Stevenage FC – ‘meeting the opposition’.
This weekend, Tranmere Rovers will travel to Stevenage for a league two encounter at the Lamex Stadium. With that in mind, I placed questions towards Reece ‘@BoroFCCentral’ who supports the ‘Boro’. I thought it would be interesting to see the thoughts of a fan who’s club will soon face Rovers, to get his opinions of the Whites as well as his thoughts on the position of the Hertfordshire club at the moment, on and off the pitch; amongst other subjects.
How long have you been a supporter of Stevenage. How did you discover the club?
My first game was actually the first ever final at Wembley. Stevenage 3-2 Kidderminster, FA Trophy. From 2-0 down too. Not a bad game to kick off with! It’s been on and off since then and now I go every game home and away and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where did Stevenage finish last season?
We finished rock bottom. Much like Tranmere we felt a little robbed with the PPG system and then just three weeks before the new season after court battles, appeals and arguments between Macclesfield and the EFL we got the mightiest reprieve of all time and against all odds here we are in League Two.
What are your thoughts on your current manager?
Alex Revell had/has a very difficult job. A player as early as the January of last year so he understands the demands of a modern athlete and he cares deeply. It’s hard to argue he hasn’t been thrown under a bus thus far but there have been good things. He’s learning a lot. Hard to argue that his inexperience is leading to some failures so far though.
What are your expectations for this season? What are your thoughts on the start of Stevenage’s season?
More wins than managers this season would be a start! I think this year for Stevenage is all about building again. Building trust and the connection from the supporters and building a team. We don’t have lots of money for this level. If you don’t have wealth at this level, stability gets you competing. We have everything to prove this year but nothing to lose. Refreshing in many ways.
This season has been rough. It appears we didn’t learn certain lessons and it’s cost us. Every game has fine margins. But not getting relegated is the aim so i suppose we have to expect rough moments. We’ve had a good period of form going into this game.
Which one player is your danger man, why?
Tom Pett has been outstanding since coming in. Drives the team forward and his incisive passing have been important in getting us some kind of results and some attacking threat.
What is your score prediction for the game against Tranmere?
I think Tranmere are struggling to put together some consistent performances at the minute and I’m yet to be convinced by the midfield under Keith Hill yet this weekend’s visitors to the Lamex Stadium are clearly still a dangerous side. Boro have one loss in seven, the performances are improving and unlike when our first game was going to be our confidence is at a good point. I just have to edge it to the Boro 2-1, I fancy a good game.
Random fact about Stevenage? (Famous fans, something about the town etc)
We are the first team ever to win a trophy at the New Wembley. That’s pretty unique.
Do you support/like any other clubs other than Stevenage , why?
Not anymore. Used to be a Chelsea follower because my family but have since fallen in love with Stevenage and the feeling of supporting my local team.
Proudest moment as a supporter of Stevenage ?
Has to be the FA Cup moments we’ve had. Deservedly beating high flying Newcastle 3-1 at the Lamex. That was special. Forcing Spurs to a replay was up there. I think many Stevenage fans would tell you the pride they felt at our boys walking out at White Hart Lane was special. Beating Sheffield United 4-1 and Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 are also contenders.
What is your opinion of Tranmere Rovers?
Tranmere are a big club for this level. A proper football club with proper values. Very unlucky to be at this level this year but doubt anyone ever looks forward to playing you. The supporters are some of the best I’ve seen in recent times, to add.
I would like to thank ‘Reece’ @BoroFCcentral for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him, this league encounter should be an interesting occasion and I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.
Thank you for reading,
Stay safe,
Ethan Hoijord
- Stevenage’s home ground, the ‘Lamex stadium’.