Beating your local rivals is always an enjoyable experience. However, when you throw in the
fact that it was away from home against a side now managed by a man who walked out on us for
"bigger and better things", the taste is all the more sweeter.
Of course, it's Barnet v Boro tonight. I've caught up with Eric Hitchmo from the Downhill Second
Half website to preview the game this evening. You can visit the Downhill Second Half site by
visiting the link here.
It's been a poor start to the season for you. Why do you think that is?
Barnet v Stevenage was one of the first fixtures I looked out for when they were released back
in June. It's always a game that supporters and players alike look forward to and tomorrow night's
game is no different. In fact, there's an added incentive for Boro as they look to put one over
former manager Mark Stimson for the first time since his departure to Gillingham 3 years ago.
After weeks of uncertainness regarding Mitchell Cole's future at the club, Oxford United have
announced that they have signed the 24 year old winger on a free transfer ahead of the new season.
Cole leaves Broadhall Way with a year still remaining on his contract after 3 and half years at the
club.
Bet 365 is offering 16/1 on Stevenage to repeat their title success of 2009/2010 in League 2
next season. That makes them 5th favourites, below the likes of Northampton, Rotherham, Bradford
and favourites Gillingham. Barnet and Accrington are favourites for relegation at 100/1. I think
it's crazy that odds can be offered a full 9 weeks before the season even starts, with the summer's
transfers and manager changes yet to really get going.
There isn't that much news about really so I thought it would be interesting to have a look
around the web to see where the Boro managers of the past are now and what they have been getting
up to since their departure from Broadhall Way.Â
Paul FaircloughÂ
Paul Fairclough's second spell in charge of Stevenage ended in 2002 when Phil Wallace relieved
him of his duties and appointed Wayne Turner as his replacement.
Surely there is nothing to worry about regarding the future of Graham Westley is there? The Boro
manager's contract expires at the end of June and talks will begin this week about next season and
the possible extension of that deal. Westley was quiet about his situation when he was asked by the
media after the Trophy final against Barrow, but did confirm that he will meet with the chairman
this week and will go from there.
In light of Graham Westley's recent comments on the official site where he talked
about his aim to get Boro to play a more expansive game that is pleasing on the
eye, even though he knows that a direct game would win football matches, I thought I'd
give my views on this contentious issue. This is a topic that has been talked about nationally
[.
The Destiny Train is on it's way! Boro kicked off their pre-season campaign in fine style
after beating League 2 side Gillingham at Priestfield. The game had an added spice as 6 ex Boro
players took to the field against their former employers. It was also Stimson's first game
against Boro since walking out on the club [.
I've just got enough time to get a quick preview done before I head off to the ground. Barnet
are the visitors to Broadhall Way today, just over 2 months ago since we beat them 3-0 at
Underhill. A lot has changed since that Tuesday night in early November. We haven't won a game in
the league since, whilst Barnet have now parted company with former Boro boss Mark Stimson.
A gentle public service announcement, for those who might be interested – a team of Spurs
veterans is in action on Sunday 15th November, 2pm at Wadham Lodge, Walthamstow.
The Spurs team in action will include legendary Uefa Cup-winning captain (and featured player in
Spurs' Cult Heroes) Graham Roberts, as well as Tony Galvin, Gary Stevens, Mark Falco,
Micky Hazard, Steve Sedgely, Clive Wilson, Garry Brooke and Mark Stimson.
Say no to "pinky" shirts Referees have only themselves to blame for the abuse they receive if they
insist on wearing pink shirts, according to Gillingham manager Mark Stimon. The Gills boss reckons
match officials' flamboyant wardrobes are undermining the Respect campaign. He said: "It's a crazy
decision to put a referee in a pinky shirt.