With the club not involved in any playoffs or cup finals, football action in May was limited to just the one game, the Mitchell Cole Benefit game.
Over two thousand fans packed into The Lamex to watch a Stevenage XI, managed by Graham Westley take on a Mitchell Cole XI led by Mark Stimson. The night was a truly unforgettable experience for those in attendance as fans witnessed the returns of Boro old boys such as Barry Hayles, Lawrie Wilson and Peter Vincenti, whilst Premier League stars like Mitchell’s brother in law Joe Cole, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll graced the turf at The Lamex.
In a game which was just as lightheartedly eventful off the pitch as on it, the 7-4 final score wasn’t really important. The night was all about Mitchell and served as an emotional and fitting tribute to a player adored by the Boro faithful. Over £20,000 was raised for the Cardiomyopathy Association in the process. Stevenage fans also raised a further £550 during a charity tournament at Ware FC, with Boro supporter Keith Bell instrumental in its success.
Off the pitch:
Ahead of the new season manager Graham Westley began his recruitment process for 2013/14. Chris Day and Jon Ashton signed new deals whilst Oumare Tounkara, Luke Jones, Simon Heslop, Sam Wedgbury and Jordan Burrow all joined the club.
This month also saw the club awarded The Football League Family Excellence Award for 2012/13. Created in 2007, the Award recognises the outstanding experience clubs provide for young fans and families at their grounds. Judges to The Lamex highlighted numerous examples of good practice they noticed when it comes to attracting families to the stadium.
Finally towards the end of the month the 24-strong team representing the club arrived safely in Nakuru in Kenya and began its charity work. Over their 12-day stay in the country the group – which consisted of club employees, community coaches and Boro fans - assisted at three school projects by building an adventure playground, helping with other vital construction work, assisted teachers in classes and gave sports coaching sessions to excited youngsters.
Photos of the Month:
The two teams and supporters observe a minute's silence prior to the Mitchell Cole Benefit Game
Lawrie Wilson scores - fittingly - in the 21st minute of the Mitchell Cole Benefit Game
Boro Bear meets local school children in Nakuru, Kenya during the club's community trip