Stevenage are preparing for their long-term future, even though they have little idea of what it holds in the short-term.
Stevenage Release 22 Players as They Prepare for the Future
Stevenage’s Disappointing Season
Today, Stevenage have announced their retained and released list. To say the club has taken dramatic action is an understatement. For, the Robins have released 22 players in total.
With yesterday’s National League vote confirming their divisional play-offs, it is near certain that a club will be relegated from the EFL. Although Stevenage are currently bottom of League 2, they might yet receive a reprieve. This is because Macclesfield Town are facing a hearing into regulation breaches. A guilty verdict could lead to a sufficient points deduction that sends Town to the bottom of the league. In turn, they would be relegated instead.
Possible legal action regarding relegation from the EFL has also been mentioned.
Initially, to hear a club is releasing 22 players seems shocking. However, when you analyse Stevenage’s 2019/20 season, it is not.
It has been a woeful season for Stevenage, irrespective of the final outcome. Alex Revell, in February 2020, was appointed as their fourth manager of the season. This constant change in management goes a longer way to explain today’s mass releasing of players.
Like many others, Stevenage are suffering a financial blow caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The suspension and eventual early season’s ending of League 2, has cost clubs a large proportion of their income. The summer months are particular difficult for lower league clubs. Effectively, they now have at least an extra 3 months of an extended close season. Already, several EFL cubs are reporting their financial struggles.
Revell said: “I inherited a long list of players, but it has been a poor season and I want to bring a fresh start, a new level of commitment, a new energy and a new enthusiasm to the football club.
“No matter which league we play in next season, I want to work with a smaller squad and build a winning environment so I will be looking to get the right blend of youth and experience.”
Respected Players on Release List
Former Tottenham Hotspur trainee Dean Parrett is among the players released. Parrett was in his second spell at Stevenage, having re-joined last summer from Gillingham.
Tom Soares is another standout name on the released list. Although now aged 33, Soares remains a highly respected defender, having learnt his trade at Crystal Palace. In 2008, Palace sold him to Stoke City for £1.25million.
Joel Byrom and Simeon Jackson are other familiar names released. Byrom, like Parrett, was in his second spell at Stevenage. Jackson played 22 for Norwich City during their Premiership campaign of 2011/12.
Goalkeeper Paul Farman and striker Danny Newton remain in contract discussions with Stevenage.
Stevenage’s released list in full: Adam El Abd, Sacha Bastien, Joel Byrom, Canice Carroll, Jake Cassidy, Jason Cowley, Diaguely Dabo, Tyler Denton, Paul Digby, Harry Draper, Andronicos Georgiou, Simeon Jackson, Jamie Jellis, Ben Kennedy, Ben Nugent, Dean Parrett, Patrick Reading, Alex Reid, Joel Rollinson, Tom Soares, Emmanuel Sonupe, Paul Taylor.
Stevenage have the following players retained or are under contract for next season: Charlie Carter, Scott Cuthbert, Jamie Fielding, Arthur Iontton, Elliot List, Terence Vancooten, Luther James-Wildin, with Junior Professionals Luis Fernandez, Jack Smith, Liam Smyth.
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