Stevenage have already cemented themselves as an ambitious side in League One this season, with steady progress over the years flying under the radar. After four games, the Boro sit in first place.
A Second-Season Revell-ation
Alex Revell finished his playing career with Stevenage by appearing 57 times between 2018 and January 2020. The Englishman became head coach until November 2021, where he was subsequently sacked and replaced by Steve Evans. After a return to a coaching role in the club’s youth academy, the 42-year-old gained vital experience and has overseen 62 professional matches since a re-appointment in April 2024.
League Two promotion under Evans saw Stevenage climb the football pyramid and challenge towards the play-off places of the third tier for the first time since 2011/12. Revell took over in 2024 and guided the Hertfordshire side to a 14th-placed finish – an immediate drop-off from the previous year but ensuring promising foundations were implemented.
This season, four wins in four matches has seen Revell mould his side further into his own vision. Ten incomings so far have allowed eight to exit. Exciting forward options in Phoenix Patterson, Chem Campbell and Jovan Malcolm have been added alongside an experienced asset like Jordan Houghton. Revell’s core of squad has come on leaps and bounds in this campaign’s opener.
Standout Performers So Far
Signing Filip Marschall on a permanent deal from Aston Villa has evidently bolstered a pre-existing, strong defensive line. Despite three goals conceded so far, with two coming from Blackpool on the opening weekend, the shot-stopper has kept two clean sheets so far and complimented the experience of Charlie Goode and Carl Piergianni.
Stevenage’s ability to hold on to exceptional third tier assets has allowed Revell to inherit and build a settled, consistently-performing side ahead of a promising campaign. Piergianni for example, is notorious for his willingness to tackle hard and put his body on the line for blocks and (headed) clearances. Now, with another year of partnering the 33-year-old, Goode can compliment Piergianni perfectly again in League One. With the former Brentford centre-back, as well as Dan Butler, being 31 this season, an impetus on reaching the Championship with these specific assets may become imperative for the club’s near future.
Talismanic Season Ahead?
Undoubtedly, Jamie Reid has been the central figure at the forefront of the Stevenage attack for four years prior to this campaign. The 31-year-old can be added to the list of players soon to be entering their twilight stage at Stevenage. However, five goals in four league outings have already eclipsed his half-tally from last season.
60 goals in 202 appearances have been acceptable enough for Stevenage, in order to progress to League One and stay in the division. Reid could be tipped to have a stellar campaign with a view of surpassing his record-best season in the third tier with 18 goals.
