Ben May

Having been released by Scunthorpe United in summer 2010, brief rumours gave way to solid fact as forward Ben May joined Stevenage in October as Boro’ looked to consolidate a fair enough to start to life in the Football League.

The provision of further firepower up top was an asset that manager Graham Westley would not have been too disappointed to have acquired; strengthening a front line that was already capable of goals at that time.

May came through the academy system at Millwall, making his first team debut in 2002 against Gillingham before netting his first senior goal a week later. A brief loan spell at Colchester was followed by a stint with Brentford, where he notched up seven goals in a shade over 40 appearances.

Loan periods again followed; again at Colchester and again followed by Brentford. But the latter two were less productive in terms of goals and first team appearances. In 2007, May turned out five times for Scunthorpe United before making the switch permanent in 2008.

During his two years at the club, goals were not necessarily forthcoming, but May is a player who knows where the goal is and brings experience of life at the top end of the Football League. After a slow start to life at Boro’ as he regained his fitness levels, he was rewarded with his first goal for the club on the final day of the 2010/1 season against Bury.

That goal was unable to act as the catalyst for May’s continued improvement at Boro’, and he had precious through opportunities throughout the 2011/2 season. The striker did play an integral role in helping Barnet remain in the Football League while on loan, but there was an air of inevitability about his release from Stevenage.