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Boston United have pulled off a transfer coup by landing experienced Darlington defender Kevin Austin on loan — despite strong interest from other clubs.

The 38-year-old centre-half has enjoyed a long and distinguished professional career — including a highly-successful spell with county neighbours Lincoln City.

Austin has been recruited to bolster an injury-hit United rearguard, which is potentially missing Kieran Murphy, Gareth Jelleyman and Mark Robinson for Saturday’s tough trip to Workington.

The Hackney-born defender has made 573 senior appearances (and scored six goals) since starting out professionally with Leyton Orient in 1993.

Three seasons with Orient preceded a £30,000 transfer to Lincoln, where he made close to 150 appearances at Sincil Bank. Austin went on to enjoy successful spells with the likes of Barnsley, Bristol Rovers, Swansea City and Chesterfield.

The player has also made seven international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago.

Reflecting on Austin’s arrival, United joint manager Rob Scott told bufc.co.uk: “Kevin fits the bill perfectly in terms of experience and presence at the back. He has real leadership qualities and will compliment the other defenders we already have within the squad.

“We thank Darlington for allowing this move to happen and looking forward to getting Kevin onboard.”

Sheffield-based Austin will spend one month with the Pilgrims initially and is available for Saturday’s clash against Workington at Borough Park.


Loan defender Kevin Austin says he will get better following eventful debut
thisislincolnshire.co.uk

KEVIN AUSTIN believes Pilgrims fans have yet to see the best of him following one of the most remarkable debuts of a lengthy career.

The central defender, who has joined Boston on a month's loan from Darlington, made his first start in Saturday's thrilling 5-3 win over Workington at Borough Park.

Ex-Lincoln City player Austin started the game alongside Boston skipper Lee Canoville, but that partnership was broken up due to Canoville pulling a hamstring.

Austin was then joined in the centre of defence by Shaun Pearson as the Pilgrims went on to win in heavy conditions in West Cumbria.

Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's team return to action tonight at home against Blue Square Bet North play-off hopefuls Solihull Moors (7.45pm), having also tied up the month-long loan signing of Rotherham's 21-year-old left-back Jamie Green.

"We made hard work of it, but a win is a win and I'm sure it will have pleased the managers," said Austin.

"They are a great bunch of lads here at Boston and there are some very good players. Lee (Canoville) is one of those good players, I saw enough of him before he went off injured to see that.

"And I remember playing against him from time to time over the years so I know he has quality.

"But then he went off and was replaced by Shaun Pearson, who is also a very good player.

"I can't say what the managers' plans are as far as I am concerned but if I start the game tonight I'm sure I could play alongside either of those two comfortably."

After a stop-start season in Darlington, the 38-year-old has arrived in Boston with two objectives, to get games under his belt and to help the Pilgrims sustain their challenge for honours.

His next chance to carry out those objectives comes tonight, as he is expected to make his home debut against Solihull.

"I don't know too much about this league, but I do know that Solihull are pushing towards the top and will be working just as hard as Boston to win every game," Austin added.

"I have not been starting games recently at Darlington so I have to be honest, I am down on my fitness and I need games under my belt.

"There was a little bit of stiffness following the Workington game, but the pitch was heavy, so I expected that. I'm sure as I play more games my fitness will improve.

"I would like to think that my presence here will be a help to the two managers, especially now that Lee (Canoville) is carrying an injury.

"The move (to Boston) happened very quickly really. I first heard of the possibility of coming on Thursday last week when I spoke to Rob Scott. And then it all happened quickly."