Many players have competed at Broadhall Way over the years. But very few of them have played at the highest level of English football. Only a very small handful of former Stevenage players have made it to the Premier League. And with varying degrees of success. Current Stevenage striker Matt Godden appears destined for bigger things after netting 20 times in 38 appearances last season. So, we take a look at some of the former Boro’ stars who have competed on the biggest stage.
Former Stevenage players to grace the Premier League…
George Boyd
The Chatham-born winger developed the nickname “The White Pele” whilst playing at Stevenage and spent five seasons in Hertfordshire. He joined the club following his release by Charlton’s academy, signing a semi-professional deal and was given his debut at the age of 17. Graham Westley saw enough potential in the winger to play him regularly and he began to steadily chalk up a number of assists including three against Tamworth. George Boyd netted his first goal in April 2014 and continued to impress team-mates and supporters alike with his work-rate and quality on the ball.
Some memorable goals in the FA Cup prompted the club to tie him down to a longer-term deal. His scintillating form, coupled with 23 goals for the club, had seen interest registered by a number of Football League clubs, including Peterborough, who eventually landed their target in January 2007. Hull picked up Boyd six years later where he would feature 29 times in the Premier League, although 20 of those came from the bench. Burnley acquired his services in 2014, with Boyd once again getting the opportunity to shine in the top flight. Here, he made a further 34 appearances in the Premier League, netting five times.
DJ Campbell
DJ Campbell is one of the better-known players to have pulled on a Stevenage shirt. He was signed from Chesham United, after netting 16 times in 29 games. At Boro’, made an instant impact, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Hayes. He added just one further league goal whilst at Broadhall Way, making 25 appearances in total. And he did net a couple of important goals in the FA Trophy. That said, a public spat with manager Wayne Turner marred his time at the club.
The nippy striker was never far away from controversy throughout his career but did manage clock up 53 appearances in the Premier League for both Blackpool and QPR. The Hammersmith-born forward moved often, featuring for numerous clubs including Ipswich, Birmingham, Leicester and Brentford. His move to Blackburn hit the headlines in 2013; Hull manager Steve Bruce criticising the former Stevenage man for his rapid change of mind. It came after his agent persuaded him to head to Ewood Park. This despite terms largely being agreed with the Humberside outfit.
As super-agent Jon Smith says in his interview with Betway, negotiations can start up to three or four months in advance of the transfer being completed. So, Bruce’s frustrations are very much understandable in this case.
Smith also adds that agents fees, tax advisors and commercial partners all want their cut during the transfer negotiations. DJ Campbell’s representatives heard that Blackburn were offering more money. Naturally, they advised him to leave Steve Bruce high and dry. Smith confirms that agents have the power to declare ‘the deals off’ if they aren’t happy with the agreement and their power can easily affect the final decision of a player. Campbell went on to play just seven times for Rovers.
Steve Morison
Steve Morison came through Northampton’s centre of excellence before joining Bishop’s Stortford. 28 goals in 58 appearances prompted Boro’ to splash out for the Enfield-born striker in 2006. He certainly repaid the faith shown in him by the club. He hit 34 goals during his opening 53 games. It includes a memorable winner in the FA Trophy to help clinch some silverware for us. Two years later, he repeated the trick against York City in the same competition.
Shortly after that, he joined Millwall for a £130,000 transfer fee and helped them up to the Championship. Overall, he netted 68 times for Stevenage and continued to fire higher up the divisions. In 2011, he joined Norwich; a chance to finally prove himself in the Premier League. He scored 10 times in the top flight before being sold as part of a deal involving Luciano Becchio arriving from Leeds United. Morison continues to ply his trade at a higher level; netting 26 times in his second spell at the Lions.
Barry Hayles, Sam Sodje and even Teddy Sheringham (who registered as a player at Stevenage during his short tenure as manager) all featured in the Premier League – as well as taking to the field at Broadhall Way. We’ve got a knack for taking non-league talent; polishing them into competent and reliable Football League players. So, it surely won’t be long until the next ex-Stevenage player makes it to the top flight.
