the mercurial Gazza.

"It's been quite a busy week for me," said Carruthers, who leaves the club less than a year after signing on a free transfer from Scunthorpe United.

"When you look at the first game of the season and know you're not going to be involved, it gets to you, so the club knew I wanted to leave."

"To be fair to them, they have never pushed me into leaving, and Brian Horton has been very fair to me all the way."

"Boston contacted me and I liked what they had to offer. I went down to pre-season training and now I believe the gaffer is flying out to Portugal to speak to Gazza this week. Stranger things have happened I suppose."

Carruthers scored 10 goals last term, but faced a season on the sidelines with Matt Tipton, Jon Parkin, John Miles and Neil Ross vying for the available places up front.

The striker's departure also leaves the way clear for Horton to sign another player, with a centre half to cover for long-term absentee Steve Payne top of his priority list.

"Losing Steve was a big blow for us," said Horton. "I tried to get a centre half in yesterday (Monday), but he's talking to someone else at the moment so it will wait until we come back from Scotland."

"With Matt Carragher missing the first game of the season it looks like we'll need to look at that area of the squad, whether it be a short term deal or a loan."

The squad have travelled to Stirling University this week to begin a short tour of Scotland which will see them face Clyde and Dumbarton. But it won't be rest and relaxation, insisted Horton.

"There won't be any golf or anything like that. We've got a game Wednesday, we'll train Thursday and do some swimming and then there's another game on Saturday, so we'll keep busy."

"It's a good chance for a bit of bonding and to let me get to know the lads a little bit as well."