Aspiring sports journalist and Nub News Stevenage writer Owen Rodbard has written a thank you letter to departing Boro boss Alex Revell.

With Lamex chairman Phil Wallace axing Revell on Sunday evening following Stevenage losing their crucial League Two basement six-pointer with Mansfield Town 24 hours earlier, Owen has praised Revell for his time in North Herts.

When passionate Stevenage fan Owen sadly lost his father to Covid last year, friends, family and former Stevenage manager Revell helped the youngster through his heartache.

While football is a cutthroat businesss, with the dignified Revell's side struggling for form for much of this season, Owen took time to personally thank the 38-year-old for his help during a difficult time for him and his family.

Despite his busy schedule Revell regularly checked up on Owen, offering his support and even coming to the scattering of the ashes of his late father - actions which meant the world to the young Stevenage writer.

Read on for Owen's heartfelt letter to Revell.

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It's hard to put into words how much admiration and respect I have for you.

You supported me through the worst moment in my life, and have continued to do so ever since.

You're a top man on and off the pitch.

As a player you left nothing on the pitch and as a manager you had nothing but good intentions for our football club.

I've never wanted a manager to succeed like you aspired to. I have no doubt you will find success elsewhere after the countless interviews and chats about what you want to achieve.

To a sense you must feel let down or frustrated, but you never swayed from your overall aim.

You brought a smile to the faces of many Stevenage fans last season in an awful time. In hindsight you didn't need to take a job, but it was in your manner to never shy away from a challenge.

In the privileged position I found myself in last season, reporting from the Lamex press box for Nub News while fans were prevented from attending matches during lockdowns, I saw someone hungry to succeed, to build a team that would challenge.

My dad always loved watching you on the pitch, and thought you were a good addition as manager.

The words you said to me a few days after he passed really stuck with me,

We will prove him right. We will get the good days back and a team that would make him proud. That's all I want to do. Bring exciting, passionate football back.

You're a top man, and will forever be etched in my memory as just that.

You are truly one of the good guys in football and I wish you all the success that you so richly deserve.

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