He might divide opinion overall but there is no denying that Steve Evans has done a remarkable job at Stevenage. Of course, nothing has been accomplished yet, but the progression made has been impressive. League One football appears to be on the cards next season, although whatever division the club is in, a summer filled with signings will surely be on the cards given Evans’ constant need to refresh his squad of players.
Both Paul Raynor and Steve Evans are always looking for the teams they manage to evolve and simply not stand still. With solid backing from the club’s hierarchy, the experienced pair will undoubtedly be assessing a number of summer targets already, despite not knowing exactly what division they’ll be in next season. People who make League Two predictions and back up their calls with some sports betting will surely back The Boro, though, particularly given the consistent showing from the team pretty much all season. Of course, there have been a few wobbles too, but Stevenage’s season is ultimately in their own hands.
As the campaign reaches its crucial stages, Stevenage’s hierarchy will be assessing a number of targets that will either help the team survive and thrive in League One, or enable Evans to mount another promotion push out of League Two. Of course, targets could vary depending on what division the club is in next season, but with promotion seemingly on the cards, we’re going to focus on a few talents who could make the jump up to League One if required.
Jack Currie – AFC Wimbledon
Although there is likely to be Championship interest in AFC Wimbledon’s young left-back, Jack Currie, the opportunity of playing first team football in League One could give Stevenage the edge on other clubs who are circling. He wouldn’t come cheap, though, but Currie is a young talent with bags of potential in an area of the pitch where Stevenage could do with some more competition.
Andy Cook – Bradford City
A proven goal-getter in League Two, Andy Cook is arguably Bradford’s best player and a striker more than capable of performing in both League Two and League One for Stevenage. Whether or not Cook is available in the summer is unknown, but a bid from a League One side – providing Stevenage secure promotion – would surely test Bradford’s resolve and appeal to Cook himself.
Mitch Pinnock – Northampton Town
Embed from Getty ImagesStevenage will need to add a bit more creativity to the squad next season, particularly if they’re coming up against the likes of Portsmouth and Charlton in League One. While he hasn’t replicated the form shown in the last two campaigns, a fresh challenge could enable Mitch Pinnock to kick on once again and thrive under a manager who will surely get the very best out of him. Make no mistake about it, Pinnock has been one of the best players in League Two over the last few years, making his potential acquisition a highly attractive one.
James McShane – Dorking Wanderers
Embed from Getty ImagesA Frank Lampard-esque goalscoring midfielder who has spent most of his career in the non-league pyramid, James McShane has stepped up admirably to the National League and, at the time of writing, has scored a highly impressive 17 goals from midfield for the newly-promoted side. Whether or not the Scot has the potential to make the jump up to League One isn’t known, but any clubs looking for goals from midfield will surely be looking at the 28 year-old.
Macaulay Langstaff – Notts County
The current top goalscorer in the National League, Macaulay Langstaff will surely be on the move in the summer, although he probably wouldn’t depart for a League Two side given that County appear to be heading for promotion to the division. At the time of writing, the former Gateshead striker has 37 goals in 37 appearances to his name, highlighting his goal-getting capabilities that will no doubt be catching the eye of clubs up and down the country. Whether or not he’s a realistic target is hard to know, but Steve Evans will certainly be aware of him.
