Louis Riddle

Signed for Stevenage Boro’ on loan from West Ham in February 2002, Louis was a tricky player that could play in either the left hand of defence or midfield. Riddle then returned to West Ham, but was released, and on 8 October signed a permanent contract at Borough.

Louis was one of a few players that stood out for the better as the team lingered near the foot of the table, making 17 appearances for Boro’ in two spells at the club; 12 coming in 2002/3.

Louis looks as though he would be a huge asset to many teams in the Conference, and can play in a variety of different positions. He had good pace and is left-footed, which is rare for an Englishman. He also showed some good skills and trickery, which was pleasing on the eye and what the Boro’ fans liked to see.

However, Louis wasn’t to be needed by Graham Westley when he took over, as Westley had plans to bring in Jamie Cook, who was an established league player with both Boston and Oxford. West Ham were reluctant to let Louis leave Upton Park, as they knew he had great talent and potential.

Riddle was a member of the West Ham Youth team winning side which included the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. But he wasn’t quite ready for action there, and West Ham had a hard choice of whether to keep Louis or not. In the end they didn’t, and he was snapped up.

Author: Scott ‘Sooty’ Taylor