By Pete Oliver BBC Sport Online

Boston's caretaker-manager Neil Thompson is preparing the Pilgrims for their first ever crack at Nationwide League football as the club waits to learn its fate.

Last season's Nationwide Conference champions, along with manager Steve Evans and former chairman Pat Malkinson, face a number of FA charges relating to "contract irregularities."

Evans has been suspended by Boston while the club holds an internal enquiry and assistant Thompson has been placed in temporary charge of footballing matters.

The former York City and Scarborough manager, who moved to York Street last November, is overseeing pre-season preparations which are being geared towards life in the Third Division.

Thompson said: "It was a massive achievement last season and we want to start in Division Three, although charges have got to be answered.

"I'm not privy to any of that, but I'm sure the powers that be are doing everything they can.

"We've got to wait until a week on Friday and hopefully get a positive announcement."

Thompson has no shortage of playing or management experience.

The former Ipswich Town and Barnsley full-back knows the club can't stand still on the playing side while defences are mounted and the FA prepares to deliver its verdict.

He added: "The lads have been back for a week. They worked very hard and that will continue.

"It's a big season for us. The players have come back chomping at the bit.

"They know what's ahead of them and we'll prepare accordingly.

"It's important the players have a base to go into pre-season, which means a lot of leg-work, a lot of ball-work and a lot of team-shape."

And Thompson has called on two of the club's senior professionals to help out on the training ground when required.

"I am on my own in terms of a senior management position so Ray Warburton and Peter Costello give me a hand as and when necessary.

"As players they still need to do the bulk of the training but at any time I need them to put on a session that's not a problem," he said.

It's also a busy time in terms of recruitment and Boston don't want to miss the boat.

"Players have started to come out of the woodwork and we've been talking to one or two.

"We have targeted one or two and I'm sure if they came up discussions would take place," Thompson added.