Stevenage FC v Barnsley FC by Hashtag Digital Media

B RO INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME 2023/24 NO. 16

v BARNSLEY FC

MATCH SPONSOR

Saturday, January 20 2023 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

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MANAGER

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

STEVE EVANS

SPONSORED BY

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Ollie & Liam's families

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CHAIRMAN

PHIL WALLACE

ood afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of Barnsley FC. I couldn’t start these notes or address the match before mentioning the tragic accident that happened last weekend, when one of our young supporters, 19-year-old Ollie Gatfield, lost his life in a car accident on Saturday evening. His friend, 18-year-old Liam Sharpe, travelling in the car with Ollie, is at the time of writing in a critical condition in hospital. That young lives can be so tragically lost supporting our Club is devastating to us all. RIP Ollie and our sincere wishes for a full recovery Liam.

Onto the game, we’ve made a few moves in the January window to strengthen our squad. We are looking to improve further if the opportunity arises, making sure we stay within our SCMP cap and the optimum number of players. Our win at Shrewsbury last week keeps us in the hunt for a top six place and, with our opponents today one place above us, it should be a cracker of a game. Let’s get behind the lads and get The Lamex rocking!

STEVENAGE FC v BARNSLEY FC

AHEAD OF

and on the day at the DW Stadium (cash only). Adults: £20, Over 65: £15, 18-21: £15, Under 18: £10, Under 12: £5

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

Travel with the Stevenage FC Supporters Association for just £30 for members and £35 for non-members. Book travel online here.

THE GAME CLUB SHOP: Midday – 3pm TICKET OFFICE: Midday – 3:30pm THE BROADHALL SUITE: Open to Home & Away supporters. Midday – Kick-Off. CLOSED at Full-Time. Bar Food Available THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away Supporters). 3.15pm – 80 minutes (North Stand Ticket Holders). Full-Time – 8pm (Home & Away Supporters). Bar Snacks Available TURNSTILES: 1:30pm

CAMBRIDGE UNITED HOME FIXTURE REARRANGED FOR TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

Tickets are now on sale for the rescheduled game, with all tickets purchased for the original tie remaining valid for the new date. Supporters can apply for a refund if they no longer wish to attend by doing one of the following: • If your ticket was purchased online, please email info@stevenagefc.com with your email confirmation attached. • If your ticket was purchased in-person from the Club Shop or Ticket Office, please return your physical ticket to the Club Shop.

TICKET INFO

MATCH TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STEVENAGE VS BARNSLEY All tickets must be purchased before reaching the turnstiles either online or from the North Stand Ticket Office.

TICKETS & TRAVEL: WIGAN ATHLETIC Kicking off at 3pm on Saturday 27th January, Stevenage make the 366-mile roundtrip to take on Shaun Maloney’s Latics. Match tickets are available online at www.borotickets.co.uk, or from the Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays & Friday 10am-5pm)

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STEVENAGE FC

SOCIAL

@StevenageFC

Stevenage Football Club is deeply saddened to learn the passing of 19-year-old supporter Ollie Gatfield. Rest in peace, Ollie.

@StevenageFC

Welcome to #StevenageFC, Vadaine Oliver!

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Fly high, Ollie. Keep strong, Liam.

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fan

FOCUS

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 19year old supporter Ollie Gatfield on Saturday 13th January. Ollie was a dedicated member of the East Terrace and followed Stevenage FC home and away. He was involved in a tragic fatal car accident on Saturday along with his friend and fellow Stevenage fan, Liam Sharpe, who still remains in a serious critical condition in hospital. The thoughts of everyone connected to Stevenage FC are with Ollie and Liam’s families and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. As a tribute to Ollie’s life, we have asked both Stevenage and Barnsley supporters, players and staff to join in with a minute’s applause before kick off today and also at the 19th Happy birthday to lifelong Boro fan Andy King who turns 40 this month. Live or online he follows every game still, and his favourite Boro moment was John Mousinho’s goal versus Torquay in the 2011 play-off final. Also celebrating this month are supporter couple Stuart and Jo Hogg who have birthdays on 18th and 20th January.

minute during the game. We hope this gives some comfort to Ollie’s family and friends and gives Liam the strength to recover and eventually return to the East terrace where he belongs.

happy birthday!

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Match

SHREWSBURY

STEVENAGE

Reid 84’

47%

53% 6

POSSESSION

SHOTS

3 2

SHOTS ON TARGET

342

301

CROSSES

ACTION

Jamie Reid’s second-half finish is the differencemaker as Stevenage take home all three points...

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2023/24

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SPONSORED BY

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

Harry Woodhead

Isaac Mills

t’s another big afternoon at Boro and we have no less than five mascots who will bring all the best of luck to guide the team to another three points in our promotion push. First up it’s hello to Harry Woodhead, 8, who lives in Yaxley and attends Fourfields School. Harry just loves kicking a ball around and coming to Boro with his grandad and his favourite player is Jamie Reid. Next up we welcome Isaac

Oliver Williams

Sam Barker

Mills, 5, who lives in Stevenage and attends Weston Primary School. Isaac especially loves football and cricket and his top Boro star is also Jamie Reid. Recent birthday boy Oliver Williams, 10, is next up. Oliver lives in Stevenage and attends Lodge Farm School and his birthday was last week. Oliver enjoys football, Lego, history and geography and Jamie Reid is also his favourite player! Our fourth mascot today is

Indie

Sam Barker, 10. Sam lives in Stevenage and attends Martinswood School and his hobbies include football, cricket, Xbox and F1. Guess what, Jamie Reid is also his favourite player. Last but by no means least a big welcome also goes to Indie, who was the winner of our Halloweek competition. Indie is 5 and attends Watton at Stone primary school. We hope Indie enjoys her complimentary mascot prize!

interactive Boro quiz!

Our interactive quiz is back, five teasers on our opponents today and a warm welcome in the league for the first time to Barnsley - can you get a Boro fifer? This one is there for the Tykeing…

CLICK HERE!

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FROM THE

SPONSORED BY

BARBARA FOLLETT

KEN FOLLETT

6 Dan Sweeney

7 Alex McDonald

SPONSORED BY

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY

ALFIE MILES

JOHN MACKENZIE

LAST

GOALSCORERS

SOCIETY

DAVID GRAY

8 Jake Forster-Caskey

9 Elliott List

10 Nick Freeman

SPONSORED BY

12 Craig MacGillivray

14 Kane Smith

15 Terence Vancooten

16 Harry Anderson

SPONSORED BY

MIKE HARNIMAN & LAURA TYLER

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER... For sponsorship enquiries email davidhoskins@stevenagefc.com

17 Finley Burns

18 Harvey White

19 Jamie Reid

20 Aaron Pressley

22 Vadaine Oliver

SPONSORED BY

HAYDN & FINLEY KETTEL

THOMAS WILLETT

23 Louis Thompson

24 Ben Thompson

25 Reece Hannam

29 Kane Hemmings

SPONSORED BY

JOHN MACKENZIE

Steve Evans

Paul Raynor

Alex Revell

Keith Bell

Ian Pledger

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STEVENAGE FC v CAMBRIDGE UTD FC

STEVENAGE FC

ACADEMY

ood afternoon and welcome to the Lamex for today’s fixture with Barnsley. Firstly, I wanted to extend my condolences to the Family and friends of Ollie Gatfield who tragically lost his life & to Liam Sharpe who remains in a critical condition in hospital after a tragic car accident last weekend supporting the team they love! Keep fighting Liam! & Ollie, may you rest in peace. The season is now in full swing and I feel settled in my new role and seeing the positive benefits in the players. With a new season always comes new ideas, different methods but ultimately with the same goal of developing better people as well as better players along the way. As well as overseeing the phase another part of my role is to create an exciting and challenging games programme for our players so over the past couple of months our U11-14 groups have had the chance to test themselves against some of the best young players in the country, away fixtures against Arsenal, Spurs, Birmingham & Fulham to name a few as well as post-Christmas treat of hosting Manchester City in some small format fixtures which was brilliant lots of goals and minutes played which definitely burnt off that extra Christmas pudding. Ultimately my job is made easier by the small but incredibly hard working team of coaches

and MDT staff I have around me so as we enter a new year I wanted to say a massive thank you them. Phil Hill has settled in and is really getting to grips with our exciting U12 group As well as the other lead Coaches of Sian, Josh & Ben. Robyn Reardon as ever is working hard with the player care side which sometimes goes unnoticed but you can see the hard work she does really coming out with the players that need it as well as the workshops she has delivered. Ben Williamson has worked tirelessly to create group & individual clips for our 13 & 14s for them to focus on in line with their IDPS. However the hard work continues and they definitely know that. I hope you enjoy the game, make some noise, and COME ONTHE BORO! TOM FARR Foundation Phase Lead

STEVENAGE FC v BARNSLEY FC

STEVENAGE FC

FOUNDATION FUNDING PARTNERS

COMMUNITY HEROES 2023/24

As part of the EFL Community Weekends, todays matchday we celebrate our 2023-24 Community Heroes from across our activity in our local area. We’ve picked a host of heroes from across the vast variety of work we do within the local community, from participants, coaches, volunteers, and fans. First up we’d like to introduce you to our Premier League Kicks captains Mitchell, Kyle, Dexter, and Tyrese. These four lads have been prominent faces at our PL Kicks sessions at both Nobel School, and Ridgeway Academy for some time now, recently appointed by our Youth Engagement Officer, Tom Wright as Kicks Captains, to recognise the incredible example they set to their peers and the support they provide to our staff on a weekly basis.

Next up, Brian Stapleton, who has regularly attended our Strength & Balance and our Intro to Exercise classes at Bedwell Community

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Centre. When asked about the impact session have had, Brian said “Loneliness is so difficult to deal with at any age and having to deal with mental health issues, but I have been lucky to become part of a new group of friends in Stevenage who have given me a new purpose to get up every morning and get out. Local groups such as Stevenage FC Foundation have invited me socially to join in on a Tuesday & Wednesday to do exercise classes, which has been amazing for me personally, my confidence has grown, and I have a new group of friends to socialise with we meet we have a laugh and keep fit at the same time.

Summer Readings is one of the rising stars in our Girls’ Talent Pathway, something she has been a part of for a number of years. Summer also attends our Girls’ Only Soccer Camps, and has benefitted from working with our coaches to improve both on and off the pitch. “I love that I get to train and play with other girls who are just as passionate about football as I am. We all have similar skills and interests, which creates a really motivating environment. My time at the Girls Development Centre has been incredible and has definitely shaped me in more ways than I could have imagined”. Get Set To Go is one of our long-standing projects delivered at Stevenage FC Academy aka “Shep”. Established in 2019, the programme

is delivered in partnership with Mind in Mid Herts. Paul Yearley not only attends as a participant, but now helps support others in the community too. “It’s been a great experience, helping me to strengthen my mental health and exercise. Also, I have helped support others in the community. The team at the Foundation have always been available to call or pop in for support. Recommend to all & any level of football skills.” Another frequent visitor to Shep is Walking Footballer, Pete Moss. Originally coming along to a taster session in 2016 in a game against MK Dons! Fast forward to 2020, and Pete was selected to play for England against Wales, until Covid-19 got in the way, however in May 202 Pete finally got his hands on that England cap. Pete’s support for the Foundation goes beyond Walking Football, and fans may have spoken to him at the recent Samaritans matchday, a charity he volunteers for. Pete also attends and supports our Extra-Time Hub at The Oval Community Centre on a Thursday alongside our Health & Wellbeing team. Pete noted “These events have been positive for my mental and physical wellbeing through interaction with new people and taking part in new activities. I consider myself fortunate that my involvement in the Foundation sessions has had such a positive impact on my life”.

STEVENAGE FC v BARNSLEY FC

Oskar is a student at a local Stevenage primary school, and has been involved with Premier League Primary Stars since September 2022, working on a 1-1 basis with Primary Education Officer, Luke Wilkins on our Change to Engage project. Sessions help students manage their behaviours, understand their emotions, and increase resilience, having a positive impact on social interactions and on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. When asked about being involved, Oskar said “Sometimes in school I felt angry if I did not win or got something wrong in class. It made me feel no good. Talking and working with Luke has helped me because I got to ask him questions, I even met the

the past 5 years she’s moved through the pathway and is now part of the Stevenage FC Women U23s side playing week in, week out for “The Boro”! Alongside this, Millie joined the Foundation as a Community Sport & Health Apprentice in September 2023, and now works as part of the wider team delivering over 185 sessions a week into the local community. On her time with the Foundation, Millie said “When I look back at my journey, I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been, I can’t believe it’s me! This opportunity has given me such an amazing start In my career within the world of football. I am enjoying working within schools and the community to help support other

Oskar is a shining example of how the programme has supported him

Stevenage FC players, and asked them how they feel if they lose a match. Now I know what to do if I feel angry or upset, I stay calm because they told me it’s OK not to win all the time. Being a Community Hero has made me feel happy, excited, and proud because I feel like maybe I can help people with what I have learnt from Stevenage FC Foundation”. His teacher Julie added “Oskar is a shining example of how the programme has supported him, he has better understanding of his emotions, and ways to deal with them through a common language of sport. We are sure that the lessons from Change to Engage will stay with him for life.” Next, we’d like to recognise one of our own in Millie Grima-Stacey, who started her journey with the Foundation when she was 11 years old as part of the Girls’ Development Centre. In

children knowing I’m making a difference is so rewarding. I feel I’ve been blessed with opportunities, and I will always work hard and never give up trying to make a difference to women’s football for the younger generation. I will always remember my journey”. Now for a familiar face to many here at The Lamex, the founder and driving force behind The Broadhall Way, Lewis Collins. In 2020, The Broadhall Way came to life utilising innovative merchandise to recognise the heritage of Stevenage FC and raise money for local causes at the same time. To date,

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Lewis has raised over £2,600 for organisations such as Mind in Mid Herts, Great Ormond Street, MSA Trust, Cardiomyopathy, NHS Trust, and the Foundation itself. Earlier this season, when I approached him about expanded his East Terrace flag project, his passion for the Club and the sense of belonging it gives to those that are part of the Boro family, was abundantly clear. He’s supported our schools work with the “Where’s Danny Rose” initiative last season, and is a credit to Stevenage FC, as well as Keith Bell’s biggest fan!

That makes up our Community XI, but every side needs a great manager. This year, we would like to recognise a Foundation stalwart, our Head of Education & Learning, Daryl Smith. Daryl joined the team way back June 2011, and since then has taken on near enough every single roll that the Foundation has to offer. He has seen the Club rise from the National League to League One playoff contenders and everything in between. During his time, he has looked after matchday experiences, our inclusive football teams, community work, soccer camps, and more recently, all our education projects including extra-curricular clubs, PL Primary Stars, mentoring apprentices, our Foundation Degree programme, adult learning, and alternative provision work supporting young people to access the best opportunities they can. In the last 13 years, Daryl has worked with and impacted thousands of lives from across our community, championing Stevenage FC, and using the badge to make people’s lives better. In short, there would be no Stevenage FC Foundation without Daryl Smith, and that’s why we’re delighted to name him as one of Community Heroes for 2023-24. Those that have been chosen for this years Community XI will be presented to the fans at The Lamex ahead of kick-off, please join us in showing appreciation for all they’ve achieved, and on behalf of the Foundation, we thank them for championing our work across Stevenage and surrounding areas. A final note from me today, all at the Foundation want to express their deepest condolences to Ollie Gatfield’s family and friends, after his passing last weekend, our thoughts are with you all at this time. Liam Sharpe also remains in our thoughts, and we send him our prayers as he continues to fight whilst in critical condition. A reminder, you can donate to the GoFundMe page here LINK JOE GOUDE Foundation Chief Executive Officer

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OUR NEW CHAPTER

On 2nd January 2024 Garden House Hospice Care launched our innovative new Frailty Service – a first for hospices. This means more people will benefit from our care and live a better life. We know that thousands of people in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage could, but don’t, receive our care. Many of those are living with frailty, a condition widely believed to be the major public health challenge of the 21st Century. It’s time we changed this!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

It will cost us £300,000 to run our Frailty Service for the first three months, and every pound you can give will be used to deliver a service that will mean people receive better care, admissions to hospital are reduced and more people can benefit from our range of expert services, earlier. CLICK HERE to find out more and donate today

CAROL’S STORY - ONE DAY TOO LATE Carol’s parents both needed support for the last few years of their lives. Her dad, Bryan, who had cancer, was referred to the Hospice within a few weeks of being diagnosed. Her mum, Ann, who had frailty, was referred a day after she died.

STEVENAGE FC v BARNSLEY FC

WELCOME

ww.barnsleyfc.co.uk CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

Neill Collins

Meet the boss

make the grade with boyhood club Kilmarnock - kicked off his career with Queens Park. A two-year stay with Dumbarton followed, before Reds legend Mick McCarthy brought him to England and Sunderland in 2004. Over the next decade, Neill would thrive at the likes of Wolves, Leeds and most notably Sheffield United. Collins was twice promoted to the Premier League, but surprisingly, was never capped by Scotland.

The Scot joined the Reds as Head Coach on July 6th 2023. After a successful stint in US soccer with Tampa Bay Rowdies, Collins arrived back in Yorkshire where he’d spent many years previously in his illustrious playing career at both Leeds United and Sheffield United. A Troon native, as a player, Collins - who didn’t

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

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RESULTS

Last FIVE Carlisle

Wigan

Peterborough

HOME

AWAY

W2-1

D1-1

22/23 League 1 4th

21/22 Championship 24th (R)

20/21 Championship 5th

HOME

SEASONS

Bristol R HOME

ONES TO watch A talented forward who can operate all across the frontline, Devante Cole rejoined the Reds in the summer of 2021. The versatile ole striker began Devante C his career in the youth system of Manchester City and in 2014 he arrived at Oakwell on loan, making his first professional appearance as a Reds player as well as grabbing his first senior goal. Another six would follow before the end of his loan spell, and Cole would enjoy other spells with the likes of MK Dons, Burton Albion and Motherwell before coming back to Barnsley. His 12 goals in 24 starts for Motherwell prior to his Oakwell return saw him hot property before the Reds pounced and secured him on a three-year deal. Unfortunately, his ‘second coming’ at Barnsley

Port Vale

D2-2

W2-3

19/20 Championship 22st

18/19 League 1 2nd (P)

AWAY

barely got going under either Markus Schopp or Poya Asbaghi, with Cole limited to the occasional sub appearance as the Reds limped their way to the third tier in 2021/22. It was a different story the following year, playing week in, week out in Sky Bet League One, Cole would spearhead the Barnsley frontline, scoring 16 goals as the Reds unluckily lost out on promotion in the Play-Off Final at Wembley.

The French defender joined the Reds in the summer of 2023, after an impressive 12 months in Ligue 2 for Nimes. Cultured but brave in the Maël D challenge, e Gevig ney the former Versaille man arrived in England for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

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“Dun’t be flummoxed. Just say “‘ey’up” and tha’ll be yakkin’ Tyke before tha’ noz . . . .” Last time I saw a Barnsley team here at Stevenage was on Monday August 15th 1969 – that’s over 55 years ago! It was a pre-season friendly. Jim Briscoe was the manager of Stevenage (Athletic) and one of his close, personal friends was Johnny Steele, the manager of Barnsley at that time. When Jim played for Sheffield Wednesday, Johnny played for Barnsley. Both coming from South Yorkshire coal mining villages, they socialised together and became great friends. Back in 1969, Johnny helped the fledgling Stevenage Athletic by supplying a constant stream of youngsters “on loan” to Broadhall Way. The Stevenage team for the friendly in 1969 comprised: Fred Dakin, Colin Huxford, Chris Long, Mick Hennigan, Alan Barker, John Mills, Brian Parkinson, Johnny Hiner, Jack Parks, Mickey Hunter and Jose Whishaw. At just 16 years of age, this was Jose Wishaw’s very first full game for Stevenage. Jose went on to become a ‘fans’ favourite’ and played throughout the “Athletic” years, ending his career with “the Boro” in the early 1980’s. Barnsley fielded Lavely, Paul Turner, Parkin, Hadley, Levett, Ken Brown, Stuart Barraclough, Alan Hopkinson, Thornhill, Norton and Clark. Stevenage won 3-1. A personal welcome from me to Alan Bloore, chair of the Barnsley Supporters Trust and to his fellow board members, here this afternoon.

INTER-CITY BORO

On Saturday January 27th we take the high road to the DW Stadium in Robin Park, Wigan. It’s another “new” stadium for very many of our fans, so we expect demand for the buses to be high. At a cost of just £30 for SA members, our buses depart The Lamex at 8:30am (sharp). You can book your seat from John Carroll on Stevenage 814285 (after 6:00pm), or book on-line here. LLOYD BRISCOE Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

IN MEMORIAM

As this is the first home game of 2024, it is right and proper that we should reflect on some of those who are, sadly, no longer with us. RICHARD THOM Richard had been a fan of Stevenage for as long as I can remember. He was passionate about the club, attending games both home and away for at least the last 30 years. A prominent and active member of the Supporters’ Association, he was also a stalwart of Knebworth Youth FC. Richard passed on last October, aged 70. PAUL FRY Paul was a journalist – and he was good at it. He was well known “in the trade” and widely respected by all who knew him. Starting his career with the Stevenage Gazette, he eventually went on to become a sub-editor at The Sporting Life, before doing the same for The Mail on Sunday. A life-long Stevenage fan, Paul used to edit the ‘Boro’s’ match-day programmes back in the ‘Conference’ days. Since his retirement, Paul has written and published three books about the town and the club. Paul passed on December 22nd, aged 67.

Richard Thom (courtesy of The Comet)

WELCOME