Stevenage FC: The lowdown - Owen Rodbard analyses each and every member of Steve Evans squad ahead of the 2022-23 League Two season

By Layth Yousif

27th Jul 2022 | Local Sport

Stevenage writer and fan Owen Rodbard gives you the lowdown. PICTURE CREDIT: Gregory Owain
Stevenage writer and fan Owen Rodbard gives you the lowdown. PICTURE CREDIT: Gregory Owain

Stevenage writer and fan Owen Rodbard gives you the lowdown on Steve Evans squad ahead of Saturday's trip to Tranmere to kick-off the new 2022-23 League Two season.

Read on for Owen's detailed take on each and every member of Evans squad

Stevenage squad

Goalkeepers

Aaron Chapman- 6'8 giant goalkeeper who has previously played under Evans at Gillingham and Peterborough. Yet to see who will be first choice keeper this season. 

Taye Ashby-Hammond- Signed on loan from Fulham after a stellar season with Boreham Wood including a starring role in their FA Cup run. Will be interesting to see how he copes with his first taste of league football. 

Defenders

Luther Wildin- It must say something that Evans has kept him at the club? A player that divides opinion amongst the fan base but definitely has his moments. Maybe will play second choice to Kane Smith? 

Terrence Vancooten- Potential captain this season? Definitely a key player in that backline. A true mainstay of the team for the past few seasons. Comfortable on the ball with  a brilliant turn of pace. 

Carl Piergianni- Signed from Oldham. Man mountain who's not afraid to put his body on the line. Put in a stunning performance against Boro last season in the so called 'relegation six pointer'. A left footed centre back who will pop up with some goals from set pieces. 

Max Clark- Pipped for England after an impressive stint in the Eredevesie with Vitesse. Energetic left back who can also slot into midfield if needs be. If he can stay injury free he will be a quality player at League Two level. Has had a promising pre season. 

Dan Sweeney- Promotion winner with Forest Green last year. Aerial prowess galore and has shown his quality in pre season. Can also play centre midfield. 

Kane Smith- Former Hitchin Town player, signed from Boreham Wood. After three years of rumoured transfers he's deservedly taken the step up to league football. Intriguing to see how he will do this season while battling for a starting place with Luther. 

Saxon Earley- Young talent on loan from Norwich. Has a lot to prove on his first loan move. So far in pre season he has been outstanding albeit only playing two games. Not scared to get involved and strong in the challenge. 

Mackye Townsend-West- Young emerging talent who has yet to consistently find any first team action but has been on the brink. Heavily involved in pre season so expect some appearances off the bench and maybe the odd start in cup games. Comfortable with his feet with quality distribution. 

Midfielders

Jake Reeves- A Stevenage side without Reeves last season just didn't click. An outstanding talent who can run games by himself. Interesting to see what position he will be playing where it's more advanced or box to box.

Jake Taylor- Shone under Tisdale, but failed to find that form under either of the other two managers in charge. Has looked bright in advanced positions in pre season so maybe he will be pushed further forward depending on system. 

Michael Bostwick- Boro legend, versatile, strong in the tackle and has looked sharp so far in pre season with manager Steve Evans saying this is the fittest Bozzie has been in 7-8 seasons. If he can stay injury free I'm certain he can play a key role on and off the pitch. 

Arthur Read- Surprising to see him transfer listed, but happy to see he's has no potential suitors as I believe he has a lot to give the squad this season. Lively, bustling and a creative flair in the middle of the park. 

Jack Smith- Academy graduate who has yet to reach the form which everyone expected from the then 18 year old a mere 5 years ago. Another loan move is surely on the cards as I don't see him getting any meaningful game time this season. 

Alfie Williams- Exciting talent who excelled in his two loan moves last season. Maybe a bit too raw for Evans liking so expect another loan move for the youngster. 

Dean Campbell- An injury late into pre season has ruled him out for a couple of weeks but looked bright when he did play. Battles hard and does the dirty work very well. Drives well with the ball at his feet with an eye for that killer final ball. 

Forwards

Elliot List- Speedy, agile and a deadly finisher. It's easy to see how Listy is first on the team sheet for some Boro fans. Versatile with an ability to play upfront, just behind the striker or on the wing with his incredible speed. 

Luke Norris- Firmed himself as a fan favourite last year with his tireless passionate performances alongside chipping in with some excellent goals. Fits the mould of a Steve Evans striker perfectly. 

Jamie Reid- Cemented his name in the squad after a solid run of form at the end of last season. Never stops running but could maybe improve his end product and control. If he nails those down then he'll be a 20 goal a season striker. 

Danny Rose- Previously worked under Evans at Mansfield where he had his best goal scoring season. A forgettable stint at Northampton but will hopefully be buoyed by his new surroundings. 

Jordan Roberts- Has previously played under Evans at Crawley. Played at League 1 football consistently and has since been at Motherwell in the Scottish Prem. Direct pacy winger who will provide a creative spark.

Prediction this season 

My head says play offs, my heart says mid table. With a couple of quality editions then the tables can turn. Fans will be happy with a mediocre season after too long down the foot of the table. If Evans can gel this team together then it's a force to be reckoned with. Turning the clock back to the Westley days with a big strong team that is horrible to play against and grinds out wins. As a fan I'm hoping play offs aren't a far cry away alongside a nice FA Cup run. 

     

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