Boston United have completed a double defensive signing, bringing Jamie Grimes and Jake Rooney back to the Jakemans Community Stadium on permanent deals.
Both players spent part of last season on loan with the Pilgrims and made 16 appearances apiece as Paul Hurst’s side finished 12th in the National League. They were subsequently released by their parent clubs, allowing Boston to secure their returns without paying transfer fees.
Grimes has agreed a one-year contract following the conclusion of his five-year spell with Chesterfield.
The experienced centre-back initially arrived at Boston on loan in February and quickly became a regular during the second half of the campaign. His performances have now earned him the opportunity to remain in Lincolnshire for the 2026/27 season.
The 35-year-old captained Chesterfield and was an important figure during their promotion-winning 2023/24 campaign. He scored twice against Boreham Wood in the game which confirmed the Spireites as National League champions, ending their six-year absence from the EFL.
Grimes made 166 league appearances for Chesterfield after joining the club in 2021 and was named in the National League Team of the Season during their title-winning campaign. His career has also included spells with Swansea City, Forest Green Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Dover Athletic, Cheltenham Town, Macclesfield Town, Ebbsfleet United and Hereford.
The defender was part of the Chesterfield side which faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2022, coming off the bench during a 5-1 defeat against the reigning European champions.
Confirmation of his Boston return was followed by the permanent signing of Rooney, who has joined after leaving Derby County at the end of his contract.
The 22-year-old had also spent the latter part of last season with the Pilgrims, joining on loan shortly after an earlier spell with Barnsley was cut short. He made his Boston debut in a 2-1 victory at Boreham Wood and scored his first senior goals two weeks later. He struck twice as the Pilgrims recorded an extraordinary 6-3 win away at Scunthorpe United.
The defender finished his loan with three goals from 16 National League appearances, showing his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Rooney came through the youth systems at Tranmere Rovers and Burnley before joining Derby in August 2022. He made his senior debut one day later, starting in a League Cup victory over Mansfield Town. He made 18 appearances during his first season with the Rams, but his progress was interrupted by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against Bolton Wanderers in September 2023.
A further knee problem delayed his return and restricted his opportunities at Pride Park. Rooney eventually made 23 senior appearances for Derby and was part of the squad which earned promotion from League One in 2023/24.
He was released following the expiration of his contract in June, opening the door for Boston to make his loan move permanent.
Rooney, who is a cousin of former England captain Wayne Rooney and Macclesfield manager John Rooney, can operate at centre-back or right-back.
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