Boro’s academy snapped up young winger Joe Leslie in September 2017; the player impressing during a trial stint at the club. With three goals and six assists during that period, it’s little shock we were offering him a two-year scholarship without too much hesitation! That initial promise, however, didn’t quite end up forging a path to our first team. While part of our academy set-up for three years, Leslie ended up leaving the Lamex Stadium in summer 2020.

Joe Leslie: After Boro’

In his time with us, Leslie did get some senior action at Biggleswade FC as part of a work experience agreement with us. And it seems Boro’ did have plans for the lad; bringing him back in February 2020. Was it the financial impact of Covid-19 that meant we couldn’t find room for him going into the 2020-1 campaign? We don’t know and we won’t ask. But it did leave him free to find a new home; signing for Woking in September 2020 after a trial. On arrival at Kingfield, he went straight out on a short-term loan to Leatherhead.