Introduction to Stevenage Legendary Players
The Legacy of Stevenage
Stevenage Football Club was established in 1976 following the demise of Stevenage Athletic, and quickly rose through the non-league pyramid. After winning multiple Isthmian League titles in the 1990s, the club claimed the Conference National title in 1995–96 but were denied promotion to the Football League due to ground requirements. Promotion was finally achieved in 2009–10 under manager Graham Westley, and Stevenage secured back-to-back promotions by winning the League Two play-offs in 2011.
The club reached League One and even recorded an FA Cup Fifth Round appearance in 2012, beating the likes of Newcastle United in previous campaigns. Key players have been central to these milestones — from record appearance holders and top scorers in the non-league era to those who starred in the EFL. This list highlights the individuals who defined Stevenage’s rise, shaped its modern identity, and delivered landmark achievements during the club’s most successful decades.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Players
Selections are based on a combination of league and cup achievements, appearances, goals, leadership, influence on promotion campaigns, and contribution to the club’s identity. Players from all eras are considered, with equal weight given to impact in the non-league years and the Football League era. All data used to determine rankings is verified via Wikipedia to ensure accuracy. Individual accolades, historic performances, and long-term service all contribute to a player’s standing in this definitive list of Stevenage greats.
Top 10 Greatest Players in Stevenage History
10. George Boyd (2001–2007)
George Boyd began his professional career at Stevenage, signing in 2001 after progressing through the club’s youth system. Over six seasons, he made 110 league appearances and scored 23 goals, often playing as a winger or attacking midfielder. Boyd quickly stood out for his technical ability, close control, and vision, earning the nickname “White Pele” among supporters. His standout performances in the Conference Premier attracted national attention, and in January 2007, he joined Peterborough United for a then-record non-league transfer fee of £260,000.
Boyd went on to enjoy a highly successful career, playing in the Championship and Premier League, but always credited Stevenage for giving him his first platform in senior football. His rise from Broadhall Way to the top levels of the English game remains one of the club’s proudest developmental stories. Boyd is still fondly remembered for his creativity, professionalism, and contribution during his formative years at Stevenage.
9. Ben Kennedy (2015–2020)
Ben Kennedy joined Stevenage as a youth player and made his senior debut in January 2015. Over the next five years, he made 121 league appearances and scored 22 goals, becoming a regular feature in the first team across multiple seasons. A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Kennedy was known for his flair, close control, and ability to score from distance. He was particularly effective during the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons, playing either behind the striker or on the wing.
His creativity and dribbling made him one of Stevenage’s most exciting homegrown talents in the EFL era. Despite injury setbacks and fluctuating form, Kennedy remained a valuable squad member through several managerial changes. In 2020, he left the club by mutual consent and later joined Crusaders in Northern Ireland. While his time at Stevenage had its ups and downs, his early promise and memorable goals earned him a place in the club’s modern history.
8. Elliott List (2019–2025)
Elliott List joined Stevenage from Gillingham in August 2019 and spent six seasons with the club, making 151 league appearances and scoring 28 goals. Known for his pace, movement, and direct attacking style, he became a key figure in Stevenage’s forward line during a transformative period. He was the club’s top scorer in the 2020–21 season with 11 goals in all competitions and followed that with 13 more in 2021–22.
His performances helped Stevenage achieve promotion from League Two in 2022–23, although a knee injury limited his involvement that season. List signed a one-year contract extension in May 2023 and featured regularly in League One during the 2023–24 campaign. He left the club in June 2025 upon the expiry of his contract, signing for Northampton Town. His consistent attacking contributions and role in Stevenage’s promotion make him one of the most effective and memorable forwards of the modern era.
7. Matthew Godden (2016–2018)
Matthew Godden signed for Stevenage in June 2016 from Ebbsfleet United, embarking on a two-year spell that revitalised his career. He became the club’s top scorer in both seasons, netting 21 league goals in 2016–17 and a further 14 in 2017–18, finishing with 35 goals in 87 league appearances. His intelligent movement, physical presence, and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in League Two.
Godden was named Stevenage Player of the Year for the 2016–17 season, reflecting his importance to the team. Despite the club’s mid-table finishes, his goals provided consistency and sparked optimism among supporters. In June 2018, Godden earned a move to Peterborough United, stepping up into League One. His performances at Stevenage helped restore his professional momentum, cementing his status as one of the most impactful forwards in the club’s modern era.
6. Steve Morison (2006–2009)
Steve Morison’s prolific spell at Stevenage laid the foundation for a career that would later include Premier League and international football. Joining in 2006 from Bishop’s Stortford, he made 152 appearances in all competitions and scored 89 goals. Morison was the Conference Premier’s top scorer in 2007–08 with 22 goals and netted 76 in the league alone for Stevenage. A physical, intelligent forward with clinical finishing, he helped the club win the FA Trophy in 2007 — the first competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium.
His goalscoring exploits made him one of the most feared strikers in non-league football, and in 2009 he earned a move to Millwall. Morison went on to play in the Premier League and win caps for Wales, but his breakthrough years at Broadhall Way remain among the most dominant forward performances in Stevenage history. His impact remains etched into the club’s rise during the late 2000s.
5. Mark Roberts (2008–2013)
Mark Roberts captained Stevenage through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Joining in 2008 from Northwich Victoria, he made 224 league appearances and scored 15 goals during a five-year spell. Roberts was appointed captain in 2009 and led the team to the Conference Premier title in the 2009–10 season, securing promotion to the Football League for the first time. Under his leadership, the club achieved back-to-back promotions, winning the League Two play-offs in 2011 to reach League One.
A tall, commanding centre-back, Roberts was known for his aerial dominance, calm distribution, and vocal leadership at the back. He was named Stevenage’s Player of the Year for 2009–10 and was a consistent presence throughout their climb. After helping Stevenage to a League One play-off place in 2012, he departed in 2013 for Fleetwood Town. His influence and leadership make him one of the most respected captains in the club’s history.
4. Michael Bostwick (2008–2012)
Michael Bostwick was a commanding and versatile presence in the heart of Stevenage’s midfield and defence during their rise to the Football League. Joining the club in 2008 from Ebbsfleet United, Bostwick made 186 appearances across all competitions, scoring 24 goals. He played a pivotal role in Stevenage’s promotion-winning campaign from the Conference Premier in 2009–10 and followed that with another promotion via the League Two play-offs in 2010–11.
Known for his physicality, long-range shooting, and tactical intelligence, Bostwick could dominate games both as a defensive midfielder and centre-back. His performances also helped the club reach the League One play-offs in 2011–12, capping off a remarkable period of success. Bostwick’s consistency earned him recognition beyond the club, and he moved to Peterborough United in 2012. His time at Stevenage remains one of the most influential individual spells in their EFL era, defined by grit, leadership, and back-to-back promotions.
3. Martin Gittings (1981–1986,1987–1995)
Martin Gittings is Stevenage’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting 217 goals across four separate spells between 1981 and 1995. After first joining the club in 1981, he had a brief period at Barnet during the 1986–87 season before returning and continuing to spearhead the attack. He also had a short loan at Hendon in 1995, but always returned to make a lasting mark at Stevenage. Gittings’ goals were instrumental in the club’s rise through the Isthmian League and into the Conference.
His influence was particularly felt during the 1993–94 title-winning season, as Stevenage earned promotion to the top tier of non-league football. Known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and consistency, Gittings was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1993–94 and remains the only player to have surpassed 200 goals for the club. His legendary status is unmatched, and he remains the benchmark for strikers at Broadhall Way.
2. Ronnie Henry (2005–2012, 2014–2019)
Ronnie Henry holds the record for most appearances in Stevenage history, amassing 502 across two spells at the club. He joined from Dublin City in 2005 and quickly became a key part of the defence, initially playing as a centre-back before moving to right-back. Henry captained Stevenage to their first major silverware in 2007, lifting the FA Trophy in the inaugural competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium.
He repeated that feat in 2009 and then led the side to the Conference Premier title in 2009–10, securing promotion to the Football League. He also played a vital role in their 2010–11 League Two play-off victory, helping the club reach League One. After a season at Luton Town, Henry returned in 2014 and continued to serve as a consistent and experienced presence until 2019. His leadership, longevity, and role in Stevenage’s most successful era make him a club icon.
1. Chris Day (2008–2017)
Chris Day was a vital presence between the sticks during Stevenage’s most successful period, making 298 league appearances across nine seasons. Signed from Millwall in 2008, Day quickly became first-choice goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in the club’s historic promotion to the Football League in 2009–10. His experience and consistency provided the foundation for Stevenage’s defensive solidity, and he was ever-present during the 2010–11 League Two play-off-winning campaign.
Day also featured in the club’s rise to League One and helped secure back-to-back promotions — an unprecedented feat for Stevenage. Known for his reflexes, composure, and leadership, he was often the last line of defence in tight matches and produced crucial saves in both league and cup competitions. He remained with the club until 2017, becoming a fan favourite and one of the longest-serving players in their EFL era. Day’s contributions make him one of the most important figures in Stevenage history.
Comparison of Stevenage Legends
Playing Styles and Contributions
Stevenage’s greatest players span a broad timeline, reflecting how football — and the club itself — has evolved. Martin Gittings, who starred in the non-league era during the 1980s and early 1990s, thrived in a physically demanding Isthmian League environment where strength and instinctive finishing were vital. In contrast, George Boyd played during the Conference Premier era in the early 2000s, showcasing a more technical and tactical approach that would later take him to the Premier League.
The contrast between Gittings’ non-league dominance and Boyd’s refinement illustrates how different eras demanded different skill sets. Players like Michael Bostwick and Elliott List also highlight positional versatility across eras — Bostwick’s strength in defensive roles powered a League One play-off run, while List’s pace and agility helped Stevenage adapt to the quicker, transitional style of modern lower-league football. Across all eras, Stevenage’s standout players have matched the club’s evolving identity with the demands of their time.
Impact on Club Success
Many of the players listed were central to Stevenage’s major achievements. Ronnie Henry captained the club to the FA Trophy in 2007 and 2009, then led them to promotion from the Conference Premier in 2009–10 and into League One via the play-offs in 2011. Chris Day and Mark Roberts were ever-present during back-to-back promotions and brought stability at League One level.
Michael Bostwick’s leadership helped drive that same rise, while Steve Morison’s scoring powered the club’s 2007 FA Trophy win. In more recent years, Elliott List’s performances were key in Stevenage’s promotion from League Two in 2022–23, and Matthew Godden’s prolific form gave the club a competitive edge during a transitional period. Even players like Ben Kennedy and George Boyd, who didn’t win silverware, brought creativity and goals in rebuilding phases. Each figure played a defining role in their era — guiding Stevenage through promotion pushes, survival battles, or landmark cup triumphs.
Records and Achievements
Individual Honours and Awards
Several players in the list earned notable individual honours during their time at Stevenage. Martin Gittings remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 217 goals and was named Player of the Year in 1993–94. Ronnie Henry holds the record for most appearances, with 502 across two spells, and was the first player to lift a competitive trophy at the new Wembley in 2007.
Matthew Godden won the club’s Player of the Year in 2016–17 after scoring 20 league goals, while Elliott List earned the same honour in 2020–21. George Boyd set a record for the club’s highest-ever transfer fee at the time when he joined Peterborough in 2007, reflecting his value as a breakout star. These honours underline not only performance but also the lasting impression each player made at Broadhall Way.
Club Milestones and Championships
Several of Stevenage’s greatest players were directly involved in the club’s most important milestones. Ronnie Henry captained the side to the 2007 and 2009 FA Trophy wins, and led them to their historic first promotion to the Football League in 2009–10. Mark Roberts, Michael Bostwick, and Chris Day were key figures in back-to-back promotions, taking the club from the Conference to League One between 2010 and 2011. Steve Morison played a starring role in the 2007 FA Trophy final, scoring and lifting the trophy.
Elliott List helped Stevenage achieve promotion from League Two in 2022–23, extending the club’s return to League One. George Boyd’s transfer to Peterborough marked Stevenage’s emergence as a club capable of developing and selling high-level talent. From non-league dominance to EFL play-off wins, these players were central to the defining moments that shaped the club’s modern legacy.
