The League One season is now highly anticipated with the announcement of the fixtures for the season on Thursday 26 June. The focus is now full on 2nd August when Stevenage’s season will fully kick off. The sense of excitement is palpable, and any Boro fan will be hoping that the side get off to the best possible start.
After a mid-table finish, Stevenage and Alex Revell will be hoping they can push on this year and achieve a play-off finish. This will only be the third year that Stevenage will be in League One after gaining the superb promotion in 2022/23. But the expectations will be on Revell more this year.
A tough season for most in League One last season with Birmingham City and Wrexham the anomalies in the league taking up two promotion spaces (particularly Birmingham City). Many favourites in the league struggled to make a dent in the promotion places.
Yet all teams will be back and wanting to make a statement early on; Stevenage included. However, their opponents on the first day of the season will be more than up for the challenge, having fallen off near the end of the season in an ambitious promotion chase.
The trip to Blackpool
Boro will be making the trip to the seaside on Saturday 2nd August. They will be hoping to come home with three points as well as their bucket and spade. But a trip to Bloomfield Road could be a difficult one for Stevenage with Blackpool finishing 9th last year following an impressive upturn in fortunes following two early defeats under Neil Critchley.
Bringing in Steve Bruce did change the fortunes for the Seasiders and they were very much the in-form team. But following personal leave for Bruce to be with his family, Blackpool’s form suffered.
Bruce has managed to bring stability to Blackpool on the pitch but will be looking at ways to expand his team so they are more free flowing in attack. With the permanent acquisition of Niall Ennis, Blackpool will be gunning from the start.
Signings made for Blackpool
Alongside Ennis, Blackpool have added more stability with Fraser Horsfall from Stockport, Michael Ihiekwe from Sheffield Wednesday, Franco Ravizzoli and George Honeyman on a free transfer. Three solid signings for the men in Tangerine that could bolster their squad to take them into the play-off places this season.
However, they have let go of Jordan Gabriel, Sonny Carey, Matthew Pennington, Oliver Norburn, Jake Beesley, Josh Onomah, Jordan Rhodes, and Richard O’Donnell. So, there is a lot of activity and Steve Bruce will be looking to stamp his authority down with transfers in his first summer window.
How many will be making the trip to Bloomfield Road?
Tickets are not yet available for the away game. But there is an expectation that with the game being the first game of the season and certainly in a location where fans can make a weekend of it, it will be a desirable ticket for fans to get their hands on! With 2,500 the likely allocation as it was last season, tickets could be gone quite quickly. So, the best way is to get a season ticket now to have first dibs on away allocation.
The 434-mile round trip will be an early start with a 3pm kick off scheduled for the League One game. But it will not stop there being a great atmosphere, in front of a possible 17,000 fans. And hopefully it’ll be on a sunny day with a pristine playing surface.
Last seasons results
The opening game of the season will be only the seventh time in history that the two sides have played each other. If last season’s results are anything to go by, Blackpool might have the upper hand. They won 3-1 at the Lamex Stadium thanks to a Rob Apter hat-trick. A 0-0 draw at Bloomfield Road in December provides some solace that Boro could come home with at least a point.
Key players to watch out for Blackpool
Although there has been a turnaround in players, there are still some key players at Bloomfield Road that could cause issues for Stevenage. The aforementioned winger Rob Apter enjoyed a breakthrough season with his club. Lee Evans is a general in midfield alongside his more creative counterpart Albie Morgan too. But Blackpool will still be looking to Ashley Fletcher, who scored 11 goals last season. He proved to be a threat against teams with his hold-up play.
Stevenage and Blackpool links
When two teams meet up there is always a quick look to see if any players have played for either side. In this case Dan Kemp, is the man to play for both sides. The winger enjoyed a loan spell with Blackpool in 2020-21 making 8 appearances and leaving Blackpool fans disappointed when he was recalled and moved onto Leyton Orient.
Over time though, Armand Gnanduillet, Charlie Goode, Peter Hartley, Joe Lumley, Joe Martin, Jamille Matt, Simon Walton and François Zoko have made appearances for Boro and Blackpool.
What Stevenage need to do?
To overcome this Blackpool side they will need to play at pace. Blackpool can struggle with a quick transition and not deal well with an overloaded midfield if players over-commit. It could be the way to silence a buoyant and optimistic crowd ont he first day of the season.
With no keeper currently at the club, it will be a debutant starting for the Tangerines. So, peppering shots in as much as possible would be a good option.
Two players are likely to play up front for Blackpool and will keep the defence busy. Keep them quiet, and a good afternoon will be had for Boro.
