In to us on loan during the summer 2022 window initially, Taye Ashby-Hammond made such an impact that we just had to have him. The young goalkeeper was the latest piece of the puzzle put into place by Steve Evans in time for the 2022-3 League One season. And Ashby-Hammond’s presence between the sticks would prove to be integral to our success. Injury ultimately ended his campaign early and the stopper returned to parent team Fulham upon the conclusion of that loan deal.

But we weren’t prepared to leave it at that.

Boro’ moved in during the summer 2023 window; looking ahead to life in League One knowing that we needed a decent stopper. Ashby-Hammond would be that man; signed on a permanent deal in mid-June 2023. It is to the credit of the people behind the scenes, we think, that deal got done. It’s little coincidence that our form in the second half of the 2022-3 campaign went a little awry in his absence. Heck, we were signing goalkeepers at a rate of one per week in a bid to replace him. But it soon became clear he wasn’t one you could replace.

Taye Ashby-Hammond: Before Boro’

The 2021-2 campaign had seen the boy go out on loan to National League team Boreham Wood. While there, he turned in a number of impressive performances as our fellow Hertfordshire side enjoyed another positive season – even though promotion was a step too far. Indeed, Ashby-Hammond believes he “flourished” there. League Two was another step up, but it’s not like he hadn’t earned his chance. As he told the offy site having joined: “To get my first step into the Football League is a challenge that I need to face, and I’m ready for it.”

In addition to his successful spell with Boreham Wood, Ashby-Hammond also saw first team action while out on loan at Maidenhead United and Chipstead. He’s also turned out in the Football League Trophy for parent club Fulham. Oh, and there are international honours to speak of too; capped at England U16 and U17 levels.