It's been a long ten months during this dreadful pandemic, since supporters watched their team at the Lamex, but fans are finally allowed to return to watch their beloved Stevenage FC this afternoon.

Here's Hitchin Nub News' Stevenage FC columnist and club PA Jay Drackford's moving article on what it means to so many loyal Boro fans.

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On February 15, 2020, Stevenage played host to Salford City in horrific conditions at The Lamex Stadium.

The game ended 1-0 to the visiting team with a goal from a Brandon Asante header. That was nine months ago. Nine long months.

The last time a crowd was seen inside the ground.

On the radio show I presented along with stalwart Stevenage fans including Dean Thompson something happened that was truly unbelievable.

It was an off the cuff conversation that started something truly remarkable. The rising of the fans. After interviews with Stevenage legend Jim Briscoe's son Lloyd and fan Richard Collins, it happened.

Jim was instrumental in Stevenage getting to league football and rising from the flames. He always dreamed of the club hitting the big time and he even answered his house phone 'Stevenage for league football'.

This all of a sudden became a whirlwind and the #stevenageforleaguefootball was launched, or relaunched, some might say, in memory of the A team. A group of Stevenage fans that got us where we are.

T-shirts were made, fans used the hashtag on social media and we were trending.

The fans held an unofficial retro shirt day on the last day they were allowed in and even stood for a minutes applause at the game, on the tenth minute, in honour of the ten years that we had been in the Football League. We weren't going to leave quietly.

WhatsApp groups were formed, messages flying everywhere between fans - all in the memory of the A Team that Jim was a part of. We can never forget those amazing people who worked so hard to get us where we still are today.

The passion, the loyalty, the dedication - that tells you exactly why being back in the ground is so important - and today they are back.

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've really missed everyone.

This afternoon fans will have the first opportunity to see the team in person. It will feel like a brand new season for everyone attending.

I've spoken to a lot of Boro fans this week, who told me how much the club means to them, and how wonderful it is they are returning. This is what Reece Donnelly told me.

"We all support Stevenage because of human connection and the people don't we?" he said, adding: "And to have that stripped away was painful. Like watching a bad TV series.

"But to be back is everything. Stevenage is everything to us. It's our hearts, minds and souls. It's what we look forward. And now finally we can feel somewhat united as a club again.

"I'm just very happy I can do what I love again. It's certainly something needed after this year and now the hashtag great together the club have used can mean that bit more. I can't wait."

Over the past few weeks the team have really picked up. A league win against Port Vale at home has seen us go unbeaten in three games. One of these games being the dramatic penalty shoot-out against the mighty Hull City.

Today's visitors couldn't come at a better time. Southend are having a poor season after being related from League One.

They have lost three on the spin in the league and having our fans with us will give us even more of edge at The Lamex.

I can't wait to see everyone, football plays a massive part in a lot of people's lives. Let's hope our boys do us proud!

Previous Jay Drackford Stevenage FC Nub News columns:

Jay Drackford Stevenage FC column: We Will Meet Again

Jay Drackford Stevenage FC column: Morecambe preview, FA Cup draw, Concord review, Tom Pett and more

Jay Drackford Stevenage FC column: Let's get behind the Boro!