New signings: How do they rate?
Posted by sgmboro on 08/06/2009
After the signing of Stacy Long from Ebbsfleet, I assume that will be that with regards to signings this summer. Westley has brought 5 in, getting rid of 4 and seems to have a balanced squad of 22 senior players at his disposal for next season.
One thing that stands out from the signings the manager has made this summer, is that almost all of them are versatile and can play in different positions when needed to. Long can play across the midfield and played some games up front for Ebbsfleet. Yemi Odubade can play on either flank or upfront and his pace will be an asset to this Boro side. Joel Byrom can also play across the midfield or in the hole behind the main striker. The other two additions, Griffin and Beardsley, are mainly out and out strikers and it will be interesting to see how they perform next season.
Byrom
One of the more surprising additions to the Stevenage squad. Joel Byrom was not the name that many Boro fans thought Graham Westley was talking about when he mentioned the club had agreed a fee with a Conference club for a 22 year old midfielder. Byrom joins the Hertfordshire club from relegated Northwich Victoria and was highly rated by many at the Victoria Stadium. He plays in an attacking midfield position, but can play on the left wing as well. He joined Northwich from Clitheroe and has already forced his way into the England C squad. Could be one to watch for next season. 7/10.
Long
It’s funny, but the signing of Stacy Long feels like it has been coming for a while. When talk of new signings first started on BoroChat, Stacy Long’s name was on almost everyone’s list of players the fans wanted GW to bring in. Well, he’s finally here and I think he will be a fantastic addition to the Boro squad for next season. Long will certainly add creativity to the midfield that has been missing ever since John Martin and Daryl McMahon’s were excluded from the side last November. I think he’ll link up well with the likes of Bostwick and Murphy, but he’s too much like David Bridges so I can’t imagine both being in the team at the same time. 8/10.
Beardsley
Probably the most under-rated signing of the summer so far and probably because not many fans really know what Chris Beardsley is about. As far as I remember, he’s always been a name on the back of the programme for various teams at this level, but I don’t remember ever seeing him actually play and his goalscoring record isn’t the most impressive. Westley feels he’ll be a success, but he is always going to say that about someone he’s just brought into the club with a questionmark. I’m not too sure if I’m honest. He’ll either surprise everyone and score goals for fun or he’ll mostly be a bench player and probably be released in November to join Grays? 4/10.
Odubade
Another interesting signing by Westley. Yemi will either be a cult hero at Broadhall Way or will be a bench warmer with his ex Oxford pal Eddie Anaclet. I thought when Anaclet signed last summer, that he would make the right wing back spot his own, but he’s played in every position possible and not been able to hold down a regular spot. The same could happen with Yemi. I assume Westley will use him as an impact player. Someone to bring on with 20 minutes to go to run at tired defences. I certainly think he gives the squad another dimension and think if he improves his final product, then he could be a very good signing. 6/10.
Griffin
Steve Morison’s replacement and that is some tag to come into a new club to. Griffin topped the BSP goalscoring charts last season along with Boro’s ex captain and Forest Green’s Andrew Mangan, who many Boro fans would of liked instead. However, GW has gone for the ex Woking targetman in hope he’ll fire Boro into the football league next season. I think the way Boro play suits Griffin’s style and I’m sure with the creativity of Cole, Long, Drury and Byrom around him next season he’ll get chances to score. I have a funny feeling he’ll be a big success at Broadhall Way. 7/10.
Overall, I’m happy with the new signings. The midfield duo of Long and Byrom are two of the best midfielders at this level and add to Boro’s creativity next season. I’m excited about the quality of players we have around the forwards. Cole, Drury, Byrom and Long will certainly provide the predators of Boylan and Griffin chances and the extra pace of Yemi will just add to Boro’s threat.
They might as well just give us the title now ;-)
