The Stevenage retained/released list is due out shortly – in the meantime here’s Boro writer and passionate fan Owen Rodbard’s take on who boss Steve Evans should keep or let go as the club look forward to a return to League One action later this summer.
Read on for Owen’s take below.
Adam Pryzbeck- Keep- Has only made 2 appearances, but his performance against Barrow has swayed my opinion to keeping him.
Taye Ashby-Hammond- Loan back in– Was the best goalkeeper in the League before an unfortunate training ground injury. Fulham will no doubt want to want to test him with a move to the championship, but another loan could be in order.
Luther Wildin- Keep- Most improved player in my opinion. We’ve finally found a manager that has instilled that defensive solidity into Luther which has been missing since he arrived.
Kane Smith- Keep- Has excelled in his first stint in the Football League. Superbly filled in when Luther was injured and deserves a shot at playing in League One.
Dan Sweeney- Keep– Settled in to the squad excellently at the start of the season, but tailed off a bit in the new year with some silly mistakes and sub par performances. His form picked up towards the tail end as we saw the original Sweeney. Clearly a leader in the dressing room and his partnership with Terence and Pidge can easily cut it in League One.
Terrence Vancooten- Keep– Despite strong interest from Peterborough in the previous window, I think Terrence stays at the club at least for another season. Was unlucky that injuries hampered his campaign after some outstanding performances last season. An easy keep.
Carl Piergianni- Keep- Club legend after one season at the club. Shows shades of Mark Roberts in his attitude and willingness to put his body on the line. Rightly named Player Of The Season with multiple awards.
Max Clark- Keep- Before December I would’ve said release, but his consistent performances have changed my opinion. I don’t think he starts next season, but he’ll be in and around the squad no doubt.
Jake Reeves- Keep– I have been told that no deal has been offered to Reeves as of yet, but I’d like to see him stay. He’d be a solid squad player with his technical ability, but maybe would struggle physically in League One.
Jake Taylor- Release– Has mainly featured form the bench since Evans arrived, and has made considerable impact at times, but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant a place in the squad next year.
Michael Bostwick- Release– A true servant to the club, but I think he’s made his last appearance in a Boro shirt. Has been brilliant when called upon whether that’s from the bench or filling in for injured players, but I can’t see him performing in a higher league for a full season with his previous injury record. Get him on the coaching staff.
Alex Gilbey- Keep- Yes I know this is a loan, but his contract running out at Charlton presents a huge opportunity for Boro to pick him up on a free transfer. Debatably player of the season with previous League One experience, it’s a definite keep.
Dean Campbell- Return to parent club– Never really settled in a Boro shirt. Showed glimpses of promise and gave me my biggest moment of ecstasy watching Boro during the late win against Aston Villa, but ultimately Evans did not trust him enough to be starting regularly.
Daryl Horgan- Return to parent club– Never kicked on in a Boro shirt. Had brief moments of quality but lacked the confidence to make the final pass of continue his run.
Jake Forster-Caskey- Keep- League One experience, set piece taker and has the technical nouse to outweigh the lack of physical presence to comfortably see him perform at that level.
Elliot List- Keep– Yet to see how his injury has affected his key attributes, but I think he’s a definite keep. Previously ran defences ragged, but interest from other clubs at the beginning of this season nearly saw him move on to a higher division.
Luke Norris- Release– Very unlucky to be one of the few attacking players in this list. I’m just not sure that Norris can cut it at a higher level. The step up in physicality when stepping into League One is cruel, and I’m not sure Norris has the technical ability to compensate for that.
Jordan Roberts- Keep– Again his League One experience confirms his place in the squad for next year in my opinion. Has been inconsistent at times this season, but has shined when he’s been on his game.
Jamie Reid- Keep- The scorer of big goals deserves the chance to step up into a higher division. He dragged us across that finish line this season and has been a brilliant impact sub at times. Whether he starts or is just a squad player, he needs to be with us next year.
Josh March- Keep– Looked lively and a threat before injury at Carlisle ruled him out for the season. Has previous League One experience and Evans likes that hard working, grafting type of striker so I’m expecting him to stay.
Danny Rose- Release- Another attacker that suffers from the consequences of a league with more physical prowess. He ran his socks off and won every header possible last year, but I’m not sure those traits will be enough for him in League One. From the outside looking in he’s clearly a top guy who will no doubt bring quality and a top work ethic to wherever he ends up.
LIKE/FOLLOW NUB NEWS FOR ALL YOUR LATEST NEWS ON STEVENAGE FC RELATED ARTICLES
The Perfect Day: Stevenage fan Owen Rodbard relives Boro’s promotion party
A Magical Day: Successful Stevenage boss Steve Evans opens up after his Boro boys deservedly clinch promotion
Stevenage players and fans react on social media to Steve Evans Boro winning promotion to League One
Video: Watch footage of jubilant scenes at Broadhall Way after Stevenage FC are promoted to League One
Stevenage FC are promoted to League One after Steve Evans side beat Grimsby at jubilant Broadhall Way
Up Close: Stevenage FC boss Steve Evans on loving life at Boro, Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola and so much more
Stevenage FC: From rock bottom to top of the table – how charismatic Steve Evans turned struggling Boro into League Two leaders
Stevenage 3-0 Orient: Steve Evans rampant Boro outclass League Two leaders Orient
AFC Barrow 0-1 Stevenage: Jake Reeves fires home to ensure Boro end memorable promotion season on a high as rookie keeper Adam Przybek shines in torrential Cumbrian rain