Steven Schumacher is one of the first players signed by Teddy Sheringham in summer 2015, bolstering a midfield already looking strong on paper. And, after impressing in games against us, he got a warm welcome when arriving at the Lamex. One of the matches in which Schumacher had played against us had seen him score two crackers from distance; an attribute sure to go down well with fans if it could prove a regular event.

With plenty of competition for places in the Boro’ midfield upon his arrival, Schumacher’s signature was a statement of intent from Sheringham; adding to his wealth of resources in the middle of the park as we went in search of promotion in the 2015-6 League Two campaign. History shows that promotion bid fell flat pretty much from the off with Shezza at the helm. But it was no fault of this experienced midfielder; indeed, his time with us will be remembered positively.

Steven Schumacher: Before Boro’

It was Fleetwood from which Schumacher arrived; his two-year spell at the real Highbury Stadium spanning a time when the Cod Army won promotion into League One for the first time in the club’s long history. Before moving to the windswept Lancashire coast, however, Schumacher enjoyed a successful three-year stay at Bury. At Gigg Lane, he played more than 100 times and chipped in with a number of valuable goals. This showed just what he was capable of in the middle of the park.

Other previous clubs included Crewe Alexandra and Bradford City; again clubs at which he turned out a number of times and scored every now and then. It the time between 2004 and 2007 that firmly established Schumacher as a Football League player. But, to be fair, Schumacher had an excellent start to his career. He began his playing career at Everton; the Premier League club boasting a fine reputation when it came to youth development. First team chances were limited, and he had two loan spells to get a leg up in the League.