Byrom is next in the door

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.