Meet the opposition | Stevenage
As Swansea City prepare to face Stevenage in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, we take a closer look at the Boro.
What’s their story?
Formed as Stevenage Borough in 1976, the Hertfordshire club worked their way through the non-league ranks, and were only denied promotion to the Football League in 1996 due to insufficient ground facilities.
It would take them 14 years to secure Conference success and be granted a place in the top-four tiers of English football.
They finished sixth in League One – their highest league placing – in 2012, but were relegated in 2014 and finished bottom of League Two last term, only for Bury’s demise and a points penalty for Macclesfield to earn them a reprieve.
They have a history of causing problems for sides in higher divisions in the FA Cup, taking Newcastle to a replay in 1998, and doing the same to Tottenham in 2012. Most famously they defeat Newcastle 3-1 when the sides met in 2011.
How’s their form?
Improving. Stevenage had a very difficult start to the season, and at one point went 14 games without claiming a victory in 90 minutes. The sole success in that time was a penalty shoot-out win over non-league Concord Rangers.
But they have become more difficult to beat in recent weeks, they have lost just one of their last eight and won their last two league fixtures against Cambridge United and Scunthorpe to boost their survival hopes.
Who’s the boss?
Alex Revell. The former striker is in his first managerial role having been handed the reins at the Lamex Stadium following Graham Westley’s departure in February.
The 37-year-old had a 20-year playing career that took in spells with Cambridge United, Kettering, Braintree, Brighton, Southend, Swindon, Wycombe, Leyton Orient, Rotherham, Cardiff, Wigan, MK Dons, Northampton and Stevenage.
Was unable to prevent his side finishing bottom before their reprieve, but there have been signs of improvement under his guidance.
Who’s the captain?
Scott Cuthbert. The 33-year-old joined Stevenage in 2018 and is in his second season as skipper.
Having come through the Celtic academy, Cuthbert has since had stints with Livingston, St Mirren, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Luton before moving to the Lamex Stadium.
He helped Luton to the runners-up spot in League Two in 2018, and was player of the season in his first campaign at Stevenage.
Who are the key men?
Striker Aramide Oteh has four goals and three assists to his name following his loan move from Queens Park Rangers, while former Fulham youngster Charlie Carter has also contributed four goals from midfield.
Elliott List has also made a mark in the middle of the park, with Cuthbert a key figure at the back and Chelsea youngster Jamie Cummings in goal during his loan spell.
Revell also strengthened his squad this week with the signings of Chris Lines, Matty Stevens and Luke Norris.
