Neil Metcalfe
@npmetcalfe.bsky.social
Freelance sports journalist, formerly for the Comet newspaper and more in Hertfordshire. Cover Stevenage FC and others. A cycling loving, Tottenham supporting Geordie from Hebburn.
In the absence of Saturday football again, I thought I’d sit down and take an early look at the January transfer window at Stevenage.
⚪️the first thoughts of Alex Revell
🔴positions that might be a priority
⚪️possible types of player
🔴outgoings and who they might be
⚪️the first thoughts of Alex Revell
🔴positions that might be a priority
⚪️possible types of player
🔴outgoings and who they might be
The Boro - A Stevenage transfer special
Delving into the January transfer window before it begins
npmetcalfe.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
In the absence of Saturday football again, I thought I’d sit down and take an early look at the January transfer window at Stevenage.
⚪️the first thoughts of Alex Revell
🔴positions that might be a priority
⚪️possible types of player
🔴outgoings and who they might be
⚪️the first thoughts of Alex Revell
🔴positions that might be a priority
⚪️possible types of player
🔴outgoings and who they might be
A reminder of last night's edition of The Boro, a chance to take stock and catch up with news from the past week.
A mish-mash of things in here as I take a chance to review things at Stevenage FC, including:
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
The Boro - time to take stock at Stevenage
A round-up of news and views at Stevenage FC in the last week or so
npmetcalfe.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:41 AM
A reminder of last night's edition of The Boro, a chance to take stock and catch up with news from the past week.
A mish-mash of things in here as I take a chance to review things at Stevenage FC, including:
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
The Boro - time to take stock at Stevenage
A round-up of news and views at Stevenage FC in the last week or so
npmetcalfe.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
A mish-mash of things in here as I take a chance to review things at Stevenage FC, including:
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
⚪️a few more thoughts after the loss to Walsall
🔴news of the ladies and academy
⚪️a League One round-up
🔴potential financial news
⚪️new CEO at the foundation
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-t...
Stevenage manager Alex Revell was damning of his side’s performance in the Vertu Trophy loss to Walsall. I wasn’t exactly happy with it either. All the reaction and the player ratings after a poor performance from Boro’s players.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...
The Boro - 'Do I deserve to be in the team? Not many can say yes after that'
Report, reaction and ratings after Walsall beat Stevenage 2-1 in the Vertu Trophy
npmetcalfe.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Stevenage manager Alex Revell was damning of his side’s performance in the Vertu Trophy loss to Walsall. I wasn’t exactly happy with it either. All the reaction and the player ratings after a poor performance from Boro’s players.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-d...
FT: Stevenage 1 Walsall 2.
That was frustrating and annoying. Match report as Stevenage lose 2-1 to Walsall in the Vertu Trophy.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
That was frustrating and annoying. Match report as Stevenage lose 2-1 to Walsall in the Vertu Trophy.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Stevenage limp out of the Vertu Trophy after Walsall comeback
Match report as Boro beaten 2-1in the round of 32
npmetcalfe.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:00 PM
FT: Stevenage 1 Walsall 2.
That was frustrating and annoying. Match report as Stevenage lose 2-1 to Walsall in the Vertu Trophy.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
That was frustrating and annoying. Match report as Stevenage lose 2-1 to Walsall in the Vertu Trophy.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Team news for Stevenage v Walsall in the Vertu Trophy. This is the Boro line-up.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
December 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Team news for Stevenage v Walsall in the Vertu Trophy. This is the Boro line-up.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Like I've never been away. Stevenage v Walsall in the Vertu Trophy, report later in The Boro, reaction and ratings first thing tomorrow.
December 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Like I've never been away. Stevenage v Walsall in the Vertu Trophy, report later in The Boro, reaction and ratings first thing tomorrow.
Huge thank you to those new subscribers, a real pleasant surprise. Mind you've picked a great weekend to join, the one break I've had this season. To keep you going, here's part two of my FM26 career with Stevenage. There's a January bombshell coming…
open.substack.com/pub/npmetcal...
open.substack.com/pub/npmetcal...
Leading Stevenage to FM26 glory - Downs, ups and uncle Phil tightening the noose
Part two in charge of the Boro on the new video game
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Huge thank you to those new subscribers, a real pleasant surprise. Mind you've picked a great weekend to join, the one break I've had this season. To keep you going, here's part two of my FM26 career with Stevenage. There's a January bombshell coming…
open.substack.com/pub/npmetcal...
open.substack.com/pub/npmetcal...
There will still be annoyance from some but for anyone of a Stevenage persuasion, this was a performance that would make your heart sing. All the reaction after the 1-0 win at Peterborough United, a victory that sent Boro back to the top of League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
The Boro - Revs hails Stevenage DNA in win at Posh
All the news, views and ratings as Stevenage win 1-0 at Peterborough United
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
There will still be annoyance from some but for anyone of a Stevenage persuasion, this was a performance that would make your heart sing. All the reaction after the 1-0 win at Peterborough United, a victory that sent Boro back to the top of League One.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-r...
Hard-fought, better, not pretty. Plenty to say about it but all that matters is Stevenage are back on top of League One. The match report after the 1-0 victory at Peterborough United.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
Reid all about it as win at Peterborough sends Stevenage back to the top
The match report after the League One game at London Road
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Hard-fought, better, not pretty. Plenty to say about it but all that matters is Stevenage are back on top of League One. The match report after the 1-0 victory at Peterborough United.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/reid-all-a...
From yesterday and something for you to get your teeth into ahead of the game at Peterborough. Four talking points to come out of Stevenage FC in the last week or so.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
November 25, 2025 at 9:31 AM
From yesterday and something for you to get your teeth into ahead of the game at Peterborough. Four talking points to come out of Stevenage FC in the last week or so.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The ladies and the U18s are in Monday evening's edition but I also discuss four Stevenage FC talking points, including:
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The Boro - Four talking points for Stevenage FC
Looking at all the news from inside and outside the League One club
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
The ladies and the U18s are in Monday evening's edition but I also discuss four Stevenage FC talking points, including:
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
⚪️More evidence of the need for a reserve team
🔴Phil Wallace's intriguing programme notes
⚪️the current form in League One
🔴promotion
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
Any excuse to put Hebburn Town in the main picture. They are included in this week’s round-up of course, as are Welwyn Garden City, St Albans City and Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil: November rain doesn't dampen spirits of Saints and Citizens
Latest non-league news from across Hertfordshire on November 22
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Any excuse to put Hebburn Town in the main picture. They are included in this week’s round-up of course, as are Welwyn Garden City, St Albans City and Potters Bar Town.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Thoughts, report, reaction and ratings after Stevenage drew 0-0 at home with Doncaster Rovers in League One. EFL news the latest edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
The Boro - Good defensively but quality lacking on a wet Stevenage day
All the news after the League One game with Doncaster Rovers
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Thoughts, report, reaction and ratings after Stevenage drew 0-0 at home with Doncaster Rovers in League One. EFL news the latest edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #LeagueOne
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-g...
Not good, not good at all. The match report from a wet Broadhall Way as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers draw 0-0 in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Dull and damp as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers still searching for a win
The match report from the 0-0 draw at Broadhall Way
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Not good, not good at all. The match report from a wet Broadhall Way as Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers draw 0-0 in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/stevenage-...
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace calls on EFL to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’.
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Phil Wallace calls on EFL chairmen to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’
Stevenage supremo says catastrophe is close if spending and costs keep increasing
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace calls on EFL to prevent death of football ‘as we know it’.
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
Thought I'd go old school with this and produce an actual news story. He makes good points, very good points.
#EFL #LeagueOne #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/phil-walla...
The sun was shining and all seemed right with the world. A preview of an actual football match - as Stevenage prepare to host Doncaster Rovers in League One. Manager Alex Revell looks forward to that plus a whole lot more in the Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
The Boro - What's that you say? A football match? Preposterous!
A preview of Stevenage FC v Doncaster Rovers in League One
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The sun was shining and all seemed right with the world. A preview of an actual football match - as Stevenage prepare to host Doncaster Rovers in League One. Manager Alex Revell looks forward to that plus a whole lot more in the Boro.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-3...
I started writing the second part of my FM26 career with Stevenage but it ended up completely different - more flippant, more of a dramatisation, a serial if you like, a small novella.
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
November 20, 2025 at 10:06 AM
I started writing the second part of my FM26 career with Stevenage but it ended up completely different - more flippant, more of a dramatisation, a serial if you like, a small novella.
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
I really enjoyed it too so decided to rewrite part one in a similar vein.
#FM26 #UpTheBoro
This one felt better. This one felt like an actual piece of work. Helps of course when there is an actual game to look at. Another win for Stevenage ladies dominates Monday’s edition of The Boro. Subscribe for all the Stevenage news.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Stevenage women make it 10 unbeaten in the league
A 5-1 win at Bowers & Pitsea keeps the good times rolling
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This one felt better. This one felt like an actual piece of work. Helps of course when there is an actual game to look at. Another win for Stevenage ladies dominates Monday’s edition of The Boro. Subscribe for all the Stevenage news.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The rain came but did not disrupt, well not that much anyway. A non-league football round-up from the FA Trophy, Southern and Isthmian leagues and Spartan Prem.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
Non-league Neil - Love to feel the rain at football time
News from a wet Saturday, November 15
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM
The rain came but did not disrupt, well not that much anyway. A non-league football round-up from the FA Trophy, Southern and Isthmian leagues and Spartan Prem.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/non-league...
It’s like Stevenage have shut down for a fortnight. It seems everything has stopped. Isn’t great for me, lost a couple of subscribers this week but taking time to revaluate and come back stronger. Can’t wait until some sort of normal service resumes though.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
The Boro - Stuck pretending to be a football manager instead of a football journalist
Another blank weekend for Stevenage in a long spell without games
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:04 AM
It’s like Stevenage have shut down for a fortnight. It seems everything has stopped. Isn’t great for me, lost a couple of subscribers this week but taking time to revaluate and come back stronger. Can’t wait until some sort of normal service resumes though.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
November 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Hard-earned but Stevenage go through in FA Youth Cup with late winner against Merstham. The match report.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
Brown sends Stevenage into the next round of FA Youth Cup with late penalty
All the action from the round two match at Broadhall Way against Merstham
npmetcalfe.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Hard-earned but Stevenage go through in FA Youth Cup with late winner against Merstham. The match report.
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/brown-send...
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 10, 2025 at 8:19 PM
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage