New Stevenage manager Paul Tisdale has said players will have an opportunity to impress him having arrived in the hot seat at Broadhall Way.
However, the former Yeovil Town midfielder has also been told that there is money for him to spend in the January transfer window – if he wants it.
Speaking on his arrival, he told the Stevenage Comet: “The transfer process in other clubs will have already started but there’s a month to the start of January and two months until the end of [the window] so there’s a good period where I can make some opinion of how we can take things forward.
“The players all have a chance, a blank canvas to impress. I don’t believe there is a lot to tinker with, there is the makings of a good team here.
“I won’t spend money needlessly. It’s great that there are funds available but you have to spend it wisely. I won’t be spending it for the sake of it.”
He was in the stands for his first match since his appointment to see Stevenage go out of the Papa John’s Trophy in a penalty shoot-out at Sutton United on Tuesday night.
Coach Robbie O’Keefe, who Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll described as “his first mentor in football“, took the team which had eight changes to enable Tisdale to take a look at a number of squad players and rest players ahead of the weekend.
All of which means any scouts from Huish Park in attendance at Gander Green Lane were unlikely to learn much about their opponents this weekend – not that Sarll will need much introduction.
FROM THE MANAGER
Newly-appointed Stevenage manager Paul Tisdale has been speaking to his new club’s YouTube channel ahead of the FA Cup second round tie, he said: “I’m very familiar with Yeovil Town having played there and managed there many times, so it’s a good one to start. Being an FA Cup game and on live TV I am really looking forward to it.
“Professional football does not give you any opportunities for freebies, you have to get results, so I have to find a way to get my message across as soon as possible and get a performance.
“I spoken quite a bit about the need for us to improve our league position, but the FA Cup can be a catalyst for improved performances and for players to step forward and make a mark.
“So never underestimate an FA Cup game and what it might bring and I will not be taking it lightly.”
TEAM NEWS
Despite picking up a fifth booking in his side’s last League Two fixture, captain Scott Cuthbert will be available tomorrow.
The former Leyton Orient and Luton Town centre-half will miss their next league fixture but competition specific bookings make him available.
Fellow defender Luke Prosser has missed the last three games through illness, could return and be restored to the defence if he proves his match fitness.
Former Exeter City captain Jake Taylor was one of those recalled in midweek having picked up an injury last weekend, but ex-Bristol Rovers man Chris Lines is a doubt after picking up a knock against Sutton.
A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
You do not have to look far for connections between these two sides – in fact, you don’t need to look any further than the respective dug-outs.
Home boss Darren Sarll was born in Hitchin, the neighbouring town to Stevenage, and was Head of Youth, first-team coach, caretaker manager and then manager for two seasons at Broadhall Way.
His opposite number Paul Tisdale was a Yeovil Town player in the 1999-2000 season and played 17 times for the club, scoring in his final appearance with first minute goal in a 3-1 defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers.
On the pitch there are further connections in the Yeovil Town team with midfielder Dale Gorman having come through the academy at Stevenage under the guidance of Sarll and went on to play 62 times for the club, while captain Luke Wilkinson made more than 100 appearances for his opponents this week between 2016 and his release at the end of the 2018-19 season.
In the opposite dressing room, Stevenage goalkeeper Adam Smith had three loan spells at Huish Park whilst a Forest Green Rovers player, most notably as Yeovil’s number one last season. He joined Stevenage following his release by Forest Green in the summer and has been a regular between the posts since arriving.
Other players who have a foot in both camps include:
- Remeao Hutton – Yeovil Town (2019-20), Stevenage (2020-21)
- Emmanuel Sonupe – Stevenage (2018-20), Yeovil Town (2020-21)
- Charlie Lee – Stevenage (2014-17), Yeovil Town (2019-21)
- Sam Hoskins – Stevenage (2013), Yeovil Town (2013-2015)
- Max Ehmer – Yeovil Town – loan (2011-12), Stevenage – loan (2013)
- Luke Freeman – Yeovil Town (2010), Stevenage (2011-14)
- Dean Bowditch – Yeovil Town (2009-11), Stevenage – loan (2018)
- Ed Upson – Stevenage (2008), Yeovil Town (2010-14)
- Russell Slade – Yeovil Town – manager (2006-09), Stevenage – managerial consultant (2020)
- Darren Way – Stevenage – trial (2000), Yeovil Town (2000-2006, 2007-2008, 2008-2010, 2010-2019)
- Colin Miles – Stevenage (2000), Yeovil Town (2001-2006)
- Giuliano Grazioli – Yeovil Town (1995), Stevenage (1997-98)