The fourth addition to the Boro’ squad on January 2019 transfer deadline day, Calum Dyson came in on a loan deal that had an option to buy. The young forward had only been with Plymouth Argyle for half a season before making the move to us. And, up to that point, he hadn’t had a chance to shine. That’s where we came in: “I am thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to kick-start my season here at Stevenage.”

The problem is – it didn’t happen. Dyson made virtually no impact at the Lamex, spending the vast majority of his time with us out with injury. Our attacking record wasn’t the best at the time he came in as we hunted down a playoff place. The fact we got so close had, to be fair, absolutely nothing to do with his abilities as a forward.

Calum Dyson: Before Boro’

Dyson’s move to Home Park came about after Everton let him go. The Toffees had been the place where his career had started; turning pro by signing a two-year deal in July 2014. As is often the case, however, there was a long queue of players ahead of him at the Premier League side. So, loan spells gave him his first taste of senior action; first with Stockport County in 2015, then at Chester and Grimsby Town.

He seemed to make an impact at the latter. With four goals in 16 appearances during his time at Blundell Park, Dyson showed he knew where the goal was.

Calum Dyson: After Boro’

In October 2019, Dyson sadly found himself forced to hang up his boots at the age of just 23 due to an ankle injury.