Whatever his name is put up for sale

Graham Westley has told former Oxford right back Eddie Odhiambo formerly known as Anaclet, that he is free to leave Broadhall Way if an offer comes in. Odhiambo joined Boro on a free transfer last year from Blue Square rivals Oxford United, but struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team. It became apparent last week that he was struggling for most of the season with a persistent knee injury and didn’t get back into the ryhthm of first team football, with the team playing exceptionally well in the second half of the season. However, Westley has now shed light on the reason why he wants to get Odhiambo off his wage bill.

According to the Boro boss, Odhiambo failed to show the right attitude when he got back to full fitness. He went on to say that Odhiambo felt sorry for himself and needed to knuckle down if he is to stay at Broadhall Way for next season. I think it’s a good decision by Westley to make Odhiambo available for this reason. Stevenage can’t lose in this situation. Westley will either gain a determined, techically sound player with something to prove or lose a player who can’t be bothered, but would of been taking a lot of the wage budget home every week.

To be honest I hope it’s the latter option.

I was quite pleased when Boro signed Odhiambo last season and thought he would be a very good addition to the squad. He is good going forward and can do an able job defensively and always impressed me when he played for Oxford against Stevenage.

However, he started the season uncertainly and although his position in the team was never secure, he never looked comfortable wherever he played. I think in some ways he’s been quite unfortunate. Injuries have obviously played their part and the re-surgence of form from Ronnie Henry at right back has meant getting a place in his favoured position now looks unlikely. It may be best for both club and player if Eddie moved on. Eddie can get back on track with his career and Stevenage can save some money on what would be no more than a bit part player.

Lastly the sad news that non league ‘statto’ Tony Kempster has died. A tribute from the BBC London website is here, while Tony’s site can still be accessed here. A big loss to the non-league scene.