Manager Culverhouse sacked by struggling Boston

Ian Culverhouse made almost 300 appearances for Norwich during his playing career

Boston United have sacked manager Ian Culverhouse with the team next to bottom of the National League table.

The former Norwich City and Swindon Town defender, 60, was appointed just over two years ago and led the Pilgrims to promotion via the play-offs last season.

But they have won only two of their 16 league games this season - both away from home - and drew 1-1 at Eastleigh on Saturday.

Culverhouse's assistant Paul Bastock, who played 679 games for the club and broke Peter Shilton's record in competitive club football when he made his 1,250th appearance, in 2017, has also left Boston, who are next in action with 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."

Culverhouse began his coaching career at King's Lynn Town and had a brief spell in charge at Kettering Town before taking the Boston job.