Lincoln City swoop for Gainsborough's Andrew Boyce
Andrew Boyce admitted his decision to join county rivals Lincoln City fullfilled his ambition of full-time football as he expressed his sadness at quitting Gainsborough Trinity.
The highly-rated defender has signed a one-year deal bringing his two-season stay at the Northolme to a close.
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Andrew Boyce
Gainsborough had offered Boyce a new contract to remain at the Northolme on the back of a hugely successful season in which the club reached the Blue Square North play-off final.
But Lincoln have watched the defender all season and finally made their move today, with the transfer fee to be settled by a tribunal.
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Gainsborough fans will be devastated by Boyce's departure, and the imposing centre-back said he will remain fond of the Blues.
"I had a great season with Gainsborough," he said.
"They were fantastic with me and we had a terrific season. I am gutted to be leaving, but on the other hand happy to get full-time football with Lincoln.
"It was an opportunity I could not turn down because playing full-time football has always been an ambition of mine.
"I have so many people to thank at Gainsborough for what they have done for me. It's a terrific club and I have met some great people."
Boyce said he was excited by the challenge awaiting him at Lincoln, who finished in the lower half of the Blue Square Bet Premier last season.
mps boss David Holdsworth was delighted to land the 22-year-old defender, who also attracted the attention of Doncaster.
And Boyce said he was impressed with what Holdsworth had to say.
"He was very professional and he has got big plans for the club," he said.
"He is making rearrangements to the inside of the changing rooms to make it better for the players.
"David certainly wants to do good things and I am happy to be a part of it.
"The facilities are terrific, the stadium is terrific and it's a really good set-up.
"Obviously I know they were a league side, but they were a big club for that level, let alone this one. Hopefully they can move up."
Comments
by nigelsparky
Saturday, May 26 2012, 8:43AM
“Lincolnsar I'm tending to agree with you as I think the board has probably panicked a little in recent years, with appointments of the likes of Tilson. However that said in the boards defence, Tilson did say he was keen on bringing in youth which never quite materialised. But that is all in the past now and we have a manager that appears to be quite astute in the transfer market and is not afraid of bringing in players from the very successful youth team. For me that has to be the way forward as these kids are trying to fullfil their dreams which means they will be hungry for it.”
by lincolnsar
Friday, May 25 2012, 8:31PM
“just the sort of signings we should have made straight after relegation ,talented keen lads who will have a dream fullfilled by moving up a grade to full time. but no our board throws mmoney all over the place backing a failed manager in tilson . living in cloud cookoo land thinking we are a massive non- league club . and puts us in even more trouble now”
by nigelsparky
Friday, May 25 2012, 11:21AM
“You always need that blend of youth and experience at all levels, which is not unique to football either. I personally think that with the 5 youth team players given pro deals, together with the other more experienced signings, bodes well for the new season.
Having personally seen the 5 youth players progression over the last few years, I can assure everyone, that all of them are more than capable, certainly at this level. They have all worked very hard to earn these deals believe me.
There are also 4 or 5 others that should make the pro ranks next season too. So Grant and the rest of the centre of excellence staff should feel very proud of their achievements.”
by jaguarimp
Friday, May 25 2012, 8:12AM
“Saw him play for Gainsborough a couple of times I think he is a good signing and with full time football he will only get better. One for the future, I know his contract is only one season but I think he was worth a risk for 2 seasons.”
by Poshimp2
Friday, May 25 2012, 6:53AM
“As I have said elsewhere, Andrew Boyce will prove to be the future star of our defence.”
by dennoimp
Thursday, May 24 2012, 5:06PM
“Its nice to see D H going for some young blood to complement the experience that he has already added.
It could be a good signing for the club and the player”