After staying up in bizarre circumstances last season, Stevenage find themselves in mid-table obscurity this campaign. And it’s a welcome sight for fans. At times it’s been difficult to watch and goals have been hard to come by. But Stevenage are grinding out results to secure safety in League Two for another year. It’s all the more impressive when you think that no striker is on prolific form.
It’s hard to back Boro’ when betting on football due to their unpredictable nature. The team average less than one goal scored and one goal conceded each game. So, without adding more firepower, matches will continue to be on a knife edge. Tight defences are building blocks to successful teams and Boro’ are excelling in this field. But a proven scorer could push the squad to new heights.
In this article, we’ll look at potential striker signings to target this summer to make Boro’ more clinical in front of goal.
Striker 1: James Vaughan
James Vaughan became the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer in 2005; netting for Everton against Crystal Palace when just 16. Even though it’ll feel like a lifetime ago for the 32-year-old forward, his record still stands and his goalscoring touch remains.
Vaughan is enduring a career with mixed results so far. Once seen as a player with unlimited potential, Vaughan saw his progression blighted by injuries. With 18 goals after 26 games, James Vaughan is currently ranked second in the League Two top scorers chart; finding a new lease of life at Tranmere Rovers.
A journeyman in football, Vaughan doesn’t tend to stick at a club for too long. So, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave Tranmere in the summer – regardless of the top-notch performances this campaign. Boro’ could be the perfect destination for Vaughan. He’d be a guaranteed starter, loved for the goals he’d bring to a side lacking a clinical presence, and is already proven at this level.
Striker 2: Victor Anichebe
The former Nigeria international is exactly what Boro’ are missing. And it’s actually achievable to sign the former Everton, West Brom, and Sunderland striker. Currently a free agent, the 32-year-old is a powerful and aggressive forward with an eye for goal. Standing at 6’3, Anichebe would give the side a target man and definite set piece threat.
Anichebe is without a club since 2017. But he keeps himself in shape to ensure he’s in the right form when an opportunity does arise for the 11-cap scorer. With a career spent in the Premier League and one season in China, Anichebe would likely welcome a starting position back in the English league. Boro’ should welcome a player with genuine European pedigree (Anichebe scored four Europa League goals for Everton).
And, even if it takes a while to reach match fitness, he’s still got a few years left to score goals and propel the team up the table.
Striker 3: Sam Greenwood
In League Two, it’s often beneficial to take loan deals from Premier League youth and reserve squads. The competition to get in a team at the top level can be difficult. Premier League teams are usually willing to let their promising youngsters leave on loan to lower league clubs. The aim? To toughen up the starlets and give them chances to develop their skills in competitive matches.
Sam Greenwood of Leeds United is only 19 and is bound for glory in the long run. Currently the PL2 top scorer, Greenwood only joined Leeds in August 2020 for a reported £1.5m fee. And he’s already lighting up the country’s top development league.
Capable of scoring all types of goals, Greenwood is skilful and speedy. This would provide the exact attributes that are sorely lacking at Boro’. The England U-19 prodigy was prolific at U-17 level and he’d develop his blossoming career by joining Boro’. Here he could learn about the physical aspect of the game to compliment his clear technical ability.
