It wasn’t quite a case of a prodigal son returning in January 2022 – but nor was it Ed Upson’s first rodeo at the Lamex Stadium; gaffer Paul Tisdale signing the defender-turned-midfielder for what would be the second time in his career. And we’re going to guess that he chose to rejoin us in the expectation he’d have a bigger contribution to make compared to his first time with us. That was 13-and-a-half years before; coming to us as a young centre half from Ipswich Town. He’d go back to Portman Road with just 10 minutes’ action to his name.

Of course, times change. Upson’s arrival in 2022 came after a long period in which he’d gained a significant amount of experience in the Football League. Most recently, the player turned out for Newport County; his stay in south Wales not the longest, but it’s not as if it was a time wasted with 18 appearances to his name in the first half of the 2021-2 campaign. The relationship might not have worked out as both parties would’ve hoped. That’s football. As was the case when Upson was let go at the end of the season; his second spell with us about as memorable as the first.

Ed Upson: Before Boro’

After coming to us on loan from Ipswich, the career of Ed Upson saw him transition into midfield; moving on from Portman Road for good in 2010. He landed on his feet at Yeovil Town; playing an important role as the Glovers reached the Championship in 2013. Four years at Huish Park came to an end in 2014, with his career taking him onto Millwall, MK Dons, and Bristol Rovers. All in all, there were nearly 400 Football League appearances to his name when he returned to Boro’. Not a bad return for 13 years’ work after being given little chance to shine first time around.