No Brough move & Elding goes back to Kettering

Stevenage have ended their interest in Michael Brough, for now. Graham Westley told the Comet that the two clubs have failed to agree a new loan deal and that any deal is a long way off. Westley stated that he wanted to keep the multi-functional player, but with the clubs not being able to agree a deal, the Boro boss may have to look elsewhere for enforcements to his squad.

Fortunately the return of David Bridges from a long term injury has softened the blow of losing Brough. Bridges returned to the Boro squad in the FA Cup Qualifying game at Chelmsford and then made his first start of the season on Saturday against Kettering, maintaining his unbeaten record as a Stevenage player. However, Stevenage do miss Brough’s versatility. Brough played in a variety of different positions while back at Broadhall Way and impressed in each. His stand-out performance for me was when he covered for Ronnie Henry at right back against Luton. He kept their left winger out of the game and was exceptional going forward too.

I think we do need someone in the squad like that. We have Vincenti who can play in midfield as well as up front and we have a few players who can play varying positions, but Brough was someone you could stick in any position and be confident he would do a job for you. The only other player I can think of in our current squad that has the same versatile qualities as Brough is Eddie Odhiambo who I think has improved massively this season. His attitude has been first class and he gives Westley a few more options.

Away from Stevenage and news filtered through this evening that ex Boro striker Anthony Elding has joined Kettering on a 2 month loan deal. Elding previously played for the Poppies for a short while after leaving Boro in 2006. His stay at Rockingham Road was short lived though and he moved back to Boston United the following summer. I think Mark Cooper has signed a quality player and if he can handle Elding’s ‘attitude’ then Kettering could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming months. I wasn’t that impressed with them on Saturday, but with one of their key players in Andre Boucaud coming back from injury and Elding being joined by Simon Heslop as well, then I think Cooper’s side are going to improve ahead of the Christmas schedule.

Lastly, Stevenage Borough U18′s actually won a game, beating Boreham Wood 2-1. It makes a change from the reserves being stuffed, which featured a lot of the youth players in.