For midfielder Donovan Makoma, it was a rapid rise from RC Lens’ U19s to the English Football League after signing for us in summer 2018. Just 19-years-old and with a sole year’s experience on this side of the Channel, hopes were high for this young talent as boss Dino Maamria made him the 14th new addition to our squad.

It was time for Boro’ to see what the lad is really made of. The trouble is, we didn’t really get to see; sent out on loan three times during the 2018-9 campaign. First it was Woking. Then Biggleswade Town. And then Wingate & Finchley. We’re not entirely sure he made much of an impact at any of them. So, he came back to Boro’ available for transfer. And around a month later, out he went by mutual consent.

Donovan Makoma: Before Boro’

That one year on these shores before joining us saw him play in the National League with Barrow. It was, maybe, a distant cry from what he was used to coming through the youth set-up at RC Lens. That said, the impression he made was enough to capture Maamria’s attention. He’d also played for France’s U16 side before joining Barrow.

At Holker Street, there was a struggle to get game time under then-Barrow boss Paul Cox. He found, however, his wings under Ady Pennock. A new deal was on the table for him at the end of the 2017-8 campaign. By this time, Boro’ were in the hunt. And an undisclosed fee did enough to part Makoma from the Bluebirds.