Football Season Guide

It is the start of a new era for Stevenage following the appointment of Dino Maamria as manager back in March. It came as something of a surprise when owner Phil Wallace demoted Darren Sarll and brought in Maamria from Nuneaton Town. Wallace had strongly backed Sarll in the previous months as the side languished in the lower reaches of the League Two table during a run of just four victories in 21 league matches. Boro’ were never in any relegation trouble but Wallace revealed that he couldn’t allow that poor form to continue. Maamria returned for his third spell at Broadhall Way having been assistant to manager Graham Westley and he has made wholesale change to the club during the summer. There was no surprise when teenage defender Ben Wilmot was sold to Watford for an undisclosed fee believed to be in seven figures whilst striker Matt Godden has also joined Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee. Whilst Wilmot only made 15 first team appearances it will be the loss of Gooden that will be most keenly felt and his only replacement to date is striker Alex Reid, who has signed from Fleetwood Town. Maamria will need to strengthen his attack especially with continued interest in attacking midfielder Ben Kennedy and striker Danny Newton. He has been busy in the transfer market with signings of goalkeeper Paul Farman and defenders Ben Nugent and Scott Cuthbert. Midfielder Joel Byrom makes a welcome return to the club whilst the capture of midfielder Michael Tmlin from Southend United looks to be something of a coup. The club are in the middle of redeveloping the North Stand at Broadhall Way and Wallace has expressed his disappointment at dwindling attendances. He will be hoping that Maamria can bring some excitement and the crowds back this season.