As Steve Evans reaches one year in charge of Stevenage Football Club, we look at his impressive spell on Broadhall Way so far and relive some of the most memorable moments…
On the 16th of March 2022, Steve Evans was appointed First Team Manager of Stevenage, bringing EFL experience to a club fighting for League Two safety.
At the time of Evans’ appointment, Boro were 22nd in the table. Exactly one year on, they sit in second place and three points clear of the play-off places in the race for automatic promotion.
Securing EFL safety
With Stevenage just three points clear of the drop zone, having played two games more than Oldham who sat below them, it was not going to be a simple task for Evans. Despite his opening two matches ending in unfortunate defeats, the Scotsman seemed determined not to give up as he guided his men to a thrilling 2-0 victory away at Colchester with Luke Norris and Jamie Reid netting one each.
In hindsight, this victory appeared to be a turning point as suddenly Stevenage were three games unbeaten going into the all-important clash with Tranmere Rovers at The Lamex. It became apparent that three points against the ‘Super White Army’ would secure Boro’s EFL status for the 2022/23 campaign.
When Stevenage-born Luke Norris scored a first-half penalty, it was looking increasingly likely that Boro would live to fight another day in League Two. Norris went on to fire a spectacular header into the far corner of the goal in the second half to round off an exciting win and allow a collective sigh of relief to circle around The Lamex Stadium.
Steve Evans, alongside his coaching staff of Paul Raynor, Alex Revell and Ian Pledger had secured EFL safety for Stevenage and were able to begin their plans for the 2022/23 campaign.
Building an identity
Steve Evans opted to keep some key players from the squad he inherited but brought in thirteen new additions throughout the summer transfer window. These signings included new club captain Carl Piergianni, League Two winner Dan Sweeney and experienced attacker Jordan Roberts, just to name a few.
The first glimpse of Evans’ refurbished squad was in Boro’s pre-season weekend in Jersey, in which supporters were able to combine sunshine and football.
Eventually the 2022/23 campaign came around, with Boro winning four of their first five league matches and surprising a lot of people in English football. In between the impressive league form, Stevenage picked up wins against higher-level opposition in Reading and Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup.
It became clear that Evans had created a squad full of warriors with a ‘never-say-die’ attitude, with late goals being a common theme in matches. Danny Rose’s 100th minute equaliser at Walsall and an incredibly late comeback at home to Stockport County spring to mind.
By Christmas Day, Boro were sat second in the table, just seven points behind Leyton Orient who they were preparing to face in two days’ time. Evans’ men earned a point on the road against league leaders live on Sky Sports. Then, a month later, Orient arrived at The Lamex and were stunned as Stevenage pulled off an incredible 3-0 victory through goals from Jordan Roberts, Jamie Reid and Luke Norris.
Steve Evans has witnessed his side remain in the automatic promotion places all season and despite injuries in recent weeks, the team stay well and truly in the race.
FA Cup Heroics
It would be unjust to reflect on Evans’ time at the Club so far without mentioning that famous day at Villa Park. Victories against non-league clubs Gateshead and King’s Lynn meant that Boro would travel to one of the grandest stadiums in England to face Aston Villa in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
Over 3,000 Stevenage fans travelled to witness their team face former European Champions and despite Morgan Sanson’s first-half goal, they could be heard singing loud and proud for the entire ninety minutes.
With five minutes remaining, Boro were a goal down before Dean Campbell was tripped inside the area and the League Two underdogs were awarded a penalty. Jamie Reid stepped up to take and calmly slotted it into the bottom corner.
Stevenage’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude was on full display as they looked to pull off a miraculous upset. Just minutes after the penalty, Dean Campbell picked up the ball on the edge of the area before taking it forward and striking into the near corner to send the away end into raptures.
Steve Evans had guided his side to one of the most impressive upsets in the competition’s history with two incredibly late goals.
What’s next?
Eleven matches remain for Stevenage as they look to earn promotion and make an impressive return to League One. On Saturday, Evans’ men travel to third-placed Carlisle United before facing fellow promotion hopefuls Salford City and Northampton Town.
Very few expected Stevenage to be in this position at the start of the season, but one man who has allowed Boro supporters to finally dream is Steve Evans, who today celebrates one year in charge of the club.
Boro’s final five home games of the Sky Bet League Season are on sale, with tickets available now at borotickets.co.uk.
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