Mark Powell is a hard-working, versatile defender who came to us from Baldock Town not long into the start of the 1982-3 season; joining a Boro’ side looking to build on its first season in the United Counties League Premier Division. To start, the hope was that Powell would sign for the start of the campaign. But, as a Comet report from the time notes, he chose to stick with his ex-Twin Foxes boss Tim Jolly – who had just been appointed Baldock boss. Still, Boro’ won the day with two months on the clock that campaign; landing a man they’d chased for a short while.

And it’s not hard to see why Boro’ were so keen. Powell could play sweeper, full back, and even midfield. What swung it for us was the desire to play at a higher level than the South Midlands League. He’d played at that level for Biggleswade before moving onto Baldock. “I’ve decided I don’t want to play South Midlands soccer, although I realise Baldock are destined to play in a higher standard,” Powell told the Comet. “I feel a move is right at the moment in fairness to both Baldock and Boro’.”

Mark Powell: Family Connections

The move to BHW also realised an ambition for Powell. His uncle is Colin “Paddy” Powell, a Stevenage football icon in his own right; performing a star turn on the wing for Stevenage Town during the 1960s, while enjoying notable spells in the Football League with Gillingham and Charlton Athletic. “I used to watch my uncle play at Stevenage when I was a schoolboy and always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play for the town team,” explains Mark.