Alan Julian made what some might call a surprise return to Stevenage in summer 2011, after ending his three-year stay down at Gillingham. It was the Kent club that the Northern Ireland stopper joined from us; going there with former manager Mark Stimson. In bringing the goalkeeper back to the Lamex Stadium, Graham Westley secured Julian’s services for the second time; GW bringing him to the club first in February 2005 in a move that helped push Boro’ forward on the path to the 2004-5 Conference playoff final.
One claim is that coach Lionel Perez played a role in recruiting Julian from Brentford in the first place. Whoever made the call, however, it was inspired. Julian was an agile keeper; showing excellent reactions and not afraid to make some crucial saves. Named 2005-6 Supporters’ Association Player of the Year, Julian continued his strong form into his first full season with the club. And he bailed Boro’ out of a tight spot on more than one occasion.
Alan Julian: After Boro’
Julian left Stevenage for a second time in summer 2012. First up was a move down to South Wales with Newport County, before returning to Kent with Dartford. Sutton and Bromley are also among his clubs since leaving Boro’, as well as Billericay Town; the club where he moved in 2017 and where he could be found heading into the 2019-20 season still going strong. In 2024, Julian became manager of Hampton & Richmond Borough.
