Michael Blackwood

Blackwood joined Stevenage Borough at the same time as striker, Charlie MacDonald, to play in a left midfield position that already had two holders in Adrian Clarke and Scott Houghton. Wayne Turner favoured the new player and the previous two incumbents moved on to pastures new.

But Blackwood failed to make the promised impact, and his commitment to the cause was often questioned as he often exposed his full-back to extra work as his enthusiasm to defend was minimal. He made 22 starts for the reds, scoring just two goals in the process. Both strikes were among five-goal hauls for the side.

Following the arrival of Graham Westley, Blackwood’s days were certainly numbered, and he played his last game in the 3-0 reversal at Tamworth in the FA Trophy – two days after Westley’s arrival, but under the managerial guidance of caretaker-manager John Dreyer. Simon Wormull, then new signing Jamie Cook then took up the left-sided role and the time came for him to depart.

A player with obvious raw talent, but a questionable attitude, only the hardened few will recall him with too much fondness in years to come.