Bit of a life update🫡
Happy to say I’ve graduated from the University of Leeds with a 2i in Sports and Exercise Science. I will be taking an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at Worcester next year.
I have also begun working as an Academy Analyst Intern at Stevenage FC
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Post-match analysis:
#ReadingFC
2-0
#StevenageFC
A disappointing display from Boro saw them succumb to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Reading. I look back on the game to try and understand what went wrong and how Boro couldn’t cope with the Reading side.
My League 1 Team of the Season🏆
Well here we go.
Into the final month of a long season and there is still much to be decided. With the EFL award nominees coming out yesterday I saw no better opportunity to show my League 1 TOTS
So many good options to pick from!
(🧵)
Next
#StevenageFC
manager candidates
Following the shock departure earlier of Steve Evans to
#RUFC
, Stevenage fans are anxiously seeking possible replacements for one of their most successful managers ever.
Here are some names, who could be suitable for the job.
(🧵)
END
Whilst the red card may have changed the game, Boro were well beaten by the better side on the day. Reading are a good young side and will only improve. Ehibhatiomhan is some talent. I wish Reading all the best going forwards.
Stevenage FC 2023/24
An attempt at understanding ‘Evans-ball’, the style of play that has proven so successful for a number of years in the EFL but possibly no more than Stevenage in the 22/23 season. Here’s how Evans transformed Boro and how I think they’ll get on in 23/24.
Post-match analysis:
#ReadingFC
2-0
#StevenageFC
A disappointing display from Boro saw them succumb to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Reading. I look back on the game to try and understand what went wrong and how Boro couldn’t cope with the Reading side.
STEVENAGE FC: THE SUMMER THAT LIES AHEAD
Finally I can share my recruitment doc for the Summer ahead. 8000+ words, which I hope at least gives a brief overview of how the window may look!
Any shares and interactions would be greatly appreciated!
Opposition Analysis:
#WatfordFC
🐝
My second instalment of opposition analysis is on a side close to home but whom
#StevenageFC
have only ever faced once before in a competitive fixture.
Looking forward to this one!
Opposition Analysis: Portsmouth
Saturday sees
#StevenageFC
take on
#Pompey
in a 5th vs 6th battle in League 1. This is arguably Boro’s toughest test in their opening 5 games. Let’s see what Saturday’s opponents have to offer.
JFC done his ACL
One of our most important players, and he’s had a great season
One of, if not our most creative player as well
Will be a huge loss, and adds another dilemma to the Summer window
Time for Harvey White to make a case for a starting spot?
#StevenageFC
✍🏼 It’s here!
#StevenageFC
: Scenarios and strategy of the January transfer window
7500+ words, including outgoings, desired profiles for incoming players, and evaluations of potential targets.
An awful lot of work and research has gone into this!
👞vs🔴
Post-Match Analysis: Northampton Town 0-1 Stevenage
A triumphant day for Steve Evans’ men over Northampton, a side they have had little success over in recent years. I look into the performance, with Carl Piergianni’s 80th minute effort proving the difference.
Before I sign off for the night, it’s been all about this man, not just today but for the last 2 years
The turnaround we’ve seen was beyond all our wildest dreams
Steve really made us dream again, and we’ve had some great fun along the way
Thank you❤️
#StevenageFC
Conor Coventry off to
#CAFC
it appears
A player I had down for a move this window, a very smart piece of business from the Addicks
Should really help Charlton gain control of tempo, him and Dobson in midfield is going to be a great partnership
Jensen Weir and now a centre half with real pedigree in Rhys Williams!
#PVFC
January window is off to a great start, and hopefully this means we’ll start to see the consistency levels Vale fans desire
A striker through the door and they could be dark horses for the top 10
We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Liverpool defender, Rhys Williams.
The loan deal will see the 22-year-old centre back remain at Vale Park until the end of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One season.
#PVFC
|
#UTV
END
Ultimately, this is the best time to be playing Reading given the uncertainty surrounding the club currently. Their selection will be unpredictable as I don’t think they know their best team yet. Boro can definitely get a result here if they play as well as they have been.
Post-match analysis: Leyton Orient 0-3 Stevenage
A resounding win for
#StevenageFC
against a below par
#LOFC
. I’ll take a look at what went wrong for the O’s and how Boro were able to capitalise. A Steve Evans masterclass?
Harvey White
By far Stevenage’s most intriguing signing of deadline day was that of Harvey White, a midfielder who heralds from the Spurs academy. A player who's technically gifted, who Boro fans got their first look at on Tuesday, I’ll explore what more we can expect from White
Incredibly sad news, and one that will be felt hugely by us all
Let’s do Ollie proud on Saturday
It would be great if
#StevenageFC
and
#BarnsleyFC
supporters can join in paying their respects to a young man who had his whole life ahead of him
Rest In Peace Ollie❤️
As some of you may know, yesterday we sadly lost 19 year old Boro fan Ollie Gatfield. He was a beloved member of the east terrace, Saturday we would like to have a minutes applause in the 19th minute to pay tribute to his life. ❤️
#StevenageFC
#OneOllieGatfield
Exams done!🍾
3 years of University study over, now off to seek opportunities post graduation in the football industry!
For now though, time to get back making content on here, recruitment doc tomorrow?
#StevenageFC
🔎
🔴vs🐝
Post-match analysis: Stevenage 1-1 Watford (4-3 pens)
Stevenage’s impressive start to the season continued with victory over a strong Watford side at the Lamex Stadium. Here’s my take on how they were able to achieve it.
I’ve done this for 4 weeks, there will be times I don’t get it right and I can live with that.
Despite all the stick I’ve received from
#ReadingFC
fans I hope their off field issues are resolved as quickly as possible and they have a good season🤝
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Transfer Window
#StevenageFC
Taye Ashby-Hammond
Krisztian Hegyi (Loan)
Nathan Thompson
Finley Burns (Loan)
Dan Butler
Reece Hannam
Louis Thompson
Harrison Neal (Loan)
Nick Freeman
Harry Anderson
Alex MacDonald
Ben Thompson
Aaron Pressley
Charlie McNeill (Loan)
Happy Boro fans?
⚽️Aaron Pressley
Stevenage have announced the signing of 21 year old striker Aaron Pressley on a permanent transfer from Brentford. Is this the man Boro have really been looking for to fill the target man void so desperately needed in the Evans system?
#StevenageFC
CB- Eiran Cashin
#DCFC
Part of one of the strongest defences in the league, Cashin just gets the nod in this team.
A player who is strong both in the air and with the ball at his feet you’d imagine Cashin will be playing Championship football regardless next season.
In 2023 I have:
🏆Seen my football club win at a side ranked 59 places above them
👀Seen our first promotion in 12 years
🧵Started creating threads analysing
#StevenageFC
🎙️Regularly spoken and written for
@Boropod
and debuted on
@TSFCPodcast
🤝Met lots of great people!
Michael Duff
Probably the preferred option amongst most Stevenage fans.
Duff has experience in gaining promotion from L2 and reaching the playoff final in L1.
Despite his poor spell at Swansea, it is undoubted that he would be a statement appointment at the Lamex.
It means a huge deal to work for the club I support and I’d like to thank everyone who’s supported me on my journey so far!
I’ll continue to post when I can but obviously will be putting a lot of my time and effort into this new role and the MSc over the next year!
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Post-match analysis: Stevenage 3-1 Derby
A huge win and arguably the best performance of the season from
#StevenageFC
over
#DCFC
who now are asking huge questions of Paul Warne. I take a look at how Evans side moved back into the top 6 and proved not to be ‘hoofball merchants.’
First goal in front of the North Stand in 105 days✅
First win in 8 games✅
First goal in 3 games✅
A much needed win, and a much improved performance, nice bit of optimism as we hit the end of the season
#StevenageFC
Got a lot of
#StevenageFC
content coming tomorrow:
⚽️Aaron Pressley in-depth
👞Opposition Analysis: Northampton Town
🔴Pre-match preparation
✍🏼Elkan Baggott?
Can’t wait, so close to matchday!
8️⃣ Left Backs
#StevenageFC
should be looking at in January
🧵 A quick thread on 8 potential targets for
#StevenageFC
this January in the one position that possibly needs addressing.
Not only would these players be coups for Boro but also for many other League 1 clubs.
RW- Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
#DCFC
This was a difficult decision as Abu Kamara has been excellent for Portsmouth.
I couldn’t ignore NML though who has the most assists in the league at 14, and 8 goals.
Any defender who gives him an inch is vulnerable, Derby’s biggest threat.
I must shine a light on Harrison Neal
Departs the club after struggling for game time but that doesn’t tell the story
Adapted well when thrown into any game and put in a top display in his one league start at Burton
Has all the attributes to go and be a tidy
#EFL
midfielder
Late reading!!
Post-match analysis: Cambridge United 1-2 Stevenage
After a brief work-related break from X, I am back with my post-match analysis of StevenageFC 2-1 away win over CamUTD. Another thoroughly enjoyable game, I dive into how Evans’ men got the job done.
Just got in, incredibly pleased with tonight’s performance. Result was always secondary.
Key things I will touch upon in post-match analysis tomorrow:
- Hegyi is an excellent backup keeper
- Pressley is exactly what we’ve been looking for up front
- More praise for Burns
(1)
CM- Josh Sheehan
#BWFC
12 assists from midfield stand out but there has been far more to Sheehan than that this season.
He has provided stability to a Bolton side who have been hit by multiple injuries in attacking positions and kept them firmly in the promotion hunt.
So based on what Revs has had to say and squad composition, I see the essentials of the Summer window like this:
- Backup keeper
- Dynamic left back
- Ball winning midfielder
- Ball carrying midfielder
- Roberts alternative
- Minimum 2 strikers
Discuss
#StevenageFC
Gareth Ainsworth
As I am writing this Ainsworth is the odds-on favourite to become the new manager.
It’s clear to see why, the style is about as close as you could imagine to Evans, and has served well at Wycombe.
From a fan perspective not the most exciting appointment.
Bristow and Ibou Touray as your 2 left back options in League 2 is scarily good!
Got to mention that they’ll have Ryan Rydel to come back from injury towards the back end of the year
#StockportCounty
look a side fit for League 1 already
✍️
#StockportCounty
can confirm it has agreed terms for the loan transfer of defender Ethan Bristow from MLS side Minnesota United.
Ethan will begin training with the first-team immediately, and will be available for selection once his international clearance arrives in January.
Our objective next season is to solidify as a League 1 side, not to be fighting for the playoffs again
A bottom half finish under Revs is not a disaster, I’m not saying that will happen but we need to manage expectations next season
League 1 will be more competitive next year
The 2 non-trophy games this season where we haven’t had Dan Butler:
Blackpool (A)
Maidstone (A)
I’ve always said how dependable he is and doesn’t get enough credit
Today should really boost that argument
If
#StevenageFC
win half of their remaining games they will get to 77 points
That has been enough to get in the playoffs every season but one in the past 20 years (21/22)
Looking at the fixtures you’d have to say this is achievable
So important not to dwell on yesterday!
Look at it this way
This is the best time for Evans to have gone, we have a Summer now to give a new manager a time to implement their style and recruit the necessary players
If we’d lost him mid-season it would have been a disaster, this is recoverable
#StevenageFC
There are at the very minimum 10 clubs in L1 that have a higher wage budget than
#StevenageFC
probably more like 12/13
Is it higher than previous? Yes, but why wouldn’t it be when you’ve had a cup run and seen ticket gates rocket?
Not enough credit being given to Evans and LH👏
Finley Burns
Stevenage have today announced the signing of young central defender Finley Burns on a season long loan from Manchester City. I look into what Boro fans can expect from Burns ahead of the season opener on Saturday.
Revs is now the clear favourite with the bookies to take the job
He is the first candidate who has fallen below evens with Ainsworth appearing the only other realistic candidate
I can’t see this going anywhere other than these 2 directions now, probably most likely with Revs
Final exam Thursday then I am done with Uni!
Here’s what’s to come in the Summer☀️:
- Recruitment analysis✍🏼
- Player threads🧵
- Jersey away✈️
- L1 season predictions🗣️
- Progress📈
Coming up to a year since I started my journey in analysis, here’s to many more!
#StevenageFC
That one hurts
Matched a top L1 side the entire game and one lapse has cost us
Ultimately that’s been the difference when we’ve played the top 6 sides all season, let ourselves go in the decisive moments
Lost by 1 away to Pompey, Derby, Bolton and Barnsley now
🧵Opposition Analysis: Exeter City
Tomorrow sees Steve Evans
#StevenageFC
take on
#ECFC
, whose manager Gary Caldwell finds himself under pressure on an 11-game winless run. I dive into the recent problems for the Grecians, and the dangers they still pose to the Boro.
Great news, Revs being able to retain our highest calibre players and tie them down to new contracts is a real boost ahead of the season
Taye is one of the top keepers in League 1!
There it is in black and white
Yet again
#StevenageFC
turn over a profit despite bolstering their squad hugely over the summer
Goes to show signing free agents with L1 experience is a sustainable model
All credit to Steve, PW and Leon Hunter👏
Opposition analysis: Leyton Orient
Familiar opponents for
#StevenageFC
on Saturday as they take on last season’s League 2 champions in
#LOFC
. I take a look at tomorrow’s opponents and the threats they could cause Steve Evans’ side.
Love him or hate him you can’t say this isn’t deserved
Do I think he’ll win? Probably not, but I think considering where he’s taken
#StevenageFC
relative to our competition this season is incredible
Plenty to build on for Steve next season regardless of the next 5 games!
CM- Cameron Brannagan
#OUFC
Possibly the most complete midfielder in L1.
19 G/A this season, once again proving the spine of this Oxford side.
Brannagan is dispossessed the least of any midfielder per 90 this season, and is a threat going forward.
Surely plays up next year.
Firstly, thanks to everyone who’s given this a read, whether you agree or not
I don’t claim to get everything right, I never have, everyday I’m learning more about analysis
I also never said I thought Stevenage would win, only that there was an opportunity
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END
Ultimately, this is the best time to be playing Reading given the uncertainty surrounding the club currently. Their selection will be unpredictable as I don’t think they know their best team yet. Boro can definitely get a result here if they play as well as they have been.
@dinghugo6
Result was disappointing of course, I’d like to think the red didn’t help
#StevenageFC
Reading the better team on the day, nothing but respect for the club and I hope your off field issues are sorted quickly
@SofascoreINT
END
In conclusion, Stevenage properly did a number on Northampton, the game management was top class. Tactically Evans got it spot on and eliminated all Northampton’s threats going forward. The movement down the wings was ultimately the correct ploy to break Northampton down.
Problems down the right side
Mbengue I thought had a great game for Reading. His pace and ability to take players on is excellent but at times Boro made it far too easy for him.
The playoffs are officially gone, which is a shame
Many people had us to go down, we’re going to finish in the top 10 which is a great effort
Don’t blame the January window, we learnt lessons from last year and we stuck to our principles
A great base to build on!
#StevenageFC
Manager- John Mousinho
#Pompey
No brainer.
I’ve got a soft spot for Mousinho given his time at Stevenage, but I don’t think anyone can dispute his inclusion.
The job he’s done, managing expectations and finally delivering Pompey that elusive promotion has been a joy to watch.
GK- Lukas Jensen
#WeAreImps
Part of the best defence in L1 and with 18 clean sheets Jensen was a no brainer for me.
A keeper who could win the golden glove for the division and with an average of around 3 saves per game, his numbers support Lincoln’s strong defensive record.
LB- Harrison Burrows
#PUFC
Probably the easiest selection of the entire team.
There hasn’t been a left back in this division who has shined like Burrows this year. An outrageous 17 G/A from left back, Burrows has given Peterborough a different dimension in attack.
Pete Wild
Another ambitious appointment.
Everyone is aware of the excellent job Wild has done at Barrow in not too dissimilar circumstances to Evans at Stevenage.
Geographically this could be really difficult, and Barrow are likely to do everything to keep hold of him.
Despite his unfortunate OG on Tuesday, it’s been a promising start to Vadaine Oliver’s
#StevenageFC
spell
Aerial duels📊
Wigan: 7/14 (50%)
Blackpool: 9/16 (56%)
Reading: 17/21 (81%)
Overall: 33/51 (65%)
Looking a very useful addition to Steve Evans’ squad👏
A player who is more confident dribbling down the wings, and more mobile than Butler
Gives the squad more depth and balance in the left back position
Once again a loan
Hasn’t featured much for
#ReadingFC
so may take a while to get up to speed, but a needed acquisition✅
Next
#StevenageFC
manager candidates
Following the shock departure earlier of Steve Evans to
#RUFC
, Stevenage fans are anxiously seeking possible replacements for one of their most successful managers ever.
Here are some names, who could be suitable for the job.
(🧵)
@SofascoreINT
@StevenageFC
@WhoScored
END
I hope this has come across as an improvement, it feels to me as though I have tried to go a lot more in depth here and this was the best I could do with the footage available. As always any improvements welcome, or topics that people want me to discuss in the future!
Just as I had the recruitment doc ready🙇♂️
On a serious note, I did have Appere down as a transfer target so I’m happy with this
A hard working centre forward, who can also play out wide, he is the exact mould of great Stevenage strikers past
Huge fan of this👏
#StevenageFC
Have we been at our best in the first half? No, and we probably don’t deserve an awful lot from it currently
People will say Steve Evans moans too much, but in what world would you not moan about a decision as bad as that?
🧵Opposition Analysis: Maidstone
In this thread I preview
#StevenageFC
trip to the Gallagher Stadium to take on a Stones side who are flying high in the National League South. A change to the normalities of L1 football, with potential for a lucrative 4th round tie up for grabs.
Whilst spending most of my day getting stuck into uni work I’m pleased to say I began my research into
#StevenageFC
’s Summer recruitment✍🏼
Will have to be reactive as well as proactive, and there may well be more than one instalment over the window
Want this to be the best yet!
Abu Kamara
#Pompey
I could have gone with Lane or Dembele, but I’ve gone with Kamara.
He has exceeded my expectations of him this season and really grown into his role on the right-hand side at Pompey.
Has featured in all of Pompey’s fixtures this season.
22 games in, 22 teams faced
Following Saturday’s fixture against Barnsley that will mean
#StevenageFC
have faced every team in League 1🔴
Best team I’ve seen so far? Has to be
#PUFC
with
#OUFC
a close second🔵
#Pompey
flying at the moment, can anyone catch them?🚀
RB- Lasse Sorensen
#WeAreImps
Another Imps player is Danish right back Sorensen.
He’s been a mainstay in Lincoln’s playoff charge under Skubala is vital in driving the Imps up the pitch down the right-hand side.
8 assists to his name from RWB, and a comfortable inclusion.
Such a great contest last night
I may have to try and fit a post-match into my schedule because it will be so fun to analyse and watch that game back
I’m also pleased to say I’ve scored 100% in the assignment for the PFSA Level 3 in Performance Analysis! Another step forward!
Comments like this are why I was hesitant to putting a TOTS out, fortunately I’ve taken criticism before but this may hit others harder
Thankfully, fans from all clubs have been constructive in conversation which is great to see, and understand you’ll never agree on a full XI🤝
Ridiculous
Replays can be the making of clubs lower down the pyramid, they can give financial stability and increase attendances in the long run
These clubs also play an extra 8 league games a season
Magic of the cup is dying, which is saddening to see
What a weekend!
3 signings, 3 goals, 3 points for
#StevenageFC
Post-match will be out tonight for
#LOFC
(A)
Attentions then turn to Saturday vs
#CUFC
, won’t be posting much about Tuesday’s PJT game vs
#AFCW
Maybe an in-depth on Harvey White as well!
The players Evans is bringing in at Rotherham isn’t a reflection of what our window would have looked like had he stayed, even with the cash injection
Different resources, different short-term ambitions, different existing squad composition
1st half summary:
- Pressley is such a nuisance, hold up and in the air he’s been terrific
- Burns excellent
- Can’t get carried away with the press, we are making them play long and they’re uncomfortable with it
- Freeman needs to be wider for us to utilise the wings
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Halfway through
@MovemberUK
including my 1st half marathon!
Proud of what I’ve achieved over the month but why am I doing this?
1 in 2 men will have a mental health disorder in their life
1 in 8 will have prostate cancer
1 in 250 will have testicular cancer.
Link in my bio x
Hope everyone’s enjoyed Sunday!
Few things to come this week:
Monday:
Post-match Analysis
#NTFC
(A)👞
Opposition Analysis
#WatfordFC
🐝
Tuesday:
Stevenage vs Watford LIVE🔴
Wednesday:
Post-match Analysis
#WatfordFC
(H)🐝
Thursday/Friday:
Opposition Analysis
#Salop
🔵🟠
HUGE opportunity tonight for
#StevenageFC
A win would put some breathing space between Boro and the top 6 for the first time in months
They face a
#ReadingFC
side who let’s not forget beat Boro comfortably at the beginning of the season
Who do you want to see start tonight?
GET IN THERE!!
Huge win, let’s make this the catalyst for a positive run of form now
Can’t wait to watch this one back! Anything I need to look out for?
If Luke Amos’ injury issues are behind him he could be a great fit for
#StevenageFC
Would slot well into the midfield diamond or the 4231, with his technical abilities complementing the ball winning DM Burns well