Stevenage FC are set to welcome back fans to the Lamex before Christmas, according to the latest government guidelines.

A maximum of 4,000 spectators are set to be allowed back at Broadhall Way when the national lockdown in England ends on December 2.

Here's Boro stalwart Jay Drackford on what the news means to him.

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On February 15, 2019 Stevenage played host to Salford City in horrific conditions at The Lamex Stadium.

The game ended 1-0 to the visitors from the north west, who clinched victory through a header from Brandon Asante.

The match was a whole 283 days ago - the last time a crowd was seen inside the Lamex

Last season was the worst I have been at Stevenage, and on current form it hasn't got much better.

The only positive from that campaign was the loyalty shown by the people that spend their hard earned money following this team up and down the county, week in, week out.

A couple of weeks after the Salford game, the Covid crisis changed everything for us all.

The intervening eight or so months have been tough for everyone on so many levels. People have suffered for so many reasons we won't go into here.

So, for those who may not have an appreciation of sport, today's government announcement that up to 4,000 fans might be welcomed back into stadiums up and down the country, including Broadhall Way, might not mean that much.

But, to those of us who care about sport, that care about football, that care about our beloved Stevenage FC - whatever position they happen to be in at the moment - the announcement can only be seen as good news.

Not being allowed in has been truly awful for everyone

I've been very privileged to be allowed to continue volunteering at the club through these testing times, but I really miss everyone.

There are so many things that I miss

I miss the chats that I have walking to the ground. As Boro's PA, I miss meeting young football teams who are allowed to shoot at goal on the pitch before kick-off, I miss meeting the mascots, I miss people I only know from games.

But, most of all I miss the people that make our club great: The loyals that stand by our club through thick and thin.

In a couple of weeks I simply cannot wait to among these people again. People who I hold a mutual bond with.

Stevenage FC keeps me happy and gives me a purpose

I have made lifelong friends at the Lamex and can't thank people enough who helped me through difficult times over the past year.

I, for one, can't wait for match days with fans present once again.

The news today is simply brilliant. Let's hope it gives the team on the pitch a much needed boost.

See you at the Lamex next month.

We will meet again.

Jay