Oh, where have we come from? What did we do? It’s time for us to check in with the latest news, if by “latest” you mean “40 years ago” and “news” as “not news”. The latest article from our #Boro40 Blast From The Past series has landed on your desk. In time for a long Easter weekend, too! This time, it’s one of those tales that gives us a better idea of what shaped us as a club. That, rather than the drawn out saga that was the Broadhall Way lease. So, don’t go out tonight unless you’re red and white – It’s Stripes Again For The Borough!
The piece you see before you now is very much The Comet’s work – not ours. And we’re happy to restate that fact to, well, anyone who will listen. We’re putting in front of your eyes in the public interest. That, your honour, is the case for the BoroGuide defence and we’re sticking to it. Mmm, it seems watertight enough. OK, enough waffling – let’s get down to business. Here’s the story, in all its glory, jackanackanory. We wonder if Mr Blaxill a) spent his £10 prize wisely and b) realises the full extent of a legacy that lasts to this day.
Article: It’s Stripes Again For The Borough
It’s to be Red and White stripes again for the newly-formed Stevenage Borough FC when they take to the field for their first competitive match.
The stripes worn in the past by the Borough’s predecessors, Stevenage Town and Stevenage Athletic, were the colours drawn from the 350 entries in the “Colour of the Borough” competition run by the new club.
The winning entry came from Mr Douglas Blaxill, of Langthorne Avenue, Stevenage, who wins £10 worth of sporting equipment as his prize.
The draw was made by Mr P. Helleren, president of Vigor FK Kristiansand, Norway, who played Stevenage Borough Youth last week as part of their Easter tour to this area.
Says Borough secretary Mr Marshall Cooper: “It’s purely coincidental that the new colours should be the same as the Town and the Athletic wore. We had a large entry, but the most predominant colour was red. Maybe supporters don’t want to change the colour of their favours.”
In the youth match between Stevenage Borough and Vigor, the local lads proved far too strong for their Norwegian visitors, with goals from Andy HUGHES (2), Colin DALLAS, Tony SHAFE, Frank TYLER and Steve HOENESS.
Unattributed, The Comet – 14 April 1977
How You Can Help…
Our best efforts from the British Library have got us so far. Our quest is to provide you with the complete history of Stevenage FC. We now have results dating back to pre-United Counties League. There are still, however, some gaps in our knowledge between 1980 and 1992. That’s where you might be able to help. We’ve exhausted the newspaper route at the British Library, so now our attention is on programmes. If you have some old programmes and think you can help, check out our missing match data page. Until next time…
