Earley by name, but not exactly Boro’s Earley-est new arrival in summer 2022; Saxon Earley our 11th new addition of the window. The young Norwich City left-back was yet another fresh pair of legs drafted in by manager Steve Evans as pre-season preparations continued to ramp up in mid-July. Indeed, the boss had hinted a few days before the player’s arrival that we’d got ahead of the crowd to sign the lad. So, we only assume there’s plenty good to come from the player during his time at the Lamex Stadium.

To be fair, we have no reason to think otherwise. Earley came to us after spending time with the Canaries’ own first team on pre-season tour in Germany. Boro’, however, was to be the first club at which he’d sample competitive senior football. On his first day with us, Earley told the official site: “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind as soon as I knew that Stevenage were interested. It’s a good club that I’m excited to join. It’s a great experience for me. I’ll work hard not just for myself, but for the Club and for the fans. I want to have a positive impact on the team, help us push forward and see where we can go this season.”

Saxon Earley: Before Boro’

At Carrow Road, Earley had earned his stripes as the captain of the Canaries’ U18 and U23 teams respectively. It was no wonder the attention was now coming from the club’s first team management. And the lad was living the boyhood dream too; born locally and making his way through the academy.