Revell opens up on Boro recruitment woes

Former Stevenage midfielder Harvey White was Boro boss Alex Revell's most used player last season [Getty Images] Stevenage had plenty of success last season but boss Alex Revell has revealed it's not enough to entice players to join the club. Boro rose from a 14th place finish in League One in 2024-25 to securing a play-off place last season, although financial restraints still provide a hurdle to the side's recruitment ambitions. "I'll be honest, it's been tough," Revell told BBC Three Counties Radio. "The financial side of League One now is not out of control but it's extremely difficult to get players and I think for us it's about choosing the right types." The recruitment process is in full swing for the third tier side, who have made three signings so far this summer in striker Olly Sanderson, midfielder Terry Taylor and forward Josh Magennis. However, the club have encountered struggles when it comes down to money. "For the names we've spoken to, we've been blown out the window," Revell said. "There's a difference between being interested and looking to see how they fit to losing out on players when you actually meet them. "There's also a difference between players coming and seeing what you are about and losing them, not because they don't like what they see, but because financially football is a short career." Recruitment will be crucial for Boro next season after losing two of their key players to fellow League One sides this summer. MK Dons secured defender Charlie Goode on a free transfer, while midfielder Harvey White turned down a new contract at the Lamex Stadium in favour of joining Plymouth Argyle. "Both players were fantastic for us last year... but it's football, you have to move on," Revell added. "We've worked really hard, we've found Terry [Taylor] with a mixture of youth and experience. We feel we are on the right path." Robins name Stevenage's Banfield as assistant manager The new signings are not the only thing Revell is feeling positive about. The 43-year-old also believes there's something "special" about his team that goes beyond a big budget. "We achieved something really special last year because we are a special group and they work incredibly hard for each other every single day and no money can buy that." Follow Stevenage on BBC Sport