Morison completes Millwall switch

May 15, 2009 Leave a Comment

Millwall have completed the signing of Boro captain Steve Morison for a fee of £130,000. It’s been expected for some time now that this was Morison’s last season at Broadhall Way and the news came this afternoon that a deal had been agreed with the South London side for Boro’s topscorer for the last 3 seasons to move to the New Den. It sounds like good business for Stevenage as the club have added clauses and bonuses depending what sort of success Morison is at Millwall. The fee is also higher than what was expected. According to Morison, who gave an interview in midweek, a £85,000 minimum release clause was in his Boro contract allowing the Lions to have him for that amount. Instead a fee of £130,000 has been agreed which is good business for Boro.

Kenny Jackett’s side still don’t know what division they’ll be in next season after reaching the League 1 play-off final last night with a 2-1 aggregate win over Leeds United. They will face the winners from tonight’s match between MK Dons & Scunthorpe at Wembley, a venue that Morison knows quite well! Millwall currently have Neil Harris, Lewis Grabban, Izale McLeod, Gary Alexander and Vincent Pericard on the books at the New Den. Morison will certainly have his work cut out to get into the first team there, whatever division they are in next season, but I think he will be a success if he works hard and improves his finishing.

“I thought it was going to happen in January but Boro asked for more than clubs were willing to pay. I am absolutely ecstatic the deal is done.” Morison on moving to Millwall

I’m glad that the deal is a good one for all parties. Boro have done very well out of it, getting a six figure sum plus future incentives. Millwall have potentially got a striker who could hit 10-15 goals next season in whatever division. Like Phil Wallace said, I think he’ll just adjust to the different level and prove a lot of people wrong. Also playing with higher quality players will give Morison more chances to score goals. It will be interesting to see how he gets on next season and I’m sure, like George Boyd, he’ll be a success.

Don’t be surprised if a pre-season friendly against Millwall is set up in the not too distant future!

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Byrom is next in the door

May 15, 2009 Leave a Comment

Stevenage’s newest signing is attacking midfielder Joel Byrom who joins Graham Westley’s side from relegated Northwich Victoria. Boro have been quick since winning the FA Trophy at Wembley to strengthen their squad for next season and Byrom is the biggest signing of them so far. £15,000 has been spent on securing Byrom’s services from Northwich. He is a highly rated creative midfielder that can score goals. He can also operate on the left hand side and will provide good cover for Mitchell Cole.

It sounds like Boro originally moved for Byrom in January, but any deal was put off due to the player getting a hernia injury. A loan move in March was mooted, but Boro couldn’t match what Northwich valued the player at so again no deal was done. However, with Stevenage having success in the FA Trophy and the selling of topscorer Steve Morison to Millwall for £130,000, more money has become available and a fee of £15,000 has been spent on bringing the former Blackburn and Accrington midfielder to Broadhall Way.

Boro first announced they had agreed a fee with a Conference club for a 22 year old midfielder which led to rumours of Josh Simpson or Nat Knight-Percival joining from Histon. However, Northwich confirmed through their local paper that a fee had been agreed with Stevenage for the purchase of Byrom and the player agreed terms today before sealing his switch to Hertfordshire. I think he’ll prove to be an exciting signing for Boro and if he’s as half as good as what are last signing from Northwich has been then we’ll be in for a treat next season. Below are some comments from the Northwich forum;

“One of the most gifted players we have had at the club and when you think we got £50,000 for Charnock £15,000 is a very disappointing fee and Stevenage have an absolute bargain. Good luck Joel I’m sure you will have a great season at Stevenage and you deserve it.” Trumptonville

“Shocking bit of business IMO. I echo the sentiments above… He’s worth a LOT more than £15k! Anyway, best of luck Joel.” Green Turnip

“Actually I shouldn’t let that pittance of a fee get in the way of wishing Joel well at Stevenage. Hopefully his injuries are behind him and he can go on and have a great season in the Boro team. I’m sure he will move on again to bigger things. One of the best we’ve seen at Vics for some years. Just a shame we have to see him go.” LCV

The comments above obviously show that the Vics fans thought a lot of him up there. Some have said he is a natural talent with a good attitude and that the fee is far too low. I don’t know much about him, but from what I’ve heard I think it will be a good move for us.

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