Boro clinched the loan signing of Mark Roberts late last week in a deal which could be made permanent in January for a four figure fee. Roberts impressed Graham Westley in the recent 1-1 draw between Stevenage and Northwich, a game which he impressed alongside Will Antwi. It’s been well documented that Boro’s main weakness this season has been the amount of goals conceded and this move is one step towards resolving that.

“Stevenage has got a very good name in this league and it’s a side that is geared for the football league. That’s where the manager wants to play and speaking to the players, that’s where they want to play too. I am no different to that, I am a very ambitious player. I enjoyed my time at Northwich, being a local lad there, but I want to get up that table and hopefully, win promotion to the football league.” 

I was impressed with Roberts’ debut on Saturday even though the game ended in a 2-1 defeat, Boro’s third loss in a row. He seemed strong in the air and dealt with the threat of Jefferson Louis well. The only down side was that he deflected a cross from a Wrexham player into the path of Louis who scored the opener. I think his main weakness will be his lack of pace, but if GW can bring in a quick, athletic centre half to partner him in January then that could be a partnership which could move Boro into the play-off positions. This is what he had against Boro for Northwich, playing with Antwi and anything that Roberts missed was swept up behind by Antwi. A similar partnership could help Boro massively as they look to build for the second half of the season.

In other news it’s been revealed that former Watford and Burnley midfielder, Micah Hyde rejected the chance to join Stevenage Borough on loan recently. Hyde was released by Peterborough United today and it was confirmed that Boro along with Barnet and Notts County failed to tempt the 34 year old into a temporary switch. I assume Graham Westley wants to add a bit of experience in that area, but Hyde is more of a defensive player and I think we lack a box to box type of midfielder at the moment. Someone like Stuart Lewis would be a good addition to the current team with Bostwick sitting behind, covering any loose balls in that position, although to be fair Peter Vincenti deserves his run in the side.