Football Season Guide

Stevenage begin another era following two remarkable years under experienced manager Steve Evans. The obstreperous Scot transformed a club that only retained their EFL status due to Macclesfield Town’s liquidation in 2020, guiding them to promotion and then an unlikely play-off challenge that only faltered in the final few weeks. Last season hadn’t even ended when Evans surprise departure was announced and that he was heading back to former club Rotherham United. Alex Revell, a former club and coach under Evans, has been appointed as his successor. It would be a real challenge for an experienced manager to follow Evans, never mind a rookie like Revell, but he does at least have a strong base from which to start. Centre-back Terence Vancooten is the only real surprise departure, opting for a move to Burton Albion. The loss of Manchester City loanee Finley Burns will be felt but was expected. Dan Kemp is the standout addition of the summer. The midfield playmaker was outstanding during a loan spell at Swindon Town last season and will be hoping to have a similar impact after signing a permanent deal at Broadhall Way. Lewis Freestone will soften the blow of Vancooten’s departure in the back-line whilst Tyreece Campbell adds a real physical presence to an already strong attack. Keeping hold of the likes of centre-back Carl Piergianni and strikers Jamie Reid and Jordan Roberts is just as important as any of the new signings. This campaign represents a step into the unknown with Revell at the helm. It will be interesting to see how it goes.