Stevenage went intercontinental in summer 2012 with the signature of Marcus Haber; the Canadian-born striker joining us with experience of playing on the other side of the Pond. Europe soon beckoned, however, and he enjoyed spells in Scotland, Holland and England. Gary Smith was no doubt well aware of the player’s ability from his time in MLS and moved to bolster his striking department ahead of the 2012-3 season. And at such a young age, the opportunity was there for Haber to make a firm mark on the English game.

Marcus Haber: Before Boro’

Haber started out with Vancouver Selects and the Whitecaps FC Reserves in the Pacific Coast Soccer League; making the move to Groningen in the Netherlands after. For two seasons, the striker was a member of the Eredivisie side’s U19 team. Canada, however, came calling once more. The route back to Vancouver wasn’t exactly direct, though. Haber was taken on trial by Leeds United, Hartlepool United and Gillingham; all without success.

The return to Canada let him re-establish his credentials; eight goals in 30 appearances and the Rookie of the Year award coming his way in the USL First Division. It arguably opened the door for bigger and better things; West Bromwich Albion came calling in January 2010. First team opportunities didn’t exactly present themselves, yet experience was gained on loan at Exeter, Vancouver Whitecaps and St Johnstone.

The Scottish Premier League became the next permanent port of call in 2011; Haber making more than 30 appearances and scoring twice for St Johnstone in 2011-2. And that was to be the pre-curser to his move to League One with Stevenage; his one-year deal in Scotland coming to an end.