Stevenage FC v Tranmere Rovers FC

BORO

v TRANMERE ROVERS FC

Saturday,

February 25 2023

Kick-Off: 3.00pm

ONLINE DISCOUNT FOR ADVANCE MATCH TICKETS CLICK HERE

THE MANAGER STEVE EVANS

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

“The focus has to be on ourselves in what we do & how we can affect the opposition”

PHIL WALLACE

Good afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of Tranmere Rovers.

It has been a week of reflection for all of us. The defeat at Stockport County was probably reasonable, given the home team’s dominance in the first half. That changed completely in the second half, but it is tough to come back a goal down to a decent side in 45 minutes. However, our play showed much of the qualities that got us to second place in the table. Sometimes in a season, winning teams go through short periods when things do not go as they should. I do not believe we should have lost to Bradford City and a referee’s decision to award a penalty robbed us of a win away at Newport County. Our lads are mentally strong and determined to put us back on our winning track.

This week saw the 99-page government publication on Reforming Club Football

Governance to bring sustainability to clubs. This obviously involves - at its core - a redistribution of income throughout the leagues and that is great news for clubs like ours.

Football will change over the next three to four years and with extra income coming down to the lower leagues from media and streaming, making clubs sustainable to reinvest in people and infrastructure, which has to be good for communities and the national game.

Back to the game and it is a crucial home match for us. We have got great form at home and our support and noise is a major part of that. So, let’s hear you get right behind the lads as we fight for the three points. Enjoy the game!

“Our lads are mentally strong and determined to put us back on our winning track”

AHEAD OF THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday – Kick-Off + 15 minutes after full-time

TICKET OFFICE: Midday – 3.15pm (Pay on the day)

The Broadhall Suite: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters)

THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters) Half-Time (North Stand Ticket Holders) Full-Time –8pm (Home & Away supporters)

TURNSTILES: 1.30pm

TICKET INFO

BORO HOST TRANMERE ROVERS AT THE LAMEX STADIUM

Tickets for Tranmere Rovers range from £18 for Adults, £10 Under 18s and £5 Under 12s at www.borotickets.co.uk , from the Club Shop and the Ticket Office ahead of kick-off.

All tickets purchased Online/In-Advance of matchday are cheaper, and supporters can now scan their way in using the ticket QR code on their phone.

TICKETS & TRAVEL:

AFC WIMBLEDON

Kicking off at 7.45pm in Sky Bet League

Two, Steve Evans’ men make the trip to

South West London & the newly built Plough Lane to take on Johnnie Jackson’s Dons.

Match tickets are available from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm) and from Plough Lane on the day of the game (Adult & Concessions increase by £2).

• Adult: £25

• Concession*: £17

• 17 & Under: £7

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 4pm on the day of the game. To book a seat, visit www.sfcsa. co.uk/home/travel and book online.

ROCHDALE AFC

Kicking off at 3pm in Sky Bet League

Two, Steve Evans’ men make the 385-mile round trip to The Crown Oil Arena to take on Jim Bentley’s Dale.

Match tickets are available online only at www.stockportcounty.com . from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm) and from The Crown Oil Arena on the day of the game.

• Adult: £24

• 65+: £19

• Under 21: £14

• Under 11: £7

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 9am on the day of the game. To book a seat, visit www.sfcsa.co.uk/ home/travel and book online.

Piergianni 26’, Sweeney 73’

Derbyshire 49’, Cook 56’, Walker 86’

BRADFORD

3

Boro fall short to Bradford City despite goals from Carl Piergianni and Dan Sweeney...

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

A big warm Boro welcome goes to our four mascots this afternoon as they bid to get us back on track in the battle for automatic promotion.

First up it’s a hearty hello to Elliot Webster Elliot is 11 and lives in Hatfield and attends Green Lanes Primary School. His hobbies are football, reading and gaming and his favourite player is Spurs legend Harry Kane.

Next we say welcome to Joseph Parchment who is five-years -old and attends Howe Dell Primary School. Listing playing football with his army toys as his main hobby, Joseph’s favourite player is Aaron Chapman.

Our third mascot of the day is nine-year-old Reuben Parchment who lives in Hatfield and attends Howe Dell School. Reuben’s hobbies are playing football and gaming and his favourite player is Boro front man Danny Rose.

Last, but by no means least, we wish all the very best to Vincent Draper who is our fourth mascot this afternoon. Vincent attends St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School and lives in Hatfield. His hobbies include football and swimming. We wish all four mascots a fantastic time with the Boro today and here’s hoping they give us all the luck needed to claim three more points.

INTERACTIVE BORO QUIZ!

Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season. Tranmere are the visitors and they are close to water so 5 questions on clubs based near rivers.

Elliot Webster Joseph Parchment

Reuben Parchment

Vincent Draper

Hewett Air Conditioning Ltd are based in Stevenage and cover the home counties and London areas. We are a family run business with over 3 decades of experience in the air conditioning sector. We have become a trusted partner for a range of clients from large mutli-nationals to local and domestic customers. Offering a full range of services including design, installation and servicing.

For more information or a no obligation quotation please call 01438 869594 or email paul@hewettair.co.uk

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Stevenage welcomed Tranmere for the visitors’ first game back in the Football League since May 2015, where they finished rock bottom of League Two. Boro didn’t take long to get their scoring account up and running as Jimmy Ball slid a pass through to Alex Revell, nutmegging Oliver Banks. Ball then took the ball back from Revell to strike home making it 1-0. Stevenage doubled their lead as Revell set up the goal scorer by playing a loose ball which was picked up by winger, Joel Byrom, who found himself in the centre of the field, allowing him to fire a shot into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box.

Tranmere responded through a James Norwood left foot strike which passed

Saturday 4th August 2018

Sky Bet League Two

STEVENAGE

TRANMERE

STARTING XI

1 Paul Farman

2 Luther Wildin

5 Scott Cuthbert

31 Ben Nugent

3 Johnny Hunt

8 Joel Byrom

7 Jimmy Ball (53’)

4 Michael Timlin (64’)

10 Ben Kennedy

22 Alex Reid (58’)

9 Alex Revell

SUBSTITUTES

27 Seny Dieng

25 Ron Henry

16 Arthur Iontton

14 James Ferry (53’)

11 Emmanuel Sonupe (64’)

19 Danny Newton (58’)

underneath Boro’ goalkeeper, Paul Farman. Despite Norwood’s strike in the 33rd minute, it was the hosts that stayed ahead, 2-1 at half time. However, only a mere ten minutes into the second half, James Norwood once again put the ball into the Stevenage net as he nudged home Jonny Smith’s header across the Boro’ goalmouth.

The game hadn’t concluded its action just yet though as Johnny Hunt chopped down Tranmere’s Ben Tollitt. The referee had no option but to dismiss the already booked full-back, and the defender could have had no complaints and may have even felt lucky to not see his challenge awarded a straight red.

Despite being 2-0 up after 27 minutes, Boro started their 2018/19 League Two season frustratingly with a single point as well as having Johnny Hunt suspended for their travels to Crawley Town a week later.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

The St Albans Purple All Stars were formed in 2011. They are a group of people with learning disabilities who deliver health promotion messages using creative arts.

The Purple All Stars have performed at many events through out the years across the county and nationally. These have included Hertfordshire County Show, public health events, local festivals and Christmas lights switch on’s. The latest notable performance being halftime at a football match between Stevenage Borough and Tranmere Rovers to over 2000 fans. They plan to return to this same match this year in Feb 2023. They have also performed at health and social care service trainings as well as NHS conferences. They have participated in national research projects. A big achievement was at the National Drama Festival 2016, winning the award for Contributions to Inclusive Theatre.

Their work on promoting reasonable adjustments for people with learning disability has led to the development of a rap and pop video which can be seen on YouTube.

Purple All-Stars TEACH rap - YouTube

They have also made a pop video about the importance of correct handwashing to prevent the spread of Covid, infections and flu.

The Purple All-Stars Hand washing rap - YouTube

ALL STARS

The Purple All Stars were set up in 2011 by the Learning Disability Nursing Service within Hertfordshire County Council and is led by creative care practitioner Kate Harding. They have performed at a variety of events including Hertfordshire County Show, public health events, health and social care training sessions and Christmas lights switch ons. They are recognised nationally for their “Sepsis Song” and their “Hand-Washing Rap” which can be watched on YouTube Purple All-Stars

TEACH rap and The Purple All-Stars

Hand washing rap

One of the aims of the award winning group is to raise awareness the about mental and physical health as well as social isolation, inclusion and equality for people with learning disabilities and this was recognised at the National Drama Festival in 2016, winning the award for

contributions to Inclusive Theatre. New members to the group are welcome. For more details go to Facebook @purplestarstrategyproject or @purpleallstarspurpleallstars and Twitter @HLTHertsCC or call 01438 845372.

Sadly very recently their new minibus was stolen from a Leisure Centre car park and has still not been recovered. An essential bus that gets them to and from their performances. Although they have insurance, there is still a shortfall to replace it, so they have set up a just giving page to help raise the extra funds. Purple All-Stars us fundraising for The Daylight Club (justgiving.com)

As one of the group said “By singing, dancing and acting we teach others about the health needs of people with learning disabilities. Being a Purple All Star is great fun and I’m much more confident now”.

proud to Be prIncIpal sponsors of steVenaGe fc

Offices in UK, USA, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China.

For career opportunities email info@lamexfoods.eu

Proud sponsors of youth football in Stevenage

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping contractor

Serving Herts, Beds & Bucks

Services include

• Grass cutting

• Sports field maintenance/renovation

• Sports field & court markings

• Tree surgery

• Fencing, Gate automation & Access control

• Planting & Turfing

• Surfacing & Paving

FOCUS A

s part of the Level Playing Field campaign Boro are delighted to welcome Archie Riley to the Lamex for this big clash with Tranmere this afternoon. Archie is seven years of age and attends Lonsdale School in the town. His favourite player in the current Boro squad is Danny Rose and he will be on the pitch before kick-off today as he hopes to cheers the lads on to yet another three points. Here’s to a great day with us Archie and we hope the Boro boys look after your and give you plenty to celebrate by 5pm.

ON THIS DAY: 25 FEBRUARY

Are you hoping that today is a day where Boro’ can emerge with a priceless win after a tricky run of fixtures? Well, if past years are anything to go by, it may go either way. Six times have we played on 25 February since first doing so in 1984 – almost 40 years ago. And our record is split right down the middle: three victories and three defeats. It’s also a date that gives with one hand and threatens to take away with the other. Boro’ have actually won three out of their last four on this date in history. This run kicked off with an impressive 3-0 victory in 1994; beating reigning Conference champions Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough. But for our two-goal defeat at Charlton Athletic in 2012, it’d be a run of three straight wins on this date thanks to our last two efforts.

The potential spanner in the work is that both our wins on 25 February 2014 and 2017 came at the expense of Crewe Alexandra. A late petition to the Football League to rejig our remaining fixtures, we assume, is out of the question? A Francois Zoko goal was enough to secure the first; a rare success in our forgettable 2013-4 League One campaign. In the second, not even Jamie Jones’ red card could prevent Boro’ picking up three points at Gresty Road; a couple of goals (Godden and Franks) doing the business.

IT’S TRANMERE ROVERS AGAIN…

Boro’ are currently on a run of two

1984 Newport Pagnell Town 2-0

Stevenage Borough, United Counties League Premier Division

1989 Stevenage Borough 2-3 Purfleet , Vauxhall Opel League Division

Two North (S Taverner, Cox)

1995 Kidderminster Harriers 0-3

Stevenage Borough, GM Vauxhall Conference (Nugent, Lynch, Fortune-West)

2012 Charlton Athletic 2-0 Stevenage, npower League One

2014 Stevenage 1-0 Crewe Alexandra, Sky Bet League One (Zoko)

2017 Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Godden, Franks; Jones s/o)

straight wins against Tranmere Rovers. That has tipped the overall balance between us in our favour; us on five wins out of 15 previous meetings and our guests today on four. In fact, spread the net just a little wider and Boro’ have won three out of the last four and –remarkably, perhaps – Tranmere are yet to win here.

There is a first time for everything, but we very much hope that doesn’t apply today.

MAGIC MOMENT:

23 April 2022 – Sky Bet League Two

STEVENAGE FC 2

TRANMERE ROVERS FC 0

Why look back any further than nine months? Luke Norris scored a brace as Boro’ recorded their fourth-ever victory at the expense of Rovers; a win that also essentially ensured we’d be playing League Two football this campaign. And that had repercussions too as we went north to Prenton Park on day one of this campaign and came home with the points.

It was a quiet enough first 15 minutes or so, but it all burst into life with two goalmouth scrambles in quick succession; either of which could’ve ended up in a goal for us. Alas, neither did. So, we instead had to wait until the 23rd minute – Luther James-Wildin’s cross striking a defender’s arm and Nozza converting from the spot.

Tranmere of course had their chances and looked a little sharper after the break. What chances came their way would not be taken, however. With 23 minutes left (nice symmetry), Nozza made it two with a header back across goal from Ben Coker’s cross. Two goals, three points, and one set of happy home fans after a long and troublesome campaign.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

ON BOTH SIDES…

The list of players to feature for both sides here today is neither exhaustive nor – if we’re being 100% candid –exactly illustrious. Both geography and relative footballing positions over the years probably helped keep this list to what it is.

Out of all the names you might consider to be the stand-out, we have Lucas Akins; the forward swapping Prenton Park for Broadhall Way in 2012. David Amoo – late of this parish – also had a spell with Rovers back in 2013. Of the names to make a limited impact in Boro’ colours, meanwhile, we have the likes of Ben Chorley, Calvin Zola, and Guy Madjo. On which side of the fence you’d consider Jennison MyrieWilliams to be found is your choice entirely.

And how can we forget James Wallace? Well, it isn’t actually hard to. Wallace arrived on loan from Everton in January 2012. Unfortunately, boss Graham Westley moved on shortly after his arrival – so back Wallace went having made no appearances. He’d sign for Tranmere Rovers on a permanent deal later that year.

PLAYER SPONSORS FIRST TEAM 2022/23

3 Max Clark SPONSORED BY

4 Jake Reeves SPONSORED BY

9 Luke Norris SPONSORED BY

8 Jake Taylor SPONSORED BY

6 Dan Sweeney SPONSORED BY

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

2 Luther James-Wildin SPONSORED BY KEN FOLLETT

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED BY DAVID GRAY

7 Elliott List SPONSORED BY

10 Dean Campbell SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY DAMIAN ANDERSON

12 Taye Ashby-Hammond SPONSORED BY

15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY BOB UKIAH

17 Alex Gilbey SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

16 Daryl Horgan SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

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

Keith Bell SPONSORED BY

Alex Revell SPONSORED BY Ian Pledger SPONSORED BY Matt Rogers SPONSORED BY

19 Jamie Reid SPONSORED BY

18 Michael Bostwick SPONSORED BY MICK GORHAM

32 Danny Rose SPONSORED BY FINLEY KETTEL

Paul Raynor SPONSORED BY

Steve Evans SPONSORED BY

20 Josh Reid SPONSORED BY

23 Jake Forster-Caskey SPONSORED BY LAST GOALSCORERS SOCIETY

28 Josh March SPONSORED BY

25 Adam Przybek SPONSORED BY

26 Toby Savin SPONSORED BY

22 Jonathan Tomkinson SPONSORED BY

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Lamex for another good fixture. As always, I would like to start by wishing the gaffer and his team the best of luck in this afternoon’s game. Our U18’s start their merit league 1 campaign as we host Plymouth Argyle with a 1pm kick off at Shephalbury, so we should be able to get down for the second half. Ronnie and Nick our U18’s coaches have done a tremendous job in turning our fortunes around, going back to what we are best at, to get into the merit league 1 is always our aim and it now gives our 2023-2025 cohort the opportunity to play regular U18’s football. Ronnie and Nick have also planned a revised training timetable for our U16/17 who will train once a week together to enable them to bridge the gap for when they start full time in the summer. I also wanted to take the opportunity to provide you all with an update on some of the things that have been going on behind the scenes here at Stevenage FC Academy. Our Head of Athletic Development & Nutrition, Phil Samuel, recently departed the Academy to join Watford FC as YDP/FP Athletic Development Coach with Austin Ephgrave taking on Phil’s responsibilities until the end of the season. Working alongside Phil in recent months, Austin has experience working with the England National team during his studies and this move will, we believe, continue to develop our young players.

Alex Stylianou, our previous Pathway Manager, departed for a role within

Morecambe’s Foundation Phase. These departures have led to some positive movement and opportunities for our talented young coaches; Josh ColdicottStevens has taken over as our Education Development Programme Lead until the end of the season, with Josh having worked on the programme for a number of years, this ensures the great work that has already happened this season, continues for the players on our post-16 football and education programme.

Louis Hrebeniak has taken on the Emerging Talent centre, alongside his role as Head of Academy Goalkeeping, working to enhance the experience of the Pathway players and progress the very best into the Academy. Chris Barrell, our U13 Lead Coach, has started his new, full-time role as Talent ID Coordinator, which will see him oversee the Development and Advanced Development Centres, liaise with Louis for ease of transition across the Pathway, as well as Tony Wild (Head of Recruitment) in seeking out the best players in the local area.

This week has also seen Shephalbury Sports Academy begin a makeover, something that it has certainly needed! These exciting changes bring a new energy to our home and I will of course keep you updated with regular updates once these happen. A big thank you from us all here at the academy and we hope you enjoy the remainder of the season. Come on the Boro!!

JORDEN GIBSON Academy Manager

WOMEN

COLNEY HEATH LADIES 0

Hickey, Gorton, K Hancock, Santangelo, Hume, Williams, Telford, Godino, Ward, Thornton, Cunningham

Subs: L Hancock, Corbett, Pryor, Harvey, Pullan

Booked: Hancock

STEVENAGE FCW 2

Ray, White, Neal (c), Farmer, Schofield, Bodily, Shephard, Swarres, Gooderham, Makewell, Millen

Subs: Brooks, Nebbitt, Clarke, Webster, Price

Goals: K Hancock (OG), Neal

Abeautiful Spring morning in Hertfordshire saw the current league leaders Stevenage FCW triumph against a resolute Colney Heath Ladies on Sunday. AFC Sudbury were the only other side in the hunt for the title who played this weekend and their 4-1 victory over Bowers & Pitsea meant that the three points earned at the Recreation Ground by Boro’ helped to maintain their slim advantage at the top for another week.

The game saw both sides go at it from the off, with full blooded tackles galore. It was Stevenage who had the first meaningful effort when Amy Gooderham received the ball on the edge of the box from Becky Shephard, turned her marker and sent a right footed shot just wide of the goal. Both teams kept working hard and with Amy Makewell making her full return from a niggle, the forward line looked potent. Her through ball was nearly pounced on by Gooderham, but had just a little too much power on that occasion. Shephard

was also finding her range as she fired wide of the goal from a free kick from around 25 yards out.

It took 22 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Shephard was involved again as she sent in a stupendous corner into the danger area. Kelly Hancock, arguably the player of the match for Colney, got to the ball first, but could only flick it towards the far post and into the net. It was somewhat fortuitous, but no more than the play from Boro’ deserved.

Heath responded, much as they did in the historic fixture earlier in the season at the Lamex Stadium. It took a strong hand from Celine Ray to stop the initial advance, before a magnificent last ditch block by Emily Schofield denied Kiera Ward from levelling immediately at the far post.

Shephard continued to be a menace for the Colney defence and was incredibly unlucky not to score when she sent a looping shot goalwards that looked destined for the net until Annie Hickey pulled off a tremendous stop by slapping the ball over the bar at the last second.

Stevenage were resolute in their hunt for another goal, however. A corner was earned and Shephard stepped up for another inswinging attempt. Her shot seemed to be destined to drop inside the far post, but Vicky Neal had to make sure, which she did, as she arrived at the back post to poke the ball home.

The second half was not as adventurous as the first with chances at a premium for both sides. Neither team were really able to penetrate the opposition defence and the game appeared to be fizzling out. With twelve minutes remaining, Colney attempted to cut through the defence, only for Celine Ray to show immense bravery to collect the ball down low with a handful of players incoming. One of these caught the Boro’ goalkeeper

“The game saw both sides go at it from the off, with full blooded tackles galore”

and there was a lengthy break in play as she was attended to.

For the sake of safety, the change was made and for the second time this season, captain Lucy Webster was called into action between the sticks. She kept a clean sheet, but in truth, there was not too many attempts to stop. Neal was delighted. “I was happy with the goal, but the clean sheet meant more. I take it very personally so I am delighted with that and the effort from the girls today.”

It means Stevenage go into their next match – a league cup fixture away to Barking who top the league below – on a high. Their County Cup Final opponents were also confirmed as Royston defeated Watford in a penalty shoot out. The big games will come thick and fast as the season draws to a thrilling climax.

FIXTURES

LEAGUE TABLE

FOUNDATION

FEBRUARY HALF TERM ROUND UP!

Stevenage FC Foundation have had a busy half term delivering range of different Soccer camps , Fit Fed and Read camps , in partnership with Herts Sports Partnership, and a range of fixtures within our Girls Pathway

SOCCER CAMPS:

Our Soccer Camps combine fun games and activities with the sport’s principal skills whilst also enabling children to make new friends and learn new skills in a fun and safe environment to create the perfect holiday activity. During February Half-term, we delivered mixed and Girls Only camps at Letchworth County Ground & Stevenage FC Academy, which saw 313 participants take part in a variety of footballing skills and activities throughout the week. Our next camps will be running during Easter Holidays!

FIT, FED, AND READ CAMPS (FFR):

Delivered during February halfterm, FFR run in partnership with Herts Sports Partnership and are Funded by the Big Lottery and the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme and are aimed at children between the ages of 8-11 who are eligible for free school meals or are referred via a professional service.

The Foundation delivered to 5 different venues across Hertfordshire, providing children with the perfect blend of activities to keep them active and entertained during the holidays, providing high quality sport, entertaining enrichment activities, as well as a nutritious hot meal. In total, we saw 434 children enjoy our FFR camps.

GIRLS PATHWAY FIXTURE ROUND-UP

Half term saw us both host and travel for girl’s pathway fixtures across our Girls Development Centre and England Football Emerging Talent Centre. With 110 girls in our pathway involved it was a brilliant week showcasing the talent within the pathway and the opportunities available.

Our ETC U16’s travelled to Luton Town Community Trust on Tuesday to face their BTEC side. A great team performance from the girls and good result to suit. On Thursday, our Girls Development Centre and some of our Girls Football Centre players made the trip to Cambridge United. Our u10’s, 12’s. 14’s and 16’s took part in fixtures with some great football and results across the age groups. The Friday saw us turn host and our u10, u12’s, u14’s and u16’s faced Cambridge United’s Emerging

Talent Centre. We saw some brilliant performances with lots to build on too. Well done to all players who were involved across the week.

If you’d like to find out more information on our women and girls’ pathway, please contact womenandgirls@stevenagefcf.com

WELCOME

facing Tranmere, as they currently sit in 23rd spot in the table made up of the past five games.

And it’s little wonder as Rovers have just three points from a possible 15 and a nasty habit of losing 2-0 to boot. Three times in those past five game this has been the score, and their away record is even worse, their last win on their travels coming with a 2-1 success at Barrow on December 29.

www.tranmererovers.co.uk

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST

FORM GUIDE

If the form guide is anything to go by then this is a good time for Boro to be

While they may be comfortably outside the play-off places at the moment, it wasn’t always that way, Tranmere started the campaign well and a run of five straight wins in September and October set them up well.

They may have faded somewhat recently, but Tranmere can still mix it with the best and did beat Orient 1-0 at home at the end of January - Boro have been warned!

LAST 5 SEASONS

MEET THE BOSS:

Returning to the club after a year away, Micky Mellon was appointed manager of Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2021. After guiding the side to back-to-back promotions from the Vanarama National League to Sky Bet League One, Mellon spent last season in charge of Scottish Premiership side Dundee United. Earlier in his managerial career, the 49-year-old spent time as Fleetwood Town manager from 2008 to 2012, and then manager of Shrewsbury Town from 2014 to 2016.

The manager guided Dundee United to a 9th place finish in the Scottish top flight last season, and now makes a return to Prenton Park.

ONE TO WATCH:

A summer signing, defender Tom Davies signed for Tranmere Rovers in June 2021 on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers.

Playing for both Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in his youth, the 29-year-old had spells in nonleague before making the step into the Football League. The defender has had spells at Accrington Stanley, Portsmouth and Coventry, with his most recent permanent spell at Bristol Rovers. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Barrow, and has signed a one-year deal at Prenton Park.

COMMERCIAL

MATCH SPONSOR

MATCH BALL SPONSOR

Today’s match is sponsored by Black and White Fire and Security. Based in Stevenage they are a one stop shop for all your fire and security needs. They can help with all your legal requirements regarding fire risk assessments and the supply, installation and commissioning of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, CCTV systems and intruder alarms. Their business strategy is underpinned by a traditional belief in ethical and moral values.

Visit their website at www.bawfs.com or call 01438 735777

The match ball is kindly sponsored by Shortland’s (Plastering and Dry Lining) Ltd. Since their foundation in 1995, Shortland’s has grown from strength to strength, completing work on many developments, primarily in the residential sector and on a supply and installation basis. They are members of the Federation of Plastering and Dry Wall Contractors who work in association with the Construction Industry Training Board. The services available include Internal Traditional Plastering, Dry Lining, M.F. Ceilings, Suspended Ceilings, Metal Stud Partitioning, Insulating, Cornice Works and Screeding. For more information, please call 01438 722799 or visit their website at www.shortlands-ltd.com

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR HOSPITALITY PACKAGES FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON... CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION LATEST NEWS

WELCOME

Mark Bartley is the chair of the Tranmere Rovers Supporters’ Club (TROSC). A big, warm Boro welcome to Mark and the rest of his committee here this afternoon at the Lamex.

Particularly love the quotation by Colin Jones on the TROSC website, which reads “The History, The Pride, The Joy, The Sadness, The Winning, The Losing, The Honour, The Responsibility, The Future, The Fightback, The Club, THE FANS”. Says it all.

INTER-CITY BORO

We’re on the road again! Who of you will come with us a’ wombelling to Wimbledon on Tuesday? The cost is just £20 for members and the bus departs The Lamex at 4:00pm Then, the following Saturday (March 4th) our travels take us to Rochdale (where a pub called The Baum is the best in Britain – apparently). £30 a head for members and we depart at 9:00am. It’s the safest and best way to watch Stevenage away, so get thee there with Boro the Bear. Click here for more details.

FSA

As club delegate to the Football Supporter’ Association (FSA), I was one of forty chairs (of club fans groups) who contributed to an on-line meeting last week. The main topic of debate revolved around the exoneration of Liverpool fans at the Stade de France in Paris last May, and the fiasco which found UEFA sorely wanting.

Southend United supporters are seriously concerned about the notion that the club may ‘cease to be’ within a few weeks. The club faces an HMRC winding-up petition, and a hearing is scheduled for March 1st.

There was a very positive response for the FSA about the recent Green Football

Weekend initiative. All clubs involved are depicted on a “leader board” with regard to their actions and commitment over that weekend. Of the 127 clubs involved, Manchester United were ranked as the top club, whilst a posse of 29 clubs vied for the wooden spoon (including the likes of MK Dons, Salford, Morecambe, Hull City and Doncaster Rovers. Stevenage attained the 97th spot.

PLANS FOR NEW STADIUM UNVEILED

An artist’s impression for a new clubhouse to be built have been released. Nestling behind the East Terrace, manager George Curtis said that this would be “a great asset to the club” and looked forward seeing the new facility open.

This was September 1966 – and sadly, the plan didn’t achieve fruition. Stevenage Town Football Club were in dire financial straits at the time and all sorts of fund raising initiatives were being considered. What might have been, eh?

LLOYD BRISCOE

Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2022/23

LEAGUE TABLE

YOUR DREAM HOME BROUGHT TO LIFE BY GRIGGS BESPOKE

Embarking on the development of your dream home does not have to be a daunting prospect. Our experienced BESPOKE team have an unrivalled reputation for building homes of the highest quality across London and the Home Counties.

Our skilled team offer a comprehensive turnkey service, tailored to your requirements including site finding, planning, design & build and interior design.

Please contact us to discuss your property requirements.

griggshomes.co.uk

01923 852 322

enquiries@griggshomes.co.uk

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’

A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour

To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters.

#LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA