Coughlan: Boston’s ‘Miracle’ Escape Must Be Just A Start

The 50-year-old inspired a stunning revival which saw the Pilgrims claw back a 12 point deficit to ensure an highly unlikely survival.

They had only 11 points on the board when he took over 19 games into the season - and now they’re safe with a match to spare having taken the club’s tally to 55.

So good was their recovery that Boston were still a dozen points adrift at the start of March - and went on to claim 32 more points in 15 matches.

Coughlan couldn’t be prouder of his team following their incredible second half of the season but it doesn’t sound like he’s planning to enjoy the moment for too long.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t waver in my belief at times,” said the former Newport County manager, who took over in November.

“But I have always had faith in this group because they work so hard.

“They’ve been down and they’ve been hurt on occasions, but the way they have picked themselves up is a credit to them.

“I’m super proud of them. They have delivered what I believe is nothing short of a miracle.

“To have 55 points at this moment in time considering where we were, I think that is remarkable.

“I have to say, the fans have made my life so much easier with the way they’ve encouraged the team,” he told the club’s YouTube channel.

“We were getting cheered off the pitch even when things weren’t going our way, and that helped us create a special environment.

“But you know me. I will given them a pat on the back, say well done but I want to keep driving forward. I think we’ve got a good chance of lifting the standards.”