The signing of Tyreece Simpson made it seem like Boro’ were revisiting the big, strong and physical vibe once more in summer 2024. He proved to be a real nuisance for our defence when on loan at Northampton Town during the 2023-4 League One campaign. So, if you can’t beat them, sign them… and we’d already captured his former partner in crime – Louis Appéré – too. What it ultimately meant, however, was that Simpson came in and would be expected to provide an indomitable presence that’d benefit the team as a whole – even if he himself wasn’t contributing the goals.

Why mention goals there? Well, his most prolific spell came on loan at Swindon Town during the 2021-2 season. We’re best glossing over his Huddersfield Town record as he didn’t really get the breaks there. With the Cobblers, his scoring return on paper doesn’t look the best. But it’s what the charts don’t tell you that is where Simpson’s appeal lay. His age was on his side upon joining too; Alex Revell commenting: “Tyreece is big, quick and strong, has played Championship and League One football and is still only 22 years old. We… can’t wait to get started.”

Tyreece Simpson: Before Boro’

It feels like we covered this above, but worth recapping if you’re that bothered. We’ll start with information not yet given here and that’s how Simpson started his career with hometown club Ipswich Town. In four years at Portman Road, there were notable highlights – not least his first professional deal. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make a lasting impression – and moved to Huddersfield at the start of September 2022 (having already spent time on loan in Wiltshire). For some reason, the Terriers rarely used him; Boro’ almost rescuing him from West Yorkshire with an undisclosed fee in July 2024.