Stevenage FC v Fleetwood Town FC

STEVE EVANS

It's a good position to be in

Director of Football LEON HUNTER

I’d like to welcome to the players, staff and officials of Fleetwood Town to The Lamex Stadium. I’m writing these programme notes with the aim of giving some insight into the Club’s operations behind the scenes, looking at this season and beyond.

First of all, the January window now feels like a distant memory! To provide some context, we began work in early December, with Steve identifying what particular profiles he felt we needed to add to the squad.

After reflecting heavily on our work during the January 2023 window, the main focus was keeping the majority of the current group together and adding three particular profiles who were able to transition quickly into our environment from a social, tactical and most important ‘identity’ perspective. All this alongside balancing the squad financially to stay within our SCMP constraints.

The January window is particularly challenging in that there is only a small pool of players who are actually available compared to the summer. There are always three or four clubs, some looking for promotion and others looking to avoid relegation, fighting for that particular player creating an inevitable bidding war. We focus solely on what we need, and with Steve’s input, if a deal suddenly becomes ‘bad business’ we are all aligned to happily walk away.

During February, my focus tends to shift to pre-season planning and improving and reimplementing our behind-the-scenes operation. For the 2024/25 season, we will have upgraded on our previous sports science & analysis department from a staffing, equipment and software perspective. The whole club is fully aligned from Academy to the senior squad, with Steve & Jorden Gibson important in those pathways for players and staff.

The summer window is around the corner, and we have already began planning and organising with working documents of player availability lists and agent and club meetings.

This is alongside continually watching games live and remotely, to add to our recruitment database of realistic targets from a footage and data perspective.

Short term, we can’t ignore the position we have played ourselves into with 11 games remaining.

Steve, the management & players are laser focused on giving everything they have to try and create something special between now and end of the League One season.

Lastly, the level of support home & away has been remarkable! The board, staff and players regularly discuss the level of support and are proud to be on our journey together with our incredible fan base.

Enjoy the game!

AHEAD OF THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday-3pm

TICKET OFFICE: Midday-3:30pm

THE BROADHALL SUITE: Open to Home & Away supporters, Midday – Kick-Off, CLOSED at Full-Time. Bar Food Available

THE 76 LOUNGE: Midday-Kick-Off (Home & Away Supporters), 3.15pm-80 minutes (North Stand Ticket Holders), Full-Time-8pm (Home & Away Supporters). Bar Snacks Available

TURNSTILES: 1:30pm

TICKET INFO

MATCH TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STEVENAGE VS FLEETWOOD TOWN

All tickets must be purchased before reaching the turnstiles either online or from the North Stand Ticket Office.

TICKETS & TRAVEL: PETERBOROUGH UTD (WEDS 13 MARCH)

Match tickets are available online at www. borotickets.co.uk and from the Stevenage FC Club Shop until 4pm on Tuesday 12th February and from the Ticket Office at Peterborough United on the day at a price increase. Book coach travel with the Stevenage FC Supporters Association here.

STEVENAGE CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY VS FLEETWOOD

Stevenage FC Women have been invited to take part in a lap of honour at The Lamex Stadium at half-time, while all players within the Stevenage FC Women & Girls’ Pathway have the opportunity to attend with an adult for just £10.

Our stadium host Jamie Drackford will be discussing #IWD2024 with a number of women and girls throughout the matchday, while supporters can enjoy a female empowerment matchday playlist on the speakers at The Lamex Stadium.

STEVENAGE FC SOCIAL

@StevenageFC ������

@StevenageFC

Shoutout to the at Lincoln yesterday. ❤ We really appreciate your support.❤️

stevenagefcofficial

#StevenageFC has agreed a new, extended contract with Dan Sweeney. ✍️

@StevenageFC Official

stevenagefcofficial

A

at the League One play-off race ahead of the weekend! ��

��✍borotickets.co.uk

@StevenageFC

Luther James-Wildin made his th EFL appearance for Stevenage yesterday. �� Our third player ever to hit this milestone.��

stevenagefcofficial

Our '76 Comedy Club returns next Friday!

️️borotickets.co.uk

@StevenageFCOfficial

fan FOCUS

FIRST GAME? YEAR, SEASON?

Stevenage 1 - 0 Barrow (J Reeves)

WHICH SECTION OF THE GROUND

DO YOU NORMALLY WATCH THE MATCHES FROM?

Me and my dad normally sit in North Stand B so behind the goal so it’s exciting to see the goals from there.

BEST MEMORY/MEMORIES OF SUPPORTING BORO

Oh it has to be when Stevenage got promoted when they played Grimsby at home and won 2-0. I remember being in the stands and when the whistle went for full time everyone ran onto the pitch and my dad put me on his shoulders and it was awesome. Me and my football team all went onto the pitch and got some pictures and I even took a piece of grass.������

FAVOURITE ALL-TIME PLAYER (AND WHY)

I always like Jake Reeves as I won a Fifa card from Stevenage before so that’s cool and he always looked cool.

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER (AND WHY)

It has to be number 5. CARL. He is awesome

and always headers the ball at goal so its great because I want to score headers like him. I tried to win his Fifa card but don’t think I got that one.

WHY DO YOU LOVE BORO?

Because its fun to go to the games and always have a good time. Its nice for me to go and watch and its always good when they win. My dad took me and I always want to go to the games so we go most weekends.

FAVOURITE BORO SHIRT?

I love the purple away shirt this years one. I really so like it alot.

Calling all Boro fans...

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAME OR THE FIRST SHIRT YOU BOUGHT? DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ALL TIME PLAYER?

We would love to feature your memories in our digital interactive programme… if you are interested please drop Alex (dslo@stevenagefc.com) or Carl (slo@stevenagefc.com) an email asap!

Teddy Mansell

2023 2023/24 /24

We have another bumper crop of mascots here at The Lamex today helping to guide Boro to yet another vital three points.

First up it’s a very warm welcome to Kayden McDonald, 11, who lives in Stevenage and attends St Nicholas School. Kayden enjoys football, gaming, and eating out with his family and his favourite player is Jamie Reid.

Next we say hi to Olivia Eden, 11, who also lives in Stevenage and attends Shephalbury Primary School. Olivia says her hobbies are netball, football and drama.

It’s also a big Boro hello to our next mascot, Sonny Fenton, 11, who lives in Walkern and attends Ralph Sadleir Middle School. Sonny enjoys a whole host of things including learning

guitar, playing football and bike riding and his favourite player is Jamie Reid. Oliver Williams, 10, is next up. Oliver lives in Stevenage and attends Lodge Farm School. Oliver enjoys football, Lego, history and geography and Jamie Reid is also his favourite player!

Last, but by no means least, we welcome Zachary Conder, 11 who lives in Welwyn and attends Oaklands Primary School. Zachary enjoys football, Lego, gaming and drawing and his top Boro player is Carl Piergianni.

We are sure that all our mascots will have an amazing afternoon with us and hope they get to see Stevenage earn another win on the road to the Championship.

Our brilliant interactive Boro quiz is here, five questions to test your knowledge. Today we welcome Fleetwood.

Sonny Fenton

Olivia Eden

Kayden McDonald

Oliver Williams

Zachary Conder

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Both teams were now operating in the business end of the season, Boro had notched an impressive seven points from their past three matches, bridging the gap to survival to three points. Visitors, Tranmere Rovers, had been enjoying a similar vein of form, picking up eight points from their past five. Only four points separated the sides at the start of the day, with a thrilling relegation battle set to take a twist.

Boro made the dream start to the tie as Jimmy Smith netted for the first time in the 2013/14 season, although it needed some fortune. Smith swung at the ball as it came to him, comically missing the ball but the Tranmere defence dealt poorly with the unexpected possession and

Saturday 8th March 2014

Sky Bet League One

STEVENAGE 3

TRANMERE 1

STARTING XI

16 Chris Day

20 Jimmy Smith

5 Jon Ashton

22 Curtis Obeng

34 Roarie Deacon

8 Jon Mousinho

4 Bira Dembele (85’)

15 Luke Freeman

11 Lucas Akins

9 Darius Charles

12 Francois Zoko (90+3’)

SUBSTITUTES

1 Steven Arnold

2 Sam Wedgbury

13 Dean Parrett

29 Peter Hartley (85’)

14 Simon Heslop

23 Craig Reid

10 Jordan Burrow (90+3’)

Smith ran on to win the ball back and slid the ball into the back of the net.

Stevenage didn’t start the second half quite as spritely as they did the first, but they did secure a two-goal cushion in the 71st minute as Lucas Akins drilled a cross low into the Tranmere box, the cross ricocheted off Darius Charles and into the away goal. Two became three in a flash to lift Stevenage into dreamland as Charles turned provider and quickly took a free kick to slide the ball in behind the away defence, allowing Jon Mousinho to fire the ball into the top right corner. Curtis Obeng frustratingly put the ball into his own net with two minutes of regulation time to spare after a miscommunication with Boro ‘keeper, Chris Day, however, all was forgotten moments after when the full-time whistle blew as Stevenage secured a much needed win, and took themselves only one point away from safety.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

Stats

BORO HISTORY

ON THIS DAY: 09 MARCH

Life in the Football League is, obviously, a significant step up from the Isthmian League. And the contrast can be seen in our results on this day in history.

Our first three outings on 9 March yielded two wins either side of a draw – with Boro’ scoring two goals in each fixture. All three were in the Isthmian League at one level or another. In contrast, our last three matches on this date –up here in the Football League – ended in two defeats and a draw; the Goals For column staying untouched at the same time.

Of course, we still do have our highlights on this particular date in the diary. Two of our past 12 matches on 9 March to date have seen Boro’ marksmen bag a hattrick. Barry Hayles was the first; scoring his trio at Stalybridge Celtic in 1996 – another three points towards lifting the GM Vauxhall Conference trophy for the first time. The next hattrick came in 14 years later in our second Conference-winning campaign; Yemi

1985 Stevenage Borough 2-1 Barton Rovers, Servowarm League Division Two North (Butcher, Pirie)

1991 Vauxhall Motors (Luton) 2-2 Stevenage Borough, Vauxhall Football League Division 2 North (Burns, Blackwell)

1992 Stevenage Borough 2-0 Maidenhead United, Diadora League Division One (Hann, Roberts)

1996 Stalybridge Celtic 2-5 Stevenage Borough, GM Vauxhall Conference (Hayles 3, Browne, Venables)

1998 Stevenage Borough 0-0 Welling United, GM Vauxhall Conference

1999 Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 Stevenage Borough, Football Conference (Alford)

2002 Scarborough 1-1 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Wormull)

2004 Barnet 0-0 Stevenage Borough, Nationwide Conference (Maamria s/o)

2010 Stevenage Borough 4-0 Barrow, Blue Square Premier (Odubade 3, Laird)

2013 Preston North End 2-0 Stevenage, npower League One

2019 Stevenage 0-1 Bury, Sky Bet League Two

2021 Leyton Orient 0-0 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two

Odubade the man on target as Barrow were put to the sword at the Lamex.

And perhaps a final word on our trip to Underhill today in 2004. Boro’ went into the game unbeaten in three – and did come away extending that run to a fourth match. The goalless draw offered little in the way to write home about. Well, except a minor disagreement between Dino Maamria and Ian Hendon after both were sent for early baths.

IT’S FLEETWOOD TOWN AGAIN…

… or not. Tonight, we welcome the Cod Army to the Lamex for the first time. They joined the Football League in 2012 af-ter winning the Blue Square Bet Premier – just two seasons after we did. Despite this, however, we seemed to have done a bloody good job of avoiding each other. As we were relegated from League One in 2014, they were promoted to the third tier – which pretty much explains it. It’s been on us to return to this level to set up a first-ever meeting.

BORO’ AT THIS STAGE…

Gameweek 36

We’ve been pacing nicely ahead of previous League One efforts. Writing before the Lincoln match, whatever result we end up with Sincil Bank won’t change the fact that we’ll be at least four points better off at this stage than in 20112 – our previous best in the third tier. But still plenty of work to be done to make the playoffs as we did back then.

By this point of the 1990-1 campaign, Boro’ were already up and over the 90-point mark; 29 wins and four draws easily our best return after 35 league outings. We were also closing in on a ton of Goals For (98) at this stage of that year. Not that it’s the earliest in a season that we’ve reached 100 goals. That honour must surely go to the 1980-1 season, which was already done and dusted after 32 fixtures – with 106 goals to our name.

At the other end of the spectrum, this was the point of the 2019-20 season at which we were going into what’d be our last match of a curtailed season. Our 36th match of that campaign turned out to be a 3-1 defeat at Crewe. Times have very much changed since then – but we still hope that gameweek doesn’t turn out to be as barren this time too.

ON BOTH SIDES…

To play today?: None

Best of the Rest: In recent times, Max Clark is one of the relatively few players to turn out for both clubs here tonight. Clark’s time with the Cod Army came before he moved onto Rochdale, the club he then left to join us.

It wasn’t going to be long until we brought Mark Roberts into the conversation. After establishing himself as a modern legend at the Lamex, Robbo called time on his Boro’ career in 2013 and chose Highbury as his next destination.

With so few shared players between us, we may as well reel off the other names in one fell swoop: Alex Reid, Steven Schumacher, Jamille Matt, James Wallace and Elliott Osborne. There. All done.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

Max Clark

Mark Roberts

Alex Reid

Steven Schumacher

Jamille Matt Elliott Osborne

PLAYER SPONSORS FIRST TEAM 2023/24

1 Taye Ashby-Hammond SPONSORED BY BARBARA FOLLETT

2 Luther James-Wildin SPONSORED BY KEN FOLLETT

3 Dan Butler SPONSORED

4 Nathan Thompson SPONSORED

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED

GRAY

6 Dan Sweeney

9 Elliott List SPONSORED

12 Craig MacGillivray SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

10 Nick Freeman SPONSORED

8 Jake Forster-Caskey SPONSORED

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY ALFIE MILES

7 Alex McDonald SPONSORED BY

15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY

16 Harry Anderson SPONSORED BY MIKE HARNIMAN & LAURA TYLER

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER...

For sponsorship enquiries email

davidhoskins@stevenagefc.com

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

17 Finley Burns

SPONSORED BY

Paul Raynor

Alex Revell

Keith Bell SPONSORED BY

Ian Pledger

Steve Evans

19 Jamie Reid

SPONSORED BY 20 Aaron Pressley

23 Louis Thompson

SPONSORED BY

22 Nesta Guinness-Walker

18 Harvey White SPONSORED BY

THOMAS WILLETT

25 Reece Hannam

29 Kane Hemmings

SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

33 Vadaine Oliver

SPONSORED BY HAYDN & FINLEY KETTEL

24 Ben Thompson

SPONSORED BY

STEVENAGE FC ACADEMY

Good afternoon, welcome back to the Lamex for another closely encountered League 1 fixture. As always, the very best of luck to the Gaffer and the troops. My programme notes today will be about our very own Robyn Reardon and she will most likely message me unhappy about this… she likes to keep things on the low!

Robyn is our Player Care officer but much more than just that, she goes above and beyond for everyone. Unfortunately for us, she departs today to join a Premier League side. As an Academy Manager I look at this in two ways; I am proud of her progression, and I look at the positives that again this academy can produce top people who go on to the further their own careers. On the flip side I am hugely disappointed to lose such a valuable member of our staffing team, a crucial person to the day to day running of our academy.

She has been nothing but a joy in the last 3 and half years, her infectious personality has built many relationships over the years and strengthened our relationship between players, staff, and parents. Robyn is a big character and always put others first, she is a regular around Shephalbury and she has taken the player care role to another level. We have already begun the next steps in finding her replacement and I will update you once this is complete.

I speak on behalf of everyone who has come across her, thank you so much and we all wish her nothing but the best!

Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Instagram - @stevenagefcacademy

X - @Stevenageyouth

JORDEN GIBSON Academy Manager

TODDS GREEN, SG1 2JE, HERTFORDSHIRE

3 DAYS

6 STAGES 80+ ACTS

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

THE KILLERZ

rick parfitt Jnr & THE Rpj band RULE THE WORLD TAKE THAT TRIBUTE

FORE FIGHTERS U2 UK sTEREOTONICS

arctic monkeyz furnace & the fundamentals

Definitely could be oasis 7 WONDERS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

XODUS - BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE BLURD KAZABIAN

DS: UK IN TRIBUTE TO DIRE STRAITS PET SHOP BOYS TRIBUTE

SHANIA TWAIN STORY STRICTLY UB40

PIANO FACTOR MAX RYAN DIRTY HALF HUNDRED SCAM69

THE NASHVILLE NIGHTS BAND KICKING BACK Snubcat

EMERGENCY BREAK BAND New Town Centres

THE EGG AND BACON BAND SANDY UKELELE GROUP PLUS LOADS MORE

afterparty in the woods

FRIDAY SATURDAY

DAVE PEARCE CAR WASH plus special guests

free shuttle service to train station free parking vintage funfair

DANCE DEN IN THE WOODS KIDS AREnA HOSTED BY AIDAN o’neill

WORLD STREET FOOD CAMPING & GLAMPING VIP AREA

tickets available at

Gala Dinner

A luxury evening under the concorde at Duxford

When: Saturday 2nd March, 6pm - Midnight

Where: Imperial War Museum Duxford

Tickets: £130 per person

To book go to:

ghhospicecare.org.uk/gala-dinner

STEVENAGE FC WOMEN

5

NEEDHAM MARKET XI

Locker, Pannifer, Bloomfield, Cantwell, Etheridge-Golding, Gooding, Nagib, Slater, Ward, Hall, Wakefield

Subs: Gillignham, Balfour, Loomes, Drake, Posnett

Goals: Etheridge-Golding x 2, Hall, Nagib, Posnett

STEVENAGE FCW 3

O’Brien, Nebbitt, Gunn, Rogers, Schofield, Bodily, Baker-Re, Makewell, Dempsey, Thomas-O’Keefe, Millen

Subs: Gooderham, Day, Boyle, Clarke

Goals: Makewell, Thomas-O’Keefe, Nebbitt

Booked: Bodily

It was the traditional tale of two halves as Stevenage FCW fell to a disappointing defeat against a resolute Needham Market, Three goals from Amy Makewell, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe and Hannah Nebbitt were systematically wiped out by two goals from Mia Etheridge Golding, Molly Hall, a rocket from Lina Nagib and a debut goal for substitute Annie Posnett.

The game could not have started any better for Stevenage. Despite the opening quarter of an hour providing little in terms of goal threat as both sides frantically fought for possession and attempting to find an opening, it was a minute later that Borough had their first clear cut opportunity. Kelsey Millen received the ball from Thomas-O’Keefe after some wonderful work down the left flank from Lilia Dempsey and was felled by Nagib. The penalty was awarded and Makewell smashed it to Amber Locker’s left hand side for the opening goal. Needham Market had the ball in the net four minutes later when Leilah Gooding headed home from a deep free kick, but it was adjudged

offside and Boro’ maintained the lead. Meanwhile, Millen was terrorising the defence and set up an opportunity for Thomas-O’Keefe who sent her effort into the welcome arms of Locker.

Just two minutes later, Thomas-O’Keefe made amends as she showed excellent determination in the press to win the ball high up the pitch and take advantage of a loose ball. She won the fifty-fifty with Locker and smashed the ball home into the empty net. Past the half hour mark, Thomas-O’Keefe had the ball in the net once again, only for the linesman’s flag to deny her after she had poked home a parried effort from Millen. It looked as though it could be a pivotal moment as with five minutes of the half remaining, the Marketwomen pulled one back. A cross from the right hand side was met by Hall, who nipped in front of Beatrice Rogers to sneak the ball past Mia O’Brien.

However, on the stroke of half time, Boro’ were awarded a free kick some thirty-five yards down the pitch. Hannah Nebbitt stepped up and sent a high hanging ball goalwards. It was aiming perfectly towards the top corner, but Locker caught it, collided with the post and saw the ball knocked from her hands by the upright and into the goal.

Boro’ went in at the half with the two-goal margin restored, oblivious to the story that was about to unfold. On the hour mark, Needham reduced the arrears again. A free kick was whipped in towards the far post and Etheridge

The game could not have started any better for Stevenage

Golding beat O’Brien in the chase to sweep the ball into the net.

Makewell was given a glorious opportunity to restore the two-goal cushion, and were it not for the heroics of Locker, who was out quickly – and a tight angle, the score may well have been a more positive one. Instead, the chest of Locker saved the day and two minutes later, Needham had levelled.

Hall and Etheridge Golding passed their way to goal, with the latter forcing the ball home before Nebbitt or Hannah Bodily could get the block in. Within four minutes, the game had turned. A corner was whipped in from the Boro’ right and headed away by Bodily, but only to the edge of the area where Nagib was waiting. She caught the ball as sweet as she could have hoped and O’Brien could not react in time as the ball rocketed into the net.

Makewell saw another more speculative effort go begging as she tried to catch Locker off her line, beating the goalkeeper, but also the crossbar. With two minutes of time remaining, Posnett ended the contest. As she raced onto a through ball, rounded O’Brien and slotted home calmly.

It was a disappointing defeat. Needham rose to a point behind Boro’ in seventh, while for Stevenage, it was an opportunity missed to move ahead of Barking and continue their climb up the league table. It also ended an unbeaten 2024 with only the Under 23s maintaining that record. A long trip to Wroxham awaits next as Boro’ look to reach the League Cup Final for the second season in a row.

Needham rose to a point behind Boro' in seventh

You can see Stevenage FCW First Team in action at Trafford Park against Wroxham on Sunday 3rd January. This will be an away fixture in the League Cup Semi Final – keep your eyes on the social media platforms for more details - @stevenagefcw

The Under 23s will be in League Plate action as they travel to Billericay Development on the same date but in a quarter final match.

CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube channel for more Stevenage FCW interviews, challenges and content – don’t forget to like and subscribe!

STEVENAGE FC FOUNDATION

WOMEN & GIRLS PATHWAY ROUNDUP

Since 2018, the Stevenage FC Foundation has grown from strength to strength. Now in its fifth season, the pathway is home to 220 young female players and 40 senior players in the shape of Stevenage FC Women.

The growth in the pathway is an excellent reflection on the overall increase in interest in women’s sport as a whole and specifically football, with our very own Lionesses continuing to inspire the nation through their achievements. Our pathway is made up of three formal tiers, with a ‘Pre-Pathway’ session also running at selected age groups.

At the start of the 2022/2023 season, we were delighted to be awarded one of the initial FA Emerging Talent Centre Licences as part of the girls talent pathway restructure within The FA. This helped up further enhance our talent pathway offer which expanded to include our Girls Football Centre.

Our Girls Development Centre and Emerging

Talent Centre include a fixture programme during school holidays which enables players to access playing opportunities against other similar pathways at professional football clubs. Our most recent fixtures in February half term included games against Northampton Town, Peterborough United and West Ham United. At all levels in our pathway, we are keen for all players to continue playing regularly for their grassroots clubs to give them a well-rounded and varied experience.

As we look ahead to the 2024/2025 season, with waiting list numbers for the trials already at a record high, we can only see the pathway growing in strength again and are excited to continue to support and develop young female players in the local area.

If you would like to find out more about our women and girls pathway, please email womenandgirls@stevenagefcf.com

Today we are celebrating the winners of our Boro Bear’s Book Club Competition! Our four winners Atiksh, Joseph, Bailey, and Eddie are being presented with their prizes after writing a short story about Boro Bear’s Time Machine!

The KS1 stories include Boro Bear travelling 7000 years back in time to find a magical plant to help improve football skills and Boro Bear going forward in time to see if Stevenage FC win at Wembley. The KS2 stories include Boro Bear rebuilding The Lamex Stadium in 1996 and Boro Bear going back to the Ice Ages to meet a mammoth called Simon!

CLICK HERE to read the winning stories on our website.

A huge thank you to Ken Follett who has joined us today to present the prizes and has personally included book tokens in the winner’s goody bags! Ken Follett is one of the world’s most successful authors. More than 192 million copies of the 37 books he has written have been sold in over 80 countries and in 40 languages. Ken’s first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, a spy story set in WW2. In 1989, his epic novel about the building of a medieval cathedral, The Pillars of the Earth, was published. It reached number one on bestseller

lists everywhere and was turned into a major television series. Ken’s latest book, The Armour of Light, sees him return to Kingsbridge for the fifth time. Set in the 1700s against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution and war in France against the notorious Emperor Napoleon, the story follows the citizens of Kingsbridge as they battle oppression, harsh government reforms and increased mechanisation that could leave them destitute. Featuring a broad cast of memorable and diverse characters as well as all the rich historical details that have come to be trademarks of Ken’s books, The Armour of Light was published in the UK on 26th September 2023.

Thank you to everyone who entered and thank you to our partnered schools who supported the competition again this year, making it a huge success! We look forward to reading more exciting stories next year!

Photo: Olivier Favre

Meet the boss

Fleetwood Town confirmed the appointment of Charlie Adam as the Club’s First-Team Head Coach on December 31, 2023, their third manager of the season

The 38-year-old makes his first step into management following an outstanding playing

Charlie Adam

career, which started with Glasgow Rangers, before making more than 200 English Premier League appearances, whilst also earning 26 caps for his Scottish national team. Since retiring as a player, Adam has spent the last 18 months at Vincent Kompany’s now Premier League side Burnley as their Under21s Coach.

Joining the new Head Coach was Assistant Coach Maurice Ross and former Fleetwood Town player Ross Wallace, who will be a FirstTeam Coach.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Last FIVE RESULTS

SEASONS

22/23 League 1 13th

21/22 League 1 20th

ONES TO watch

Ben Heneghan, 30, Joined Fleetwood in September of 2023 and previously played for Chester, Motherwell, Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon and Sheffield Wednesday.

20/21 League 1 15th

19/20 League 1 6th

18/19 League 1 11st

Ronan Coughlan joined Fleetwood Town at the start of the January transfer window. The 27-year-old striker has been steadily building up his playing time over the last few weeks, coming off the bench to make his debut against Derby County, and then starting in a friendly against his former side, and sisterclub over in Ireland, Waterford FC. His previous career has been exclusively in Ireland playing for Bray Wanderers, Cock City, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s and Waterford.

Port Vale D2-2

COMMERCIAL

MATCH SPONSOR

Cerberus UK Logistics are a “one stop shop” for all logistical needs. We are based in Stevenage but operate across the whole of the UK. Cerberus UK Logistics understand the importance of a high-quality service & also recognise that our customers need a trusted partner they can rely on. Our experienced staff are here 24/7 to support you on any same day, overnight, storage or supply chain request. From small express deliveries to worldwide transport of freight, we are dedicated to getting it right the first time. Our use of state-ofthe-art software ensures a seamless process from start to finish. We pride ourselves on our customer service & working to meet the specific needs of our clients (be it an unusual load or the need to be delivered at a certain time) we are always here to help.

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223223

They can take their place from:

1st September (Autumn Term)

1st January (Spring Term)

1st April (Summer Term)

WELCOME

LATEST NEWS

Question: Who plays in a red and white strip and their home ground is Highbury? Twenty years ago I would have said Arsenal, but now, the attribute is accorded to today’s visitors, Fleetwood. This is “the Fisherman’s” first ever visit to Stevenage, and on behalf of the Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association, I extend a very warm welcome to “The Cod Army”. Like Stevenage, Fleetwood have been around since the turn of the last century albeit under several differing guises and re-incarnations. The current club was established in 1997, appreciably “younger” than Stevenage when our Phoenix rose from the ashes in 1976.

THE LAST SIX

At the conclusion of the fixture today against Fleetwood, there will be just five more home games until the end of the season. Two weeks today we face a resurgent Leyton Orient. On Good Friday (March 29th) the famous Bolton Wanderers come to tread the turf here at The Lamex. Tuesday April 9th is the re-arranged fixture with The Tykes from Barnsley. The following Saturday (13th) we entertain Burton Albion and then on Saturday April 27th we welcome Cheltenham Town, which will conclude what has been a tremendously exciting season. So, have you considered who might be your Supporters Association “Player of the Season” yet? Don’t panic. There’s still a quarter of the season left and seven weeks to go. Makes you think though.

FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION (FSA)

Torquay United may be heading into administration becoming the latest non-league club to face serious problems in recent months. The club’s owner said he could no longer support the club financially.

Torquay United are the latest in a recent run of non-league clubs experiencing serious difficulties.

Rochdale AFC are also facing the threat of

liquidation unless £2m investment is found. It’s sad to see these historic clubs teetering on the edge. The FSA will be supporting member trusts at Rochdale and Torquay, emphasising the need for better regulation.

INTER-CITY BORO

London Road, Peterborough. Who’s coming? We’re away to The Posh this coming Tuesday evening (March 12th). Our buses depart The Lamex at 5:00pm and the cost is just £20 for SA members and £25 for others.

Then, on Saturday March 23rd, it’s the looooong bum-numbing haul up to Carlisle. We leave at 8:00am and the cost is £35 for members on £40 for non-members.

You can either book on-line via the SA’s website, or you can telephone John Carroll on 01438 814285 (after 6:00pm) to reserve your seat.

STEVENAGE TOWN FC 1952

Now, here’s a real shot in the dark. The accompanying photograph is that of the Stevenage Town Football Club at their end-of-season dinner in 1952. The location is in the Town Hall (long gone) which was then situated in Orchard Road – roughly opposite what is now No.2 James Way. If you are able to identify anyone in this photograph, then I’d truly love to hear from you. Email me at Lloyd@sfcsa.co.uk or via the club.

LLOYD BRISCOE

Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

Tue

DECEMBER

Tue

LEAGUE TABLE

AT STEVENAGE AT STEVENAGE

SWIMMING CENTRE SWIMMING CENTRE

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HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN

STEVENAGE FC

FLEETWOOD TOWN FC

MANAGER: CHARLIE ADAM

02 CARL JOHNSTON

03 HARRY BOYES

04 BRENDAN WIREDU

05 BOSUN LAWAL

06 ELIJAH CAMPBELL

08 GAVIN KILKENNY

09 JAYDEN STOCKLEY

10 DANNY MAYOR

11 RYAN BROOM

12 IMARI SAMUELS

13 JAY LYNCH (GK)

14 TOMMY LONERGAN

15 JUNIOR QUITIRNA

16 BEN HENEGHAN

17 XAVIER SIMONS

18 HARRISON HOLGATE

19 RYAN GRAYDON

20 PROMISE OMOCHERE

22 CALLUM DOLAN

23 DAVID HARRINGTON (GK)

26 SHAUN ROONEY

30 STEPHEN MCMULLAN (GK)

32 FINLEY POTTER

33 RONAN COUGHLAN

44 PHOENIX PATTERSON

OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Adam Herczeg

ASSISTANT: Chris Wade

ASSISTANT: Paul Evans

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Daniel Cook