Boston bound Drury tips Daniels to progress

Graham Drury and his managment team resigned from Stamford AFC on Monday to take over at Conference North Boston United.

Drury leaves the Daniels 48 hours after picking up November's Evo-Stik NPL First Division South Manager of the Month Award and leading second placed Stamford to a 5-3 home win over Northwich Victoria, their 13th league victory of the campaign.

His assistant manager Paul Holden and first-team coach Dean West have also stood down to join him at York Street. Stamford have asked experienced midfielder David Staff to take over as caretaker manager while Drury's replacement at Kettering Road is found.

Drury returned to the Daniels for the second time in his career during the summer having left Corby Town at the end of last season after his contract at Steel Park expired. The 41-year-old replaces Jason Lee who was sacked by the Pilgrims at the start of December. Drury's appointment ends speculation over the Boston job with King's Lynn Town manager Gary Setchell forced to deny reports linking him with the post.

Drury said: "It was obviously a very difficult decision to make to leave Stamford but when opportunities like this come along you have to grab them. It's been fantastic at Stamford, going back there this season has been brilliant.

"The board of directors have been very supportive and Chris Rivett coming in as chairman has made the club far, far better and much more professional than what it was. It's very important to have somebody like Chris behind you in football. He's a person I have got to know well and I thoroughly enjoyed working under him. I know he will bring success to Stamford, there's no doubt about that.

Drury knows he is leaving unfinished business behind but believes he has laid the foundations for whoever picks up the managerial baton to still lead the Daniels to promotion come May.

He insisted: "Promotion is still definitely achievable for them this season. The players are fantastic, they're a really good team with great team spirit and that winning mentality that I've installed this season.

"They have to continue the work that they've started, they need to keep challenging for that top spot because they're certainly capable of achieving it. They will continue pressing on and go forwards and the first result I'll look at after my own is Stamford's, without a shadow of a doubt.”