Stevenage Football Club: Introduction

Stevenage Football Club is a professional football team based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. Established in 1976, the club has a relatively short history compared to many English teams, but it has achieved notable success, especially given its modest origins.

Currently, Stevenage FC plays football in English League One. The staff at the Fanbase here hope the team and supporters have every success in the future, of course. So, here’s our overview of the club’s key aspects:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Foundation and Early Years (1976–1990s)

• Formation: Stevenage FC was formed in 1976 after the disbanding of Stevenage Athletic, the town’s previous football club. The new club took over Athletic’s ground, Broadhall Way, and entered the United Counties League.
• Stevenage Borough Football Club came about in 1976, with the current name changing in 2010.
• Early Success: The club initially played in lower-tier football leagues but found early success, rising through the divisions quickly. By the early 1990s, Stevenage had moved into the Isthmian League.

Stevenage Football Club: Rise to Prominence

• 1990s Success: Stevenage’s rise to prominence began in the 1990s, particularly under manager Paul Fairclough, who took charge in 1990. The club earned promotion to the Football Conference (then the fifth tier of English football) in 1994. In 1996, they won the Conference title but were denied promotion to the Football League due to the state of their Broadhall Way stadium, which didn’t meet the necessary standards.
• FA Cup Runs: Stevenage gained national attention with several impressive FA Cup runs, notably holding Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw in 1998, although they lost the replay 2-1 at St. James’ Park.

Football League Journey

• Promotion to the Football League: Stevenage finally achieved promotion to the Football League in 2010 by winning the Conference Premier (now National League). This marked a historic moment as the club entered the professional ranks for the first time in its history.
• Name Change: Once promotion came about, the club took the word “Borough” from their name. Be that as it may, the club’s nickname is “The Boro”. This is a reference to when they had the name Stevenage Borough Football Club.
• Success in League Two: Stevenage quickly found success in the Football League Two. In their debut 2010–11 season, they finished sixth, qualifying for the playoffs. They won the League Two Playoffs, earning promotion to League One.
• League One Spell (2011–2014): Stevenage spent three seasons in League One, with their highest finish being 6th in the 2011–12 season, when they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship after losing in the playoff semi-finals to Sheffield United.

Recent Years (2015–Present)

• Relegation and Stability: In 2014, Stevenage was relegated back to League Two, where they have remained since. The club has experienced some ups and downs but has generally been able to maintain a stable position in the fourth tier.
• 2022–23 Season: Under manager Steve Evans, Stevenage had a standout season in 2022–23, securing promotion back to League One by finishing second in League Two. Their solid performances made them one of the best teams in the league that season.

Stevenage Football Club: Stadium

• Broadhall Way: Stevenage FC plays its home games at Broadhall Way (currently known as the Lamex Stadium for sponsorship reasons), which has a capacity of about 7,800. The stadium has undergone several improvements over the years, especially after the club’s rise to the Football League. Stevenage plays their home games in a red and white strip at their Broadhall Way stadium. The atmosphere at the ground is a friendly and welcoming one.

Stevenage Football Club: Notable Achievements

• Conference National Champions: Stevenage won the Football Conference (fifth tier) twice, in 1995–96 and 2009–10.
• FA Trophy Wins: The club has won the FA Trophy (a knockout competition for non-league clubs) on two occasions, in 2007 and 2009.
• Football League Two Playoff Winners: In 2011, Stevenage won the League Two Playoffs, securing their place in League One.

Playing Style and Club Identity

• Stevenage is known for being a resilient and hard-working team. Over the years, they have often adopted a direct style of play, suited to lower-league football, but have adapted to more modern tactics as they’ve risen up the football pyramid.
• The club has also been praised for its community-oriented approach, working closely with fans and local initiatives to develop strong ties with Hertfordshire.

Stevenage Football Club: Rivalries

• Stevenage has rivalries with several clubs in the southern part of England. One of the more notable rivalries is with Barnet, stemming from their days in non-league football and proximity. Other minor rivalries have developed over time with teams like Luton Town and Cambridge United.
• Other rivalries exist to some degree with the following teams: Peterborough United, Woking, and Milton Keynes Dons.

Managers

• Stevenage has had a number of notable managers, with Paul Fairclough being a key figure in their early success. More recently, Graham Westley was a prominent manager, leading the club during its promotion to the Football League and its early success in the professional divisions. Steve Evans, appointed in 2022, guided the club to their recent promotion back to League One in 2023.

Stevenage Football Club: Colours and Crest

• Club Colours: Stevenage’s traditional colours are red and white, often in striped patterns for home kits. The away kits have varied but typically feature colours like blue or black.
• Crest: The club’s crest features a stag, symbolizing the town of Stevenage, which is reflected in the town’s own coat of arms.

In Conclusion

Stevenage FC is a club that has rapidly risen through the ranks of English football over the last few decades, from a newly formed non-league side in the 1970s to playing in the Football League. With a history of resilience and a reputation for punching above their weight, the club has established itself as a well-respected team in the lower divisions of English football.

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**Information updated on September 7, 2024.