Stevenage F.C.
{{short description|Association football club in Stevenage, England}}
{{Redirect|Stevenage Borough|the council|Stevenage Borough Council}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Stevenage
| image = Stevenage FC crest.svg
| upright = 0.8
| alt = Stevenage crest
| current = 2024–25 Stevenage F.C. season
| fullname = Stevenage Football Club
| nickname = The Boro
| founded = 1976 (as Stevenage Borough F.C.)
| ground = The Lamex Stadium
| capacity = 7,800
| chairman = Phil Wallace
| mgrtitle = Manager
| manager = Alex Revell
| league = {{English football updater|Stevenag}}
| season = {{English football updater|Stevenag2}}
| position = {{English football updater|Stevenag3}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.stevenagefc.com/|stevenagefc.com}}
| pattern_la1 = _stevenage2223h
| pattern_b1 = _stevenage2223h
| pattern_ra1 = _stevenage2223h
| pattern_sh1 = _stevenage2223h
| pattern_so1 = _stevenage2223h
| leftarm1 = FF0000
| body1 = FFFFFF
| rightarm1 = FF0000
| shorts1 = FF0000
| socks1 = FFFFFF
| pattern_la2 = _stevenage2122a
| pattern_b2 = _stevenage2122a
| pattern_ra2 = _stevenage2122a
| pattern_sh2 = _stevenage2122a
| pattern_so2 = _stevenage2122a
| leftarm2 = E2FF00
| body2 = 000000
| rightarm2 = E2FF00
| shorts2 = E2FF00
| socks2 = E2FF00
| pattern_la3 = _macron19p
| pattern_b3 = _macronkimah1pw
| pattern_ra3 = _macron19p
| pattern_sh3 =
| pattern_so3 =
| leftarm3 = 4F2B83
| body3 = 4F2B83
| rightarm3 = 4F2B83
| shorts3 = 4F2B83
| socks3 = 4F2B83
}}
Stevenage Football Club (known as Stevenage Borough Football Club until 2010) is a professional association football club based in the town of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. The club competes in EFL League One, the third level of the English football league system. They play their home games at The Lamex Stadium in Stevenage.
Founded in 1976 following the demise of the town's former club, they joined the United Counties League in 1980 and enjoyed success in the club's first year at senior status; winning the United Counties League Division One and the United Counties League Cup. Following three promotions in four seasons in the early 1990s, the club were promoted to the Conference National in 1994. Despite winning the league in the 1995–96 season, the club were denied promotion to the Football League due to insufficient ground facilities. Stevenage remained in the top tier of non-League for the following fourteen seasons, before the club earned promotion to the Football League after winning the Conference Premier in the 2009–10 season.
The promotion served as the catalyst for a rebranding of the club, dropping the word 'Borough' from its title in June 2010. In their first season in the Football League, Stevenage won promotion to League One, the third tier of English football, via the play-offs. The club achieved their highest league finish during the 2011–12 season courtesy of a sixth-placed finish in League One. The core of the team that helped guide the club to its success throughout 2009 to 2012 departed, and Stevenage were relegated back into League Two at the end of the 2013–14 season.
The club has also enjoyed success in national cup competitions, becoming the first team to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007, beating Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 to lift the FA Trophy in front of a competition record crowd of 53,262. They won the competition again in 2009. The club has also produced a number of notable results in the FA Cup against high-profile opposition.
History
{{For|a statistical breakdown by season|List of Stevenage F.C. seasons}}
=1976–2010=
Stevenage Borough was formed in 1976 following the bankruptcy of Stevenage Athletic. Chairman Keith Berners, and "a number of like-minded volunteers" were tasked with arranging a team to play Hitchin Town Youth at Broadhall Way in November 1976, as a "curtain-raiser" for the new club. However, the Broadhall Way pitch was subsequently dug up for non-footballing purposes after Stevenage Borough Council sold the land to a local businessman, who dug a trench across the full length of the pitch to ensure no football was played. Consequently, the new club started out playing in the Chiltern Youth league on a roped-off pitch at the town's King George V playing fields, and moved up to intermediate status, joining the Wallspan Southern Combination shortly after.{{Cite book
| title = Stevenage Borough v Tamworth matchday programme
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| year = 2009
| page = 34}} Stevenage Borough Council granted consent for the club to incorporate the name "Borough" in their title and to adopt the town's civic emblem as the club badge. In 1980, the council reacquired the lease for Broadhall Way and allowed the football club to become its tenant. With the council as their landlords and a refurbished stadium, Stevenage Borough took on senior status, under the management of Derek Montgomery, and joined the United Counties Football League in the same year.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Derek Montgomery
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/managers/2/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} The club's first competitive league match was a 3–1 victory against ON Chenecks on 16 August 1980, played in front of 421 people.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Borough 3–1 ON Chenecks
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/match.php?ID=1
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 16 April 2013}} In their first season as a senior club, the team won the United Counties League Division One championship, scoring over a hundred goals.{{Cite news
| title = Stevenage: 1980–81 Season Details
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/8081/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 9 August 2020}} The club also won the United Counties League Cup during the same season.
After three successive seasons in the United Counties Premier Division, the club joined Division Two North of the Isthmian League in 1984, and the following season earned promotion to Isthmian League Division One after finishing the season as champions. Two years later, the club were relegated back to the Division Two North, having finished second bottom of the division. Brian Williams was tasked with steadying the club following the relegation; appointed as manager in July 1988.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Brian Williams
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/managers/5/
| website = Boroguide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} He spent two full seasons in charge, guiding Stevenage to two fourth-place finishes.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season – 1988–89
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/8889/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}}{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season – 1989–90
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/8990/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} Paul Fairclough was appointed as the club's manager in June 1990 and he would ultimately guide the team to four league titles in eight years.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Paul Fairclough
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/managers/6/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} The club won promotion during the 1990–91 season, Fairclough's first season in charge, winning 34 of their 42 games.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season – 1990–91
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/9091/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} The league triumph included winning every match played at home, scoring 122 goals and amassing 107 points. The following season, Stevenage won the Isthmian League Division One title, remaining unbeaten at home for the second consecutive season, and were promoted to the Isthmian League Premier Division.{{cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season – 1991–92
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/9192/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 25 August 2020}} A third promotion in four years followed at the end of the 1993–94 season, as Stevenage were promoted to the Football Conference after winning the Isthmian League Premier Division. Two seasons later, Stevenage won the Conference,{{Cite news
|title = Stevenage Borough 1995–1996
|url = http://www.statto.com/football/teams/stevenage-borough/1995-1996
|publisher = Statto.com
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133340/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/stevenage-borough/1995-1996
|archivedate = 16 July 2011
}} but were denied promotion to the Football League, due to insufficient ground facilities, thus reprieving Torquay United, who had finished in last place of Division Three.{{Cite news
|title = Final 1995/1996 Football League Two Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=4&seasonid=139&x=19&y=8
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100315104349/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=4
|archive-date = 15 March 2010
|url-status = dead
}} During the same season, the club reached the First Round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2–1 to Hereford United of the Third Division at Edgar Street.{{Cite news
|title = Hereford 2–1 Stevenage
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=223501
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130202191711/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=223501
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 2 February 2013
|publisher = Soccerbase
|date = 11 November 1995
|access-date = 23 August 2009
}}
Image:Stevenage FC League Performance.svg The 1996–97 season saw the club progress to the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time after a 2–1 victory against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.{{Cite news
|title = Leyton Orient 1–2 Stevenage
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=243067
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20070519173713/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=243067
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 19 May 2007
|publisher = Soccerbase
|date = 7 December 1996
|access-date = 23 August 2009
}} They were drawn against Birmingham City at Broadhall Way, but ground issues saw the tie switched to St Andrew's; Birmingham won the match 2–0.{{Cite news
|title = Birmingham 2–0 Stevenage
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=243489
|publisher = Soccerbase
|date = 4 January 1997
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050518055030/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=243489
|archive-date = 18 May 2005
|url-status = dead
}} The following season, the club reached the Fourth Round where they drew Premier League club Newcastle United at Broadhall Way.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage face Newcastle in FA Cup
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/44596.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 4 January 2008
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} A temporary stand was erected behind the South Stand, allocated to the Newcastle supporters, which increased the stadium capacity to 9,000, enough to satisfy The FA.{{cite news
| title = Football: FA will rule today on Stevenage tie
| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-fa-will-rule-today-on-stevenage-tie-1137638.html
| newspaper = The Independent
| date = 9 January 1998
| access-date = 23 August 2009
| location=London}} Stevenage held Newcastle to a 1–1 draw, with Giuliano Grazioli equalising after Alan Shearer had given Newcastle an early lead.{{Cite news
|title = Stevenage 1–1 Newcastle
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=248282
|publisher = Soccerbase
|date = 25 January 1998
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050909200406/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=248282
|archive-date = 9 September 2005
|url-status = dead
| title = Football: Grazioli keeps Stevenage under the spotlight
| url = https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-grazioli-keeps-stevenage-under-the-spotlight-1140932.html
| newspaper = The Independent
| date = 26 January 1998
| access-date = 23 August 2009
| location=London
| first=Phil
| last=Shaw}} Stevenage lost 2–1 in the replay at St James' Park, a goal from Alan Shearer that "appeared to not cross the line" proved the difference.{{Cite news
|title = Newcastle 2–1 Stevenage
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=248561
|publisher = Soccerbase
|date = 4 March 1998
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050426223958/http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=248561
|archive-date = 26 April 2005
|url-status = dead
| title = Stevenage relive the day they gave Alan Shearer and Newcastle United a shock in FA Cup
| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/stevenage-borough/8247072/Stevenage-relive-the-day-they-gave-Alan-Shearer-and-Newcastle-United-a-shock-in-FA-Cup.html
| newspaper = The Telegraph
|location=London
| date = 7 January 2011
| access-date = 8 January 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110121001809/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/stevenage-borough/8247072/Stevenage-relive-the-day-they-gave-Alan-Shearer-and-Newcastle-United-a-shock-in-FA-Cup.html| archivedate= 21 January 2011 | url-status= live}} Despite earning a large amount of revenue from the two respective cup runs, news emerged that the club were in financial difficulties and that the chairman, Victor Green, was going to close the club down if no buyer was found.{{Cite book
| title = Stevenage Borough v Tamworth matchday programme
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| year = 2009
| page = 35}} Phil Wallace purchased the club and set about rebuilding the finances and the relationship with the local council.
During the 2001–02 season, the club reached the FA Trophy final for the first time, losing 2–0 to Yeovil Town at Villa Park.{{cite news
| title = Yeovil lift FA Trophy
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1980104.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 12 April 2002
| access-date = 10 July 2009}} The following season, Stevenage were positioned in last place of the Conference National in January, seven points from safety.{{Cite news
|title = English Conference 2002–2003 : Table
|url = http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/conference/2002-2003/table/2002-12-26
|publisher = Statto.com
|access-date = 22 September 2012
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117063302/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/conference/2002-2003/table/2002-12-26
|archivedate = 17 November 2015
}} The club appointed Graham Westley as manager in January 2003.{{cite news
| title = Westley quits Farnborough
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/2703141.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 28 January 2003
| access-date = 5 October 2007}} Westley guided the club to 12th position,{{Cite news
|title = Final 2002/2003 Football Conference Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9&seasonid=132&teamid=2499
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912080817/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9
|archive-date = 12 September 2009
|url-status = dead
}} winning eight games out of a possible 12 in the league.{{Cite news
|title = Stevenage 2002/2003 results and fixtures
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/results2.sd
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080414235112/http://www.soccerbase.com/results2.sd
|archive-date = 14 April 2008
|url-status = dead
}} During the 2004–05 season, Stevenage made the play–offs after finishing fifth under the guidance of Westley.{{Cite news
|title = Final 2004/2005 Football Conference Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9&seasonid=132&teamid=2499
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912080817/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9
|archive-date = 12 September 2009
|url-status = dead
}} The team lost 1–0 to Carlisle United at the Britannia Stadium in the play-off final.{{cite news
| title = Carlisle 1–0 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/4537061.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 14 May 2005
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} The following year, the team finished sixth,{{Cite news
|title = Final 2005/2006 Football Conference Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9&seasonid=135&teamid=2499
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912080817/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9
|archive-date = 12 September 2009
|url-status = dead
}} outside of the play-off places, and Westley's contract was not renewed, ending his three-and-a-half-year spell as manager.{{Cite news
| title = Westley to leave Borough
| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2006/05/15/graham_westley_leaves_feature.shtml
| publisher = BBC Beds Herts and Bucks
| date = 15 May 2006
| access-date = 5 October 2007}} The club appointed Mark Stimson as their new manager{{cite news
| title = Stevenage name Stimson as manager
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/5024698.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 28 May 2006
| access-date = 3 September 2008}} and the team finished in eighth position in Stimson's first season as manager.{{Cite news
|title = Final 2006/2007 Football Conference Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9&seasonid=135&teamid=2499
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912080817/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9
|archive-date = 12 September 2009
|url-status = dead
}} That season, the club reached the FA Trophy final again,{{cite news
| title = FA Trophy semi-final second legs
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6462849.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 17 March 2007
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} where they came back from 2–0 down to beat Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 in front of a record FA Trophy crowd of 53,262.{{Cite news
| title = Henry the first
| url = http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFATrophy/NewsAndFeatures/2009/Trophy_MatchReaction2.aspx
| publisher = TheFA.com
| date = 13 May 2007
| access-date = 17 August 2009}} The victory meant that Stevenage were the first team to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium.{{cite news
| title = Kidderminster 2–3 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6649807.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 12 May 2007
| access-date = 23 August 2009
| first=Ian
| last=Hughes}}
File:SBFCWEMBLEY2009.jpg at Wembley Stadium in May 2009]]
After the FA Trophy success in 2007, as well as keeping the majority of the first-team at the club, Stevenage started the 2007–08 season by breaking a new club record when the defence kept eight consecutive clean sheets.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 4–0 Farsley Celtic
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6996476.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 18 September 2007
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} Stimson was offered a new contract by Stevenage in October 2007,{{cite news
| title = Stevenage offer Stimson new deal
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7047655.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 16 October 2007
| access-date = 17 October 2007}} but resigned the following day and subsequently joined Football League club Gillingham.{{cite news
| title = Stimson resigns as Stevenage boss
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7049044.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 17 October 2007
| access-date = 17 October 2007}} In November 2007, he was replaced by Peter Taylor.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage name Taylor as new boss
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7071851.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 1 November 2007
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} After failing to make the play-offs,{{cite news
| title = Play-off miss disappoints Taylor
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7362890.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 23 April 2008
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} Taylor resigned at the end of the season{{cite news
| title = Manager Taylor to leave Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7371937.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 28 April 2008
| access-date = 23 August 2009}} and was replaced by former manager Graham Westley.{{cite news
| title = Westley named as Stevenage boss
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7380315.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 2 May 2008
| access-date = 2 May 2008}} On Westley's return, Stevenage started the season slowly before going on a 27–game unbeaten run from December to March and reached the play-offs,{{Cite news
|title = Final 2008/2009 Football Conference Table
|url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9&seasonid=138&teamid=2499
|publisher = Soccerbase
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090912080817/http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=9
|archive-date = 12 September 2009
|url-status = dead
}} where they lost in the semi-finals to Cambridge United, 4–3 on aggregate.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 3–1 Cambridge United
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8020423.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 30 April 2009
| access-date = 23 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = Cambridge United 3–0 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8031847.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 5 May 2009
| access-date = 23 August 2009
| first=Phil
| last=Maiden}} During the same season, Stevenage enjoyed success in cup competitions; winning the Herts Senior Cup for the first time, beating Cheshunt 2–1 in the final,{{Cite news
|title = No Charity for Cheshunt
|first = Alasdair
|last = Gold
|url = http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Home/No-Charity-for-Cheshunt.htm
|publisher = Hertfordshire Mercury
|date = 8 April 2009
|access-date = 9 January 2011
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721235029/http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Home/No-Charity-for-Cheshunt.htm
|archivedate = 21 July 2011
}} and the FA Trophy, where they beat York City 2–0 in the final.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2–0 York
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8036407.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 9 May 2009
| access-date = 22 July 2009}}
The following season, Westley retained the majority of the squad and Stevenage were positioned in first place by New Year's Day.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 4–1 Cambridge Utd
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8423540.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 1 January 2010
| access-date = 1 January 2010}} The squad won eight consecutive games through February and March 2010,{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–0 Oxford United
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8570546.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 30 March 2010
| access-date = 30 March 2010}} and Stevenage were promoted to the Football League for the first time in the club's history with two games to spare. Promotion was secured thanks to a 2–0 victory at Kidderminster Harriers, as Stevenage finished the season 11 points clear at the top of the table.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–0 York
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8620969.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 24 April 2010
| access-date = 24 April 2010}} The club reached the final of the FA Trophy again, losing to Barrow 2–1 after extra-time.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Borough 1–2 Barrow AET
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8633070.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 8 May 2010
| access-date = 8 May 2010}} Shortly after the end of the season, chairman Phil Wallace stated that the club will start its life in the Football League as Stevenage Football Club, dropping the word 'Borough' from its name as of June 2010.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage to drop Borough from name
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/8689789.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 18 May 2010
| access-date = 18 May 2010}}
=Football League (2010–present)=
Stevenage's first Football League fixture was against Macclesfield Town in August 2010, ending in a 2–2 draw at Broadhall Way.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2–2 Macclesfield Town
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842813.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 7 August 2010
| access-date = 7 August 2010}} Following four defeats in six games in December 2010 and January 2011, the club were in 18th position, just four points above the relegation zone.{{cite news
| title = English League Two 2010–2011 : Table
| url = http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-two/2010-2011/table/2011-01-18
| publisher = Statto.com
| access-date = 29 May 2011}} During a congested period throughout February and March 2011, Stevenage won nine games out of eleven, propelling the club up the league table and into the play-off positions.{{cite news
| title = Port Vale 1–3 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9394824.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 22 February 2011
| access-date = 22 February 2011}}{{cite news
| title = Burton 0–2 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/12742339.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 22 March 2011
| access-date = 22 March 2011}} Stevenage subsequently reached the League Two play-offs, finishing in sixth place.{{cite news
| title = 2010–11 Football League Two table
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/table/default.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date= 16 June 2009
| access-date = 8 May 2011}} They faced Torquay United in the 2011 Football League Two play-off final on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford. Stevenage won the game 1–0, securing a place in League One for the first time in the club's history, meaning the club had also earned back-to-back promotions. During the same season, Stevenage equalled their previous best performance in the FA Cup, reaching the Fourth Round of the competition before losing 2–1 to Reading.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–2 Reading
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9379076.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 29 January 2011
| access-date = 30 January 2011}} In the previous round, Stevenage were drawn against Premier League club Newcastle United, whom they had previously met, and lost over two "bitter" games, during the 1997–98 season.{{cite news
| title = Do you remember the first time?
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9345266.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 7 January 2011
| access-date = 30 January 2011}} Stevenage subsequently beat Newcastle 3–1 at Broadhall Way, the first time the club had ever beaten first tier opposition.{{cite news
|title = Stevenage win league award
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2320688,00.html
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211218210239/https://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2320688,00.html
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 18 December 2021
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|date = 20 March 2011
|access-date = 22 March 2011
| title = Stevenage win team performance gong
| url = http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/stevenage_win_team_performance_gong_1_835813
| magazine = The Comet
| date = 21 March 2011
| accessdate = 22 March 2011}}
In their first season in the third tier of English football, Stevenage were positioned in the League One play-off places following a fourteen-game unbeaten run that lasted for three months.{{cite news
| title = Wycombe 0–1 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/16325047.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 31 December 2011
| access-date = 23 May 2012}} In January 2012, Westley opted to leave Stevenage in order to take up the vacant managerial position at Preston North End.{{cite news
| title = Graham Westley named Preston boss after Stevenage compensation deal
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16560529.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 14 January 2012
| access-date = 23 May 2012}} Former Colorado Rapids manager Gary Smith replaced Westley.{{Cite news
|title = Stevenage appoint Gary Smith as manager
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2588007,00.html
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|date = 25 January 2012
|access-date = 23 May 2012
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120128121547/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10839~2588007%2C00.html
|archivedate = 28 January 2012
| title = Stevenage appoint Gary Smith as Graham Westley's successor
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16687255.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 25 January 2012
| access-date = 23 May 2012}} A run of four wins in their last five games meant that Stevenage finished in sixth, thus taking the final play-off place,{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 3–0 Bury
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17878455
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 5 May 2012
| access-date = 23 May 2012}} losing 1–0 on aggregate to Sheffield United in the semi-final.{{cite news
|title = Stevenage FC 0–0 Sheffield United
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~61603,00.html
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|date = 11 May 2012
|access-date = 23 May 2012
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120515055615/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~61603,00.html
|archivedate = 15 May 2012
|title = Sheffield United 1–0 Stevenage FC
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~61604,00.html
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|date = 14 May 2012
|access-date = 23 May 2012
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120526131117/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~61604,00.html
|archivedate = 26 May 2012
}} Stevenage also reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history during the season, losing 3–1 to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in a replay at White Hart Lane,{{cite news
|title = Tottenham 3–1 Stevenage
|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17201215
|work = BBC Sport
|date = 8 March 2012
|access-date = 23 May 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120309003341/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17201215
|archive-date = 9 March 2012
|url-status = dead
}} after the two teams drew 0–0 at Broadhall Way.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 0–0 Tottenham
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17001797
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 19 February 2012
| access-date = 23 May 2012}}
The majority of the squad that had helped the club win back-to-back promotions into League One departed at the end of the season. New management under Smith, alongside a change in transfer policy, resulted in a complete squad overhaul. Stevenage were positioned within the top six places midway through the 2012–13 season,{{cite news
| title = Stevenage sack manager Gary Smith after 'worrying' run
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21859273
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 13 March 2013
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} but a run of 14 losses from 18 matches from December 2012 meant the club were closer to the relegation places three months later. Smith was subsequently sacked in March 2013 and replaced by Westley, returning for his third spell at the club.{{cite news
| title = Graham Westley re-appointed as Stevenage manager
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21980915
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 30 March 2013
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} The team finished in 18th place that season.{{cite news
| title = League One – 2012–13 League Table
| url = https://www.skysports.com/league-1-table/2012
| work = Sky Sports
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} A further squad overhaul took place ahead of the 2013–14 season and Stevenage were ultimately relegated back to League Two after finishing in last place in the League One standings that season.{{cite news
| title = League Two – 2013–14 League Table
| url = https://www.skysports.com/league-1-table/2013
| work = Sky Sports
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} The team made the play-off semi-finals in their first season back in League Two, losing to Southend United.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–1 Southend United
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32571629
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 10 May 2015
| access-date = 5 August 2020}}{{cite news
| title = Southend United 3–1 Stevenage
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32620041
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 14 May 2015
| access-date = 5 August 2020}}
The club opted against offering Westley a new contract and replaced him with Teddy Sheringham in May 2015, taking on his first managerial role.{{cite news
| title = Teddy Sheringham: Stevenage name ex-England striker as boss
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32832999
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 21 May 2015
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} Sheringham was sacked in February 2016 with the club positioned in 19th.{{cite news
| title = Teddy Sheringham: Stevenage sack former England striker
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35465521
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 1 February 2016
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} First-team coach Darren Sarll took caretaker charge for the remainder of the season and was given the role on a permanent basis after helping the club secure League Two safety.{{cite news
| title = League Two – 2015–16 League Table
| url = https://www.skysports.com/league-2-table/2015
| work = Sky Sports
| access-date = 5 August 2020}}{{cite news
| title = Sarll and Roeder to remain in charge of management team
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2016/may/sarll-and-roeder-to-remain-in-charge-of-management-team/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 8 May 2016
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} During Sarll's first full season in the charge, the club finished three points from the play-off positions.{{cite news
| title = League Two – 2016–17 League Table
| url = https://www.skysports.com/league-2-table/2016
| work = Sky Sports
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} With Stevenage in 16th place during the 2017–18 season, Sarll was sacked in March 2018; Wallace stating the club "had not seen the progress expected" since making a number of signings during the January transfer window.{{cite news
| title = Darren Sarll: Stevenage sack manager after two years in charge
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43449319
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 18 March 2018
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} Former player and first-team coach, Dino Maamria, replaced Sarll as manager.{{cite news
| title = Dino Maamria: Stevenage appoint Nuneaton Town boss as manager
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43464824
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 20 March 2018
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} During the 2018–19 season, Maamria's first full season in charge, the club finished 10th, one point from the play-off places.{{cite news
| title = League Two – 2018–19 League Table
| url = https://www.skysports.com/league-2-table/2018
| work = Sky Sports
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} In May 2019, Wallace announced a 12% public equity offering, through sports investment platform Tifosy, with the aim of raising funds to invest in player wages and increase the transfer budget.{{Cite news
| title = Share in our future: Phil Wallace interview
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2019/may/share-in-our-future-phil-wallace-interview-equity-investment-raise-tifosy-thursday-16th-may-2019/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 17 May 2019
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} The offer closed on 31 July 2019, at which time the club stated a total of £300,000 worth of shares had been purchased.{{Cite news
| title = Offer closed: Over £300,000 worth of shares sold
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2019/august/share-in-our-future-equity-raise-closed-sky-bet-league-two-efl-friday-2nd-august-2019/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 2 August 2019
| access-date = 5 August 2020}}
The club started the 2019–20 season without a win in the opening month of the season and Maamria was subsequently sacked in September 2019.{{Cite news
| title = Dino Maamria: Stevenage sack Tunisian; Mark Sampson takes temporary charge
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49631589
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 9 September 2019
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} First-team coach Mark Sampson took caretaker charge, but with the club in 23rd-place after several months under his management, Graham Westley returned for a fourth spell in December 2019.{{Cite news
| title = Graham Westley: Stevenage reappoint former manager for fourth spell in charge
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50801273
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 15 December 2019
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} Two months later, Westley resigned, and was replaced by Alex Revell, who had previously assumed the role of player-coach at the club.{{Cite news
| title = Graham Westley: Stevenage manager resigns to end fourth spell as boss
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51523874
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 16 February 2020
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} The club were in last place of League Two when the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.{{Cite news
| title = League One & League Two clubs vote to end seasons early
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52705124
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 9 June 2020
| access-date = 5 August 2020}} EFL clubs formally agreed to end the season during an EFL meeting on 9 June 2020, although "ongoing disciplinary matters" involving 23rd-placed Macclesfield Town, who had not paid their players on six separate occasions during the season, meant Stevenage might be reprieved.{{Cite news
| title = Phil Wallace latest on EFL Appeal
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2020/july/stevenage-football-club-efl-english-football-league-statement-macclesfield-town-phil-wallace-tuesday-28th-july-2020/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 28 July 2020
| access-date = 12 August 2020}} Stevenage were initially relegated from League Two after an independent disciplinary panel opted to deduct Macclesfield two points on 19 June, with a further four suspended, the maximum number they could deduct without relegating them, highlighting this as a key factor in the sanctions they had chosen to impose.{{cite news |title=League Two: Macclesfield deducted points but avoid relegation to National League|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53028810 |access-date=20 June 2020 |website=BBC Sport|date=19 June 2020}} The EFL successfully appealed against the panel's sanctions on Macclesfield,{{cite news |title=Macclesfield Town: EFL to appeal against independent panel decision |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53278818 |access-date=4 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 July 2020}}{{cite news |title=Stevenage will have chance to be heard at appeal against Macclesfield sanction |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53395910 |access-date=15 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport |date=13 July 2020}}{{cite news |title=Macclesfield Town: Stevenage blocked from contributing to League Two rivals' points appeal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53570421 |access-date=28 July 2020 |website=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2020}} winning on 11 August;{{Cite news
| title = Macclesfield Town relegated after EFL wins points appeal, Stevenage reprieved
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53744939
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 11 August 2020
| access-date = 11 August 2020}} the four suspended points were applied to the 2019–20 season, meaning Stevenage finished 23rd and so remained in League Two.
Under Revell's management, the club finished the 2020–21 season in 14th position in League Two. {{Cite news
| title = Alex Revell: Stevenage part company with manager after poor run
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59278160
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 14 November 2021
| accessdate = 25 May 2022}} After three victories in the first 16 matches of the 2021–22 season, Revell left his position as first-team manager and was replaced by Paul Tisdale in November 2021.{{Cite news
| title = Tisdale appointed
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2021/november/paul-tisdale-appointed-first-team-manager-stevenage-fc-football-club-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league-sunday-28-november-2021/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 28 November 2021
| access-date = 25 May 2022}} Tisdale left the club in March 2022, with Stevenage having won three of his 21 matches as manager.{{Cite news
| title = Managerial change
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2022/march/managerial-change-steve-evans-paul-tisdale-stevenage-fc-football-club-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 16 March 2022
| access-date = 16 March 2022}} With the club positioned in 22nd place in League Two after a nine-match winless run, three points above the relegation places, Steve Evans was appointed as manager. The club won four of their final nine matches to avoid relegation and finish in 21st position.{{Cite news
| title = League Two – 2021–22 – League Table
| url = https://uk.soccerway.com/national/england/league-two/20212022/regular-season/r63679/
| publisher = Soccerway
| access-date = 25 May 2022}} During the 2022–23 season, under Evans' management, Stevenage earned promotion into League One after finishing in second place in League Two.{{cite news
| title = Reeves goal secures Stevenage second spot
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65445723
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 8 May 2023
| accessdate = 8 May 2023}} That season, the club also defeated Premier League club Aston Villa at Villa Park in the FA Cup third round.{{cite news
| title = Aston Villa 1–2 Stevenage
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64198131
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 8 January 2023
| accessdate = 3 May 2023}} Stevenage trailed in the match, before scoring two goals in the final two minutes to win 2–1. During the 2023–24 season, Stevenage were in the play-off hunt for most of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68834834 |title=Steve Evans: Rotherham United reappoint Stevenage manager after sacking Leam Richardson |website=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2024 |access-date=19 April 2024}} However, Evans left for Rotherham United towards the end of the season.
Club identity
=Crest=
The club has had five crests since its formation in 1976.{{Cite news
| title = New crest revealed
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2019/june/stevenage-fc-new-crest-design-reveal-efl-english-football-league-saturday-1st-june-2019/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 1 June 2019
| access-date = 6 August 2020}} The first club crest was created in 1980 when Stevenage took on senior status, adopting the town's civic emblem as the basis of the crest. When the club were promoted to the Conference National in 1994, the crest was changed to the Stevenage Borough Council 'tick' in recognition of the help the club had received from the council in its rise through the leagues. Shortly after former chairman Victor Green took over the club, in 1996, a new crest was introduced, modelled on the town's coat of arms; incorporating the club's colours of red and white, as well as a hart – which features on both the Stevenage and Hertfordshire coat of arms.{{Cite news
| title = Historical Football Kits – Stevenage
| url = http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Stevenage_Borough/stevenage-borough.html
| website = Historical Kits
| access-date = 6 August 2020}} This crest was adjusted slightly in 2010 to remove the word 'Borough', in-line with the club's name change prior to playing in the Football League. The crest was modified ahead of the 2011–12 season by being placed in a shield, but reverted to the former version two years later. A new crest was created in June 2019; the hart being "brought to the forefront of the new design". The club stated that the previous crest "presented modern-day challenges due to its complex and detailed design" and therefore the new crest, circular in design, enabled the club to create a more visible identity on both a commercial and social level.
=Colours=
The club have always played in red and white colours. Prior to taking on senior status, the team wore red and white stripes. This changed from 1980 to 1988 when the club adopted plain red shirts and white shorts, although did wear an all red strip during the 1982–83 season. The club reverted to stripes from 1988, and the strip design has varied considerably over the years. To mark the 40th anniversary of the club during the 2016–17 season, supporters were consulted about their favourite strip and the result was a re-creation of the diagonal stripes worn from 1996 to 1998.
A table of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below:
| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: center; margin-left:1em; float: left" |
| colspan=3|Kit suppliers |
|---|
| scope=col|Dates
!scope=col|Supplier |
| 1980–1981 |
| 1982–1983 |
| 1983–1985
|Litesome |
| 1985–1986
|Hobott |
| 1985–1986
|Admiral |
| 1994–2004
|Vandanel |
| 2004–2008 |
| 2008–2011
|Vandanel |
| 2011–2013
|Puma |
| 2013–2015
|Fila |
| 2015–2017 |
| 2017– |
| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed plainrowheaders" style="width: 25%; text-align: center; margin-left:1em; float: left" |
| colspan=2| Shirt sponsors |
|---|
| scope=col|Dates
!scope=col|Sponsor |
| 1985–1986
|Abbey Life |
| 1991–1993
|Kings Park |
| 1993–1996
|Propak |
| 1996–2004
|Sunbank |
| 2004–2006
|AVC Broadband |
| 2006–2008
|CPM Omega |
| 2008–2010
|Megaman |
| 2010–2011
|LCN |
| 2011–2012
|ServerChoice |
| 2012–2017
|STS Tyre Pros |
| 2017–2019
|Astute Electronics |
| 2019–2021 |
| 2021–2023 |
| 2023–2024
|Grilla |
| 2024–
|Xsolla |
{{clear}}
Stadium
=Broadhall Way=
{{details|Broadhall Way}}
The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously home to Stevenage Town and Stevenage Athletic. Following the bankruptcy of the town's former club, the stadium was not used for three years. The newly formed Stevenage Borough moved into Broadhall Way in 1980 as a result of the council re-purchasing the stadium.{{Cite book
| title = Stevenage Borough v Ebbsfleet United matchday programme
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| year = 2009
| page = 36}} Following Stevenage's successful 1995–96 Football Conference campaign, the Hertfordshire club were denied promotion to the Football League because of insufficient ground capacity and facilities. In the early 2000s, the ground was upgraded, with a new £600,000 stand opening, including an executive suite underneath. In January 2009, Stevenage signed a seven-figure sponsorship deal with the Lamex Food Group, resulting in the renaming of Broadhall Way to The Lamex Stadium.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage to change stadium name
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/7852279.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 25 January 2009
| access-date = 28 January 2009}} As a result of the club securing promotion as league champions during the club's 2009–10 season, Broadhall Way hosted League football for the first time during the 2010–11 season.
The ground's pitch includes four stands – the East Terrace, the North Stand, the West Stand, and South Stand. The West Stand is all-seated and covered, and covers the length of the pitch, although it has open corners to either side of the stand. At the back of the stand there are a number of glass-fronted areas to various club offices and executive boxes. The club shop is situated next to the West Stand, opposite to the club's official car-park.{{Cite news
|title = Football Ground Guide – Stevenage
|url = http://www.footballgroundguide.com/stevenage/
|publisher = Football Ground Guide
|access-date = 12 April 2013
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111108001759/http://www.footballgroundguide.com/stevenage/
|archivedate = 8 November 2011
}} Opposite to the West Stand is the East Terrace, which is a covered terrace for home supporters. The terrace has a gable with a clock sitting on its roof above the half-way line, as well as holding a television gantry on its roof.
The North Terrace was situated behind the goal at the north end of the ground and was just seven steps deep. Three-quarters of the terrace was covered, whilst one-quarter was open and without cover. The stand held a capacity of 700 people,{{Cite news
|title = Boro' Information
|url = http://fcboro.co.uk/boro-info/
|publisher = FCBoro
|access-date = 24 August 2009
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090721003636/http://fcboro.co.uk/boro-info/
|archivedate = 21 July 2009
}} and offered facilities for disabled fans. In January 2013, the club announced they were due to present plans to replace the existing North Terrace with a new £1.2 million 1,700 seat stand,{{Cite news
| title = Boro press forward with new North Stand
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/north-stand-developments-jan-13-623178.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 29 January 2013
| access-date = 29 January 2013}} although these did not materialise due to "numerous obstacles put in the way".{{Cite news
| title = Standing Shoulder to Shoulder for Stevenage
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2017/july/launched-standing-shoulder-to-shoulder-for-stevenage/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 17 July 2017
| access-date = 12 August 2017}} In July 2017, the club asked fans to contribute towards a mini-bond investment scheme, through sports investment platform Tifosy, in an attempt to fund the remaining £500,000 needed to go towards developing the new North Stand. Five weeks after the campaign started, the £500,000 target was met after investment from over 200 fans.{{Cite news
| title = We are getting a new North Stand! £500,000 raised – opportunities to invest still available
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2017/august/we-are-getting-a-new-north-stand-500000-invested---opportunities-to-invest-still-available/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 24 August 2017
| access-date = 4 September 2017}} The North Terrace was demolished in January 2018.{{Cite news
| title = Saturday's FA Cup game is final chance to watch from the North Terrace
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2019/december/north-stand-update-open-stevenage-vs-crawley-season-ticket-holders-saturday-7th-november-2019/#:~:text=The%20brand%20new%20North%20Stand,up%20the%20seating%20to%20supporters.
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 3 January 2018
| access-date = 7 January 2018}} The 1,428 all-seater stand was officially opened in December 2019.{{Cite news
| title = North Stand work restarts as Stevenage FC chairman reveals hopes for investment
| url = https://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage-fc-north-stand-work-restarts-1-5906792
| work = The Comet
| date = 26 February 2019
| access-date = 1 August 2020}}{{Cite news
| title = North Stand Open to Season Ticket Holders this Saturday
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2018/january/north-terrace-demolition-stevenage-v-reading-saturday-6th-january-2018/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 6 December 2019
| access-date = 1 August 2020}}
Opposite the North Stand is the South Stand, which is a single tiered, all-seated covered stand. The stand was built in 2001, costing £600,000. The South Stand is reserved for away supporters and can hold a capacity of 1,400. The stand also has an electronic scoreboard in the centre of the roof, which was installed in 2001, making it visible to home supporters. The scoreboard was replaced in October 2011.{{Cite news
|title = The end of an era
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10839~2490228,00.html
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|date = 22 October 2011
|access-date = 28 November 2011
}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Behind the stand is the supporters' club. A new set of floodlights were installed before the start of the club's 2007–08 season.
=Training facilities=
The club opened a £5million training facility in nearby Shephalbury Park in the Autumn of 2002. In June 2011, the club announced it had secured a 42-acre former sports ground in Bragbury End – with the intention of developing the site into a new training complex. Work began on the development in the summer of 2011, and the staff began to use the complex towards the latter stages of the 2012–13 season.{{Cite news
| title = Bragbury End is Stevenage FC's state-of-the-art training complex.
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/north-stand-developments-jan-13-623178.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| access-date = 12 August 2017}}
Records and statistics
Stevenage's highest Football League finish was sixth place in League One during the 2011–12 season.{{Cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season Archive
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 9 August 2020}} The same season, the club recorded their best run in the FA Cup when they reached the fifth round of the competition. Stevenage's largest victory in a league match came courtesy of an 11–1 win over British Timken Athletic in the United Counties League in December 1980,{{Cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Season Records
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/records/seasons/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 9 August 2020}}{{Cite news
| title = Stevenage Borough 11–1 British Timken Athletic
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/match/18/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 9 August 2020}} whilst their heaviest defeat is an 8–0 loss to Charlton Athletic in an EFL Trophy match in October 2018.
The record for the most number of appearances for Stevenage is held by Ronnie Henry, who played 502 matches in all competitions over two spells with the club.{{Cite news
| title = BoroGuide – Player Records
| url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/records/players/
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 9 August 2020}} Martin Gittings is the club's top goalscorer with 217 goals in all competitions. He is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for the club.
= Cup runs =
== Stevenage Borough FC ==
== Stevenage FC ==
- Best FA Cup performance: 5th round (2011–12){{fchd|id=STEVENAG|name=Stevenage}}
- Best EFL Cup performance: 2nd round (2012–13, 2013–14, 2016–17)
- Best EFL Trophy performance: Semi-finals (2013–14)
Players
{{updated|8 February 2025}}{{Cite news
| title = Stevenage – First Team
| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/first-team/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| access-date = 21 January 2025}}
=Current squad=
{{football squad start}}
{{football squad player|no=1|nat=England|pos=GK|name=Taye Ashby-Hammond}}
{{football squad player|no=2|nat=Antigua and Barbuda|pos=DF|name=Luther James-Wildin}}
{{football squad player|no=3|nat=England|pos=DF|name=Dan Butler}}
{{football squad player|no=5|nat=England|pos=DF|name=Carl Piergianni|other=captain}}
{{football squad player|no=6|nat=England|pos=DF|name=Dan Sweeney}}
{{football squad player|no=7|nat=England|pos=MF|name=Nick Freeman}}
{{football squad player|no=8|nat=England|pos=MF|name=Jake Forster-Caskey}}
{{football squad player|no=9|nat=Scotland|pos=FW|name=Louis Appéré}}
{{football squad player|no=10|nat=England|pos=MF|name=Dan Kemp}}
{{football squad player|no=11|nat=England|pos=MF|name=Jordan Roberts}}
{{Fs player|no=13|nat=ENG|pos=GK|other=on loan from Queens Park Rangers|name=Murphy Cooper}}
{{football squad player|no=14|nat=England|pos=DF|name=Kane Smith}}
{{Fs player|no=15|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Charlie Goode}}
{{football squad mid}}
{{football squad player|no=16|nat=England|pos=DF|name=Lewis Freestone}}
{{football squad player|no=17|nat=England|pos=FW|name=Elliott List}}
{{football squad player|no=18|nat=England|pos=MF|name=Harvey White}}
{{football squad player|no=19|nat=Northern Ireland|pos=FW|name=Jamie Reid}}
{{football squad player|no=22|nat=Trinidad and Tobago|pos=MF|name=Dan Phillips}}
{{football squad player|no=23|nat=Wales|pos=MF|name=Louis Thompson}}
{{Football squad player|no=26|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=Eli King|other=on loan from Cardiff City}}
{{Football squad player|no=27|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Brandon Hanlan|other=on loan from Wycombe Wanderers}}
{{Football squad player|no=29||nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Kyle Edwards}}
{{Football squad player|no=30||nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Jake Young}}
{{football squad player|no=38|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Alfie Thornett}}
{{football squad player|no=40|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Lenny Brown}}
{{Football squad player|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Rylee Mitchell}}
{{football squad end}}
=Out on loan=
{{fs start}}
{{football squad player|no=12|nat=England|pos=FW|name=Tyreece Simpson|other=to Colchester United}}
{{football squad player|no=20|nat=Scotland|pos=FW|name=Aaron Pressley|other=to Barrow}}
{{Football squad player|no=35||nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Makise Evans|other=to Bedford Town}}
{{football squad mid}}
{{Football squad player|no=37||nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Ryan Doherty|other=to Potters Bar}}
{{Football squad player|no=42||nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Louie Henry|other=to Potters Bar}}
{{Football squad player|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=David Hicks|other=to Aveley}}
{{fs end}}
=Notable players=
{{Main|List of Stevenage F.C. players}}
=Player of the Year=
:As voted for by Supporters Association members and season ticket holders at the club.{{Cite news
| title = Previous Winners
| url = http://www.sfcsa.co.uk/home/player-of-the-year/previous-winners
| publisher = Stevenage F.C. Supporters' Association
| access-date = 16 May 2012}}
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
- 1993 {{flagicon|ENG}} Martin Gittings
- 1994 {{flagicon|ENG}} Stuart Beevor
- 1995 {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Smith
- 1996 {{flagicon|JAM}} Barry Hayles
- 1997 {{flagicon|ENG}} Paul Barrowcliff
- 1998 {{flagicon|ENG}} Lee Harvey
- 1999 {{flagicon|ENG}} Robin Trott
- 2000 {{flagicon|ENG}} Chris Taylor
- 2001 {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Smith
- 2002 {{flagicon|ENG}} Jason Goodliffe
- 2003 {{flagicon|ENG}} Jason Goodliffe
- 2004 {{flagicon|FRA}} Lionel Pérez
- 2005 {{flagicon|ENG}} Dannie Bulman
- 2006 {{flagicon|NIR}} Alan Julian
- 2007 {{flagicon|ENG}} Ronnie Henry
- 2008 {{flagicon|WAL}} Steve Morison
- 2009 {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Roberts
- 2010 {{flagicon|ENG}} Scott Laird
- 2011 {{flagicon|ENG}} Jon Ashton
- 2012 {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Roberts
- 2013 {{flagicon|ENG}} James Dunne
- 2014 {{flagicon|ENG}} Luke Freeman
- 2015 {{flagicon|ENG}} Dean Wells
- 2016 {{flagicon|ENG}} Michael Tonge
- 2017 {{flagicon|ENG}} Matt Godden
- 2018 {{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Newton
- 2019 {{flagicon|SCO}} Scott Cuthbert
- 2021 {{flagicon|ENG}} Elliott List
- 2022 {{flagicon|ENG}} Luke Norris
- 2023 {{flagicon|ENG}} Carl Piergianni
- 2024 {{flagicon|ENG}} Carl Piergianni
{{Div col end}}
Management
=Club officials=
Directors
- Chairman: Phil Wallace
- Directors: Stuart Dinsey, Marcus Taverner, Marc Wallace, Paul Wallace
- Chief executive officer: Mike Pink
Management
- Manager: Alex Revell
- Assistant manager: Neil Banfield
- First team coach: Scott Cuthbert
- Goalkeeping coach: Marlon Beresford{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/stevenagefcofficial/p/C-U_BeTt3LP/?hl=en | title=Instagram }}
- First team physio: Matt Rogers
- Kit Manager: Keith Bell
=Managerial history=
{{Main|List of Stevenage F.C. managers}}
:''Statistics are correct as of match played 11 Feb 2025{{cite news
| title = Stevenage FC managers
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/managers.php
| website = BoroGuide
| access-date = 5 May 2018}}''
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" | ||||||
| class="unsortable"|Name
!Nationality !From !class="unsortable"|To !Matches !Won !Drawn !Lost !Win % !class="unsortable"|Notes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align=left|Derek Montgomery
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1979}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1983|June}} | 120 | 54 | 26 | 40 | {{#expr:54/120*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|Frank Cornwell
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1983|July}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1987|September}} | 277 | 130 | 51 | 96 | {{#expr:130/277*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|John Bailey
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1987|September}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1988|May}} | 39 | 11 | 8 | 20 | {{#expr:11/39*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Brian|Williams|nolink=1}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1988|July}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1990|May}} | 118 | 61 | 32 | 25 | {{#expr:61/118*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Paul|Fairclough|Paul Fairclough}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1990|June}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1998|December|17}} | 509 | 288 | 90 | 131 | {{#expr:288/509*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Richard|Hill|Richard_Hill_(footballer,_born_1963)}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|1998|December|21}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|April|16}} | 58 | 23 | 16 | 19 | {{#expr:23/58*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Steve|Wignall|Steve Wignall}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|April|18}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|May|28}} | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | {{#expr:3/8*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Paul|Fairclough|Paul Fairclough}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2000|May|31}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2002|February|26}} | 85 | 31 | 29 | 25 | {{#expr:31/85*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Wayne|Turner|Wayne Turner (footballer)}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2002|February|27}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2002|December|27}} | 45 | 15 | 7 | 23 | {{#expr:15/45*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Graham|Westley|Graham Westley}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2003|January|29}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|June|30}} | 166 | 77 | 35 | 54 | {{#expr:77/166*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Mark|Stimson|Mark Stimson}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|July|1}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|October|17}} | 72 | 38 | 13 | 21 | {{#expr:38/72*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Peter|Taylor|Peter Taylor (footballer, born 1953)}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2007|November|1}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|April|28}} | 32 | 14 | 4 | 14 | {{#expr:14/32*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Graham|Westley|Graham Westley}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2008|May|2}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2012|January|12}} | 201 | 109 | 49 | 43 | {{#expr:109/201*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Gary|Smith|Gary Smith (footballer, born 1968)}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2012|January|25}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2013|March|20}} | 67 | 22 | 19 | 26 | {{#expr:22/67*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Graham|Westley|Graham Westley}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2013|March|30}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|May|31}} | 112 | 38 | 25 | 49 | {{#expr:38/112*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|Teddy Sheringham
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|June|1}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|February|1}} | 33 | 7 | 10 | 16 | {{#expr:7/33*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|Darren Sarll
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|February|1}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|March|18}} | 114 | 41 | 26 | 47 | {{#expr:41/114*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|Dino Maamria
|align=left|{{TUN}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|March|20}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2019|September|9}} | 69 | 24 | 15 | 30 | {{#expr:24/69*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Graham|Westley|Graham Westley}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2019|December|23}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2020|February|16}} | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 | {{#expr:2/15*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Alex|Revell|Alex Revell}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2020|February|16}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2021|November|15}} | 77 | 20 | 30 | 27 | {{#expr:20/77*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Paul|Tisdale|Paul Tisdale}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2021|November|29}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2022|March|16}} | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | {{#expr:3/21*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Steve|Evans|Steve Evans (footballer, born 1962)}}
|align=left|{{SCO}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2022|March|16}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|April|17}} | 120 | 57 | 33 | 30 | {{#expr:57/120*100 round 1}}% | |
| align=left|{{sortname|Alex|Revell|Alex Revell}}
|align=left|{{ENG}} |align=left|{{dts|format=dmy|2024|April|17}} |align=left|Present | 40 | 15 | 10 | 15 | {{#expr:15/40*100 round 1}}% |
Honours
League
- League Two (level 4)
- Runners-up: 2022–23
- Play-off winners: 2011
- Conference National (level 5)
- Champions: 1995–96, 2009–10
- Isthmian League
- Premier Division champions: 1993–94
- Division One champions: 1991–92
- Division Two North champions: 1985–86, 1990–91
- United Counties League
- Division One champions: 1980–81
Cup
- FA Trophy
- Winners: 2006–07, 2008–09
- Runners-up: 2001–02, 2009–10
- United Counties League, League Cup
- Winners: 1980–81
- Herts Senior Cup
- Winners: 2008–09{{cite web |url=https://www.thefa.com/-/media/cfa/hertfordshirefa/files/about/2018-19/handbook/section-6/county-competitions-winners.ashx |title=Herfordshire FA County Competition Winners |work=Football Association |access-date=9 January 2023 |format=pdf }}
References
{{Reflist|refs=
|title = Stevenage Borough – History
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/club/history/
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121005001946/http://www.stevenagefc.com/club/history/
|archive-date = 5 October 2012
}}
| title = Ground of the Week: Broadhall Way
| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/11/12/nl_ground_stevanage_feature.shtml
| publisher = BBC – London
| access-date = 22 August 2009}}
| title = Stevenage Borough
| url = https://www.fchd.info/STEVENAB.HTM
| publisher = Football Club History Database
| access-date = 23 August 2009}}
| title = Kidderminster 0–2 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8618329.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 17 April 2010
| access-date = 17 April 2010}}
| title = Stevenage 3–1 Newcastle
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9341905.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 8 January 2011
| access-date = 8 January 2011}}
| title = Stevenage promoted to League One by beating Torquay
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13482198.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 28 May 2011
| access-date = 28 May 2011}}
| title = Broadhall Way Football Ground
| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/panoramas/broadhall_way_football_ground_360.shtml
| website = BBC – Beds, Herts and Bucks
| access-date = 21 August 2009}}
|title = Conference Grounds – Stevenage Borough
|url = http://www.conferencegrounds.co.uk/stevenage_borough.htm
|publisher = Conference Grounds
|access-date = 23 August 2009
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090725045355/http://www.conferencegrounds.co.uk/stevenage_borough.htm
|archive-date = 25 July 2009
}}
|title = The Lamex Stadium
|url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/GroundGuide/0,,10839,00.html
|publisher = Stevenage F.C.
|access-date = 2 February 2011
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110303212320/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/GroundGuide/0,,10839,00.html
|archive-date = 3 March 2011
}}
| title = Wallace building for the future
| url = http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/wallace_building_for_the_future_1_913037
| newspaper = The Comet
| date = 6 June 2011
| access-date = 21 July 2012}}
| title = Staff Directory
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/team/staff-directory/
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| access-date = 31 March 2013}}
| title = Stevenage FC Club Contacts
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/club/staff-directory//
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| access-date = 6 February 2017}}
}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Official website|http://www.stevenagefc.com/}}
- {{BBC football info|BBClinkname=stevenage}}
{{Stevenage F.C.}}
{{EFL League One}}
{{EFL League Two}}
Category:Football clubs in England
Category:English Football League clubs
Category:Association football clubs established in 1976
Category:1976 establishments in England
Category:Isthmian League clubs
Category:National League (English football) clubs