Neil Metcalfe
@npmetcalfe.bsky.social
Freelance sports journalist, formerly for the Comet newspaper and more in Hertfordshire. Cover Stevenage FC and others. A cycling loving, Tottenham supporting Geordie from Hebburn.
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
November 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
What do you write when there is nothing to write about? You might not think I’ve managed to do that but I have written something as Stevenage sit through an enforced international break. The news I've found includes the Vertu Trophy draw and another win for the U18s.
#UpTheBoro
#UpTheBoro
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
‘Business as usual’ is a phrase used by the U18s and independently both boss Nick Mountford and skipper Alfie Thornett said it to me last night. The 2-1 win for Stevenage over Merstham in the FA Youth Cup was anything but straight forward but they did get the job done.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 10, 2025 at 8:19 PM
HT: Stevenage 0 Merstham 0 - FA Youth Cup
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
The visitors have given as good as they've got. Not too many clear-cut chances but feels like Woodford has had to deal with more than Bassom.
0-0
#FAYouthCup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
FM26 is out and you can become manager at Stevenage FC. However, you can also do this - a five-year simulation to see Boro's life in 2030 and what strange things happen. Something a bit different to make up for the fixtures in reality being all over the shop.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
November 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM
FM26 is out and you can become manager at Stevenage FC. However, you can also do this - a five-year simulation to see Boro's life in 2030 and what strange things happen. Something a bit different to make up for the fixtures in reality being all over the shop.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-2...
And a small clip of the song belting out at the Madejski. Yes, I am dancing along, that's why there's some shaking in there. Be grateful I wasn't joining in and singing...
November 7, 2025 at 10:27 AM
And a small clip of the song belting out at the Madejski. Yes, I am dancing along, that's why there's some shaking in there. Be grateful I wasn't joining in and singing...
Hearing the Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme tune at a match will probably always be the highlight of an evening. I just didn't realise by how much it would be last night. All the reaction, ratings and some of the thoughts after @StevenageFC lost 1-0 to Reading in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 7, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Hearing the Auf Wiedersehen Pet theme tune at a match will probably always be the highlight of an evening. I just didn't realise by how much it would be last night. All the reaction, ratings and some of the thoughts after @StevenageFC lost 1-0 to Reading in League One.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
At Bragbury End this afternoon to talk Stevenage v Reading with manager Alex Revell. Also got his thoughts on the Bolton postponement, his new contract and news of a name change at the ground. The usual Thursday preview brought forward 24 hours.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM
At Bragbury End this afternoon to talk Stevenage v Reading with manager Alex Revell. Also got his thoughts on the Bolton postponement, his new contract and news of a name change at the ground. The usual Thursday preview brought forward 24 hours.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
FT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 1 - FA Cup
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
FT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 1 - FA Cup
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
A deserved win for the League Two side. Woeful from Boro. Report to come.
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
HT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 0 - FA Cup first round
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
November 1, 2025 at 3:48 PM
HT: Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 0 - FA Cup first round
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
No added time needed and probably nobody wanted to see more of that. People will complain about the lack of penalties but some of the play from a few in white has been lackadaisical at best.
0-0
#FACup #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
To read, click the link below and subscribe:
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
October 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
To read, click the link below and subscribe:
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-s...
Enjoyed the chat with Alex Revell as we looked ahead to Stevenage v Bradford City in League One. I focused on selection and the headaches that come as everyone seems to be putting in really good performances. That and a whole lot more in Thursday’s edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
October 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Enjoyed the chat with Alex Revell as we looked ahead to Stevenage v Bradford City in League One. I focused on selection and the headaches that come as everyone seems to be putting in really good performances. That and a whole lot more in Thursday’s edition of The Boro.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
They are deservedly catching national attention at last but that doesn’t mean everything is being covered. For that, you need The Boro. Thursday's edition is jammed packed with Stevenage FC news ahead of the trip to Lincoln City.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...
October 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
They are deservedly catching national attention at last but that doesn’t mean everything is being covered. For that, you need The Boro. Thursday's edition is jammed packed with Stevenage FC news ahead of the trip to Lincoln City.
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...
#UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-b...
While someone at Vodafone was unplugging the wrong thing, I was writing the latest edition of The Boro. It got published but in the confusion, I didn't push it out to you lot, so here you go.
#UpTheBoro #StevenageFC #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-m...
#UpTheBoro #StevenageFC #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-m...
October 14, 2025 at 8:57 AM
While someone at Vodafone was unplugging the wrong thing, I was writing the latest edition of The Boro. It got published but in the confusion, I didn't push it out to you lot, so here you go.
#UpTheBoro #StevenageFC #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-m...
#UpTheBoro #StevenageFC #HowayStevenage
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-m...
Order of play today:
🔴Work on The Boro
⚪️Watch the FA Cup draw tonight.
🔴See ball number 42 immediately follow ball 56
⚪️Get in touch with the kids and let them know I'm coming home for the weekend
Nothing complicated about that and surely not too much to ask for...
#FACup
🔴Work on The Boro
⚪️Watch the FA Cup draw tonight.
🔴See ball number 42 immediately follow ball 56
⚪️Get in touch with the kids and let them know I'm coming home for the weekend
Nothing complicated about that and surely not too much to ask for...
#FACup
October 13, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Order of play today:
🔴Work on The Boro
⚪️Watch the FA Cup draw tonight.
🔴See ball number 42 immediately follow ball 56
⚪️Get in touch with the kids and let them know I'm coming home for the weekend
Nothing complicated about that and surely not too much to ask for...
#FACup
🔴Work on The Boro
⚪️Watch the FA Cup draw tonight.
🔴See ball number 42 immediately follow ball 56
⚪️Get in touch with the kids and let them know I'm coming home for the weekend
Nothing complicated about that and surely not too much to ask for...
#FACup
A reminder of the piece for The Boro, you can hear the enthusiasm reverberating in every word Berkley Egenes of @xsolla.bsky.social said here about the link-up with @stevenagefc.com:
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/xsolla-and...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/xsolla-and...
October 10, 2025 at 1:48 PM
A reminder of the piece for The Boro, you can hear the enthusiasm reverberating in every word Berkley Egenes of @xsolla.bsky.social said here about the link-up with @stevenagefc.com:
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/xsolla-and...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/xsolla-and...
Having spoke to Berkley Egenes of @xsolla.bsky.social
the other week, it wasn't hard see the partnership with @stevenagefc.com extending. The collaboration benefits both and it's also hard to under-estimate how much potential there is to this deal. Xsolla have a huge, global reach...
the other week, it wasn't hard see the partnership with @stevenagefc.com extending. The collaboration benefits both and it's also hard to under-estimate how much potential there is to this deal. Xsolla have a huge, global reach...
October 10, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Having spoke to Berkley Egenes of @xsolla.bsky.social
the other week, it wasn't hard see the partnership with @stevenagefc.com extending. The collaboration benefits both and it's also hard to under-estimate how much potential there is to this deal. Xsolla have a huge, global reach...
the other week, it wasn't hard see the partnership with @stevenagefc.com extending. The collaboration benefits both and it's also hard to under-estimate how much potential there is to this deal. Xsolla have a huge, global reach...
This week it was the women winning through to the first round, next Monday we’ll have the draw for the men and then it will be the U18s in the FA Youth Cup. Who doesn’t love the FA Cup and its draws? All the latest news from Stevenage FC for a Monday evening.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-f...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-f...
October 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This week it was the women winning through to the first round, next Monday we’ll have the draw for the men and then it will be the U18s in the FA Youth Cup. Who doesn’t love the FA Cup and its draws? All the latest news from Stevenage FC for a Monday evening.
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-f...
npmetcalfe.substack.com/p/the-boro-f...
Reckon this is worth putting out there again, the match report from yesterday, a 2-0 win for Stevenage over Luton Town. The winds of change blowing round these parts?
October 5, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Reckon this is worth putting out there again, the match report from yesterday, a 2-0 win for Stevenage over Luton Town. The winds of change blowing round these parts?
Team news is in for Stevenage v Luton Town. Two changes - Reid and Sweeney in for Ahadme and Piergianni.
#StevenageFC #TheBoro #HowayStevenage
#StevenageFC #TheBoro #HowayStevenage
October 4, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Team news is in for Stevenage v Luton Town. Two changes - Reid and Sweeney in for Ahadme and Piergianni.
#StevenageFC #TheBoro #HowayStevenage
#StevenageFC #TheBoro #HowayStevenage
Stevenage are a smaller club than many but with passionate fans just like everybody else and it is a pleasure (especially at the minute!) to report on them for you.
Up the Boro and ho’way Stevenage.
(2/2)
Up the Boro and ho’way Stevenage.
(2/2)
October 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Stevenage are a smaller club than many but with passionate fans just like everybody else and it is a pleasure (especially at the minute!) to report on them for you.
Up the Boro and ho’way Stevenage.
(2/2)
Up the Boro and ho’way Stevenage.
(2/2)
A small milestone for me and The Boro.
Just went through 50 paid subscribers, or 10 per cent of the target I’ve set myself. It’s small but not inconsequential and humble thanks to everyone who has parted with their cash so far. It’s truly appreciated.
(1/2)
Just went through 50 paid subscribers, or 10 per cent of the target I’ve set myself. It’s small but not inconsequential and humble thanks to everyone who has parted with their cash so far. It’s truly appreciated.
(1/2)
October 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
A small milestone for me and The Boro.
Just went through 50 paid subscribers, or 10 per cent of the target I’ve set myself. It’s small but not inconsequential and humble thanks to everyone who has parted with their cash so far. It’s truly appreciated.
(1/2)
Just went through 50 paid subscribers, or 10 per cent of the target I’ve set myself. It’s small but not inconsequential and humble thanks to everyone who has parted with their cash so far. It’s truly appreciated.
(1/2)
A special edition of The Boro featuring a chat with Berkley Egenes, chief marketing and growth officer at Xsolla, sponsors of Stevenage FC. Really fun, really positive and hopefully very insightful for fans. #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #EnjoyTheGame
October 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM
A special edition of The Boro featuring a chat with Berkley Egenes, chief marketing and growth officer at Xsolla, sponsors of Stevenage FC. Really fun, really positive and hopefully very insightful for fans. #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage #EnjoyTheGame
As an aside, even I have been considering if I've been too harsh with my marks in the ratings but am going to discuss that in tomorrow's edition which will also include the women's game and news from the academy. Out tea-time (that's 5pm for you southern folk).
September 28, 2025 at 8:51 AM
As an aside, even I have been considering if I've been too harsh with my marks in the ratings but am going to discuss that in tomorrow's edition which will also include the women's game and news from the academy. Out tea-time (that's 5pm for you southern folk).
HT: Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 1 - League One
Soft goal to concede, perfect response though. Nothing much between the sides, neither keeper tested aside from the goals. Opportunities in the second half for Boro, if they want it.
#TheBoro #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Soft goal to concede, perfect response though. Nothing much between the sides, neither keeper tested aside from the goals. Opportunities in the second half for Boro, if they want it.
#TheBoro #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
September 27, 2025 at 12:22 PM
HT: Leyton Orient 1 Stevenage 1 - League One
Soft goal to concede, perfect response though. Nothing much between the sides, neither keeper tested aside from the goals. Opportunities in the second half for Boro, if they want it.
#TheBoro #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Soft goal to concede, perfect response though. Nothing much between the sides, neither keeper tested aside from the goals. Opportunities in the second half for Boro, if they want it.
#TheBoro #StevenageFC #UpTheBoro #HowayStevenage
Alarm was set for 6.45am, left the house at 8.15am - I'd have done that for Doncaster away at 12.30pm. Orient might be close as the crow flies but not in reality. Another example (of the many) of how the TV company don't care about the fans.
September 27, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Alarm was set for 6.45am, left the house at 8.15am - I'd have done that for Doncaster away at 12.30pm. Orient might be close as the crow flies but not in reality. Another example (of the many) of how the TV company don't care about the fans.