A careful, considered approach to Boro’s player recruitment during the 2023 close season brought winger Harry Anderson to SG2. It was a real sign of intent from boss Steve Evans; making it known to all about the League One scene that we weren’t in town to just make up the numbers. You see, Anderson came with the ability and experience needed to do well in the third tier of English football. Not just that, but he was also a wide player; the type of player that we hadn’t necessarily too many of in more recent times.
Did it mean a shift in our playing style from the one that got us promoted from League Two? Well, we aren’t that good at seeing into the future. The wingers we did have on the books in the seasons before Anderson’s arrival had been known to feature in a number 10-esque role; centrally-minded midfielders then taking on a responsibility to cover the wide areas. While described elsewhere as a utility man, the lad was seen by many to be a pacy and dynamic winger. And, with it, Boro’ got an extra dimension to their structure.
Harry Anderson: Before Boro’
In his most recent deployment before arriving at the Lamex, Anderson was on the books of Bristol Rovers for two years. And he was with the Gas when they dramatically won promotion from League Two on the final day of the 2021-2 campaign. Injuries, however, got in the way of his League One efforts for the club. His contract was also up in summer 2023; not that Rovers were looking to get rid. A new deal was on the table – but there was no agreement. And that meant he was free to move on; a status that we took advantage of.
The path that led him to the south west started as a youth team player at Crawley Town. Mind you, the youth team there would be disbanded; resulting in Anderson moving to Peterborough United in 2014. He remained with the Posh for three years in total, with first team opportunities restricted. While he did turn pro and make his senior debut there, it would be out on loan where most of his action came. First, it was at Braintree Town. Next, it was at St Albans City. And then it’d be at Lincoln City… twice.
He made such a good impression with the Imps that, in July 2017, he moved there permanently from Posh; a deal sealed with an undisclosed fee and also saw Michael Bostwick swap London Road for Sincil Bank.
