Stevenage's squad and possible line-up for League One

Jumped straight back into too by heading off to Bragbury End to speak to Stevenage manager Alex Revell, picking up a host of stories (all of which can be found online at Comet Sport).

But it was while I was there I realised my holiday had meant I was a little under-prepared. I had no idea of the current state of the squad following the summer departures and the four arrivals so far.

I originally had transfers in my mind. Which areas of the squad need bolstered? How many do we reckon are still to come in this summer?

But as we talked about formations and what-not, it also occurred to me that there could be an embarrassment of riches in certain positions now, and how on earth do you pick a starting XI for that.

So, partly to help me get a grip on reality, here's the squad as it stands.

Stevenage first-team squad (as it stands as July 12)

Goalkeepers (1): Taye Ashby-Hammond.

Full-backs (3): Luther Wildin, Kane Smith, Dan Butler.

Centre-halves (5): Carl Piergianni, Dan Sweeney, Terence Vancooten, Nathan Thompson, Lewis Freestone.

Midfielders (5): Louis Thompson, Jake Forster-Caskey, Dan Phillips, Ben Thompson, Harvey White.

Attacking midfield (3): Nick Freeman, Jordan Roberts, Dan Kemp.

Strikers (4): Jamie Reid, Aaron Pressley, Elliot List, Louis Appere.

Total: 21

Notes: I've included Lewis Freestone in the centre-halves but it sounds like he will also provide cover for left-back, and is likely to start the season there with Dan Butler suspended.

Revs may also consider using the likes of Harvey White and Ben Thompson further forward, or bringing Nick Freeman back. Fluidity in the middle of the park should be expected.

Jake Forster-Caskey is likely to be out for a long while too following a ligament injury picked up at Carlisle in March. 

Which positions need strengthened?

A back-up goalkeeper looks a definite and there is a case for another recognised left-back as mentioned above. It would also allow Butler to have a rest as and when needed.

I would also say a striker is needed. One criticism last year was the over-reliance on the goals of Jamie Reid, something mentioned HERE by Revs. 

The injury to JFC might also be a good reason to go and get a young loan player in midfield, at least until January.

Could youth be the answer?

Yes, is the simple answer although simplicity is not really a factor in that decision. I've long since advocated for a reserve/U23/development side at Boro, something to fill the void between academy and first-team, a gap that increased with the elevation to League One.

Some of the youngsters have the ability and the potential but also lack senior experience, many having only had time on loan at step three of the non-league pyramid.

Rylee Mitchell might well start the season as back-up goalkeeper, and could hold that role through the year although the question then is 'does sitting on the bench help his development'? I would say no.

Louis Henry, a left-back, is a real bright hope but I think another loan back to Potters Bar Town could be on the cards, at least for a month or two.

He played there last season for a few games and impressed, and this year would play alongside dad Ronnie, something I think everyone would love to see.

David Hicks perhaps is the closest to League One level, a very clever player who can adapt to any style and circumstances. However, his development might be better suited by a year in the National League.

Owen Cochrane and Makise Evans are others who might be considered, as well as goalkeeper Max Woodford who became Boro's youngster ever senior player last season.

Loans again might be the better option here though as I don't think they are ready for League One just yet.

Potential formations

Don't expect much other than 5-2-3 or 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 diamond, that's what I would reckon, or at least versions of. Fluidity sounds like it is going to be key this season for the boss.

Opening day line-up v Shrewsbury Town

Long way off I know but we already know Butler and Forster-Caskey won't be available. The former Peterborough man's absence would probably mean a back four with a diamond midfield I think.

Therefore could this be the line-up?

A potential line-up for Stevenage v Shrewsbury Town on August 10. (Image: Neil Metcalfe)

And to prove how difficult it could be, I had so many different thoughts before plumping for this one.

Should Harvey White be on the left of midfield? Does Louis Thompson sit at DM and Dan Phillips move forward? Who partners Piergianni?

How Boro line-up against Watford might, just might, give us a clue to Revell's thinking.

But feel free to let me know your thoughts. Get in touch via the comments section on here, by emailing neil.metcalfe@newsquest.co.uk or by going to Twitter (yes, I will always call it Twitter just like I always call those sweets Opal Fruits) at @NPMetcalfe.