Boro’s strikeforce looks even healthier now after Graham Westley added Yemi Odubade to his list of strikers as he aims to replace Steve Morison for next season. Earlier in the week, Westley brought in Charlie Griffin from Salisbury on a free transfer after his contract had expired and has been quick again to move for the pacy Odubade. Yemi was one of several players to be released by Oxford boss Chris Wilder shortly after the end of the campaign and has always been a thorn in the Boro side when we’ve come up against the U’s.

Odubade can play either on the wing or through the middle. He began his career at Eastbourne Borough before a spell at Yeovil. He returned to Eastbourne after that, but impressed enough back on the South Coast for Oxford to spend £15,000 to secure his services. In the 3 seasons he spent at the Kassam Stadium, Odubade made 143 appearances, scoring 31 goals. He isn’t a prolific scorer, but he’s someone that can be used as an impact substitute and gives GW an option which maybe he didn’t have last season.

The stand-out memory I have from when Yemi has played against us is when he ripped Luke Oliver apart in the 2-2 draw at Broadhall Way in 2006/2007. Odubade’s pace was too hard for Oliver and the Boro defence to deal with and in the end Oliver got himself sent off for a late challenge. I think he is a useful addition to the Boro forward line, although I think he will be a frustrating player. He looks to have the physical attributes, but may lack a final product and that’s where he may frustrate Boro fans next season. Hopefully, the management team can work with him and improve his finishing which will make him a very difficult player for opposition defences to deal with.

As well as the signing of Odubade, Stevenage have been speaking to current players who’s contracts are running out. One of which was Peter Vincenti and it’s been confirmed this evening that the ex Millwall midfielder has agreed another 2 year contract at Broadhall Way. I’m surprised he’s signed a new deal after being a bit part member of the squad in the last few months. He was transfer listed last summer when GW originally took charge, but has been very professional throughout the season and in my opinion well deserves his new contract. He is a very useful player to have in and around the squad and can come in and do a solid job when asked. I’m happy we’ll have him on board next season.

Another line today has been the two rejected bids from Kettering for Gareth Seddon and Guy Branston. Boro have reportedly made moves for both this week as they plan to boost their squad further. Seddon is a striker who joined the Poppies last summer, while Branston has impressed all season for Kettering and Boro had a bid accepted for him in January, only for the player himself to turn the move down. Two good players, but I think there’s better available, especially when the football league players start to be released.

Also here’s a link for an interview with ex Boro favourite Dean Martin.