Excerpts from the Chairman's Programme notes...
- On Saturday’s defeat...
“Last Saturday was a game that turned on a pivotal decision by a linesman and referee to send off Ben Nugent just 12 minutes into the game. At the time of writing I am sure we will appeal that decision – I don’t see how anyone could think the lad had a clear goal scoring opportunity, since by the time contact was made there were three Stevenage defenders and the Crewe forward.
“Nevertheless, the damage was done, and we were unable to score, resulting in back to back losses which has seen us slide down the table to tenth place. The lads put in a decent shift, but it was too little, too late once they had scored.”
- On Wilmot’s Premier League debut…
“One of the biggest moments of Saturday for me outside of our game was Ben Wilmot making his Premier League debut as an 88th minute sub. Strange how a year ago Ben was waiting in the wings for his first team debut for Stevenage.
"This must give a lift to all our young lads fighting for a shirt. When Ben got his chance he wasn’t scintillating, he just made the right decisions at the right times and played sensible football. This decision-making ability is a skill that can take years to learn, so when one so young shows he has it, the big clubs take notice.
“We could have sold Ben early, but we stood our ground and made sure we got the right deal for us and the right deal for Ben. This is the lesson our young lads must learn – wait for your chance and when you get it, make sure you play in a way that the manager can rely on you. With so much at stake nowadays, this is the crucial factor.”
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Read the Chairman's full programme notes in Tuesday's Stevenage v Port Vale programme, available around the ground for just £3.