JAMIE YATES comes face-to-face tomorrow with the manager who tried to sign him.

The flying Boston United winger, arguably the Pilgrims' standout performer in Monday's 1-0 Blue Square Bet North home win against Eastwood Town, had just joined the Pilgrims last season on non-contract terms.

That's when ambitious Corby Town boss Graham Drury – whose side host Boston tomorrow in league action (3pm) – made their move for Yates.

The move was tempting, as Corby at the time played a division higher than the Pilgrims and Yates was still only on non-contract terms.

But the player rejected the move, won promotion via the UniBond League Premier Division play-offs, and Yates is still delighted to ply his trade at York Street.

"I wanted to play at the highest level possible – I still do – and because I was on non-contract teams, Corby put in a seven-day approach for me," said Yates.

"I knew when he spoke to me that Corby were an ambitious club and they are usually up there fighting for promotion.

"But I was happy at the time and stayed at Boston. I was delighted when we went up because I could test myself in a higher division.

"Now, I feel more settled than I have been at any point in my career."

Corby will be another test of Boston's credentials as promotion-chasers.

Following huge victories against Redditch (9-0, away) and Harrogate Town (6-3, away) Boston had to grind out a 1-0 home win against Eastwood Town on Monday.

The match was not particularly pretty to watch, but Boston appear to be adapting to the rigours of Blue Square Bet North.

"We knew when we won promotion that this league would be more physical," said Yates.

"A lot of people were expecting more goals (after the Harrogate win on Saturday) but with our managers on at us about getting clean sheets and with the opposition being strong, I would have taken 1-0 if you had offered me that scoreline beforehand.

"We do want to play good football, especially in front of our own supporters, but I think the fans would prefer us to be consistent.

"Last season, especially when playing at York Street, teams would be wide open and we racked up some big scores, particularly against Ossett.

"Now, the teams we play have a little bit of know-how but we must be bright as players and overcome that.

"We're only going to get better at this level, but we must be aware that teams still don't know us yet.

"At the same time, teams will respect us now because of the start we've made. Because we've won so many games we'll have to expect teams will shut up shop – especially when we play at home – but we must learn to deal with that."

What's most encouraging for the Pilgrims supporters is that, in attack, Boston appear to have real strength in depth.

Yates is currently occupying one of the two wing spots, with Ryan Semple in possession of the other, but joint-bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott have other options, including Marc Newsham and, up front, Miles Hunter.

That competition can only be a good thing, said Yates.

"That position (winger) is mine at the moment but when you have people on the bench like Marc Newsham and young Miles Hunter, it keeps you on your toes," he said.

"It's also a long season and we don't have the biggest squad, so it's great that the managers have some options."

PILGRIMS: McKeown, Butcher, Cullingworth, Canoville, Murphy, Jelleyman, Pearson, Ashton, Semple, Sleath, Church, Yates, Davidson, Weir-Daley, Hunter, Newsham, Clancy, Deane.