WORCESTER City's stand-in goalkeeper James Coates ad-mits he is devastated after failing to earn a contract at Coca-Cola League Two club Boston United.

The talented 19-year-old had been training with the Pilgrims and played five reserve games in a bid to claim the second choice goalkeeping spot be-hind number one stopper Nathan Abbey.

But despite a number of impressive performances for Boston's second-string, Coates has left York Street after being told by the club's management that he lacked Football League experience.

It is the second time Coates has suffered rejection from a professional club this year, having been released by Mansfield Town earlier this summer.

Manchester-born Coates, who made seven appearances for City deputising for injured Danny McDonnell, is now considering stepping back into non-league football.

He said: "I'm devastated because I wanted to get back into full-time football.

"Boston manager Steve Evans did not speak to me, it was their assistant Paul Raynor which I thought was a bit unprofessional.

"I understand where they are coming from but it's not great for me. I think I'm going to have to dip down a level and get some experience, which is what I wanted at Worcester."