Former Colorado Rapids manager Gary Smith has been appointed as the new manager of Stevenage 12 days after Graham Westley's surprise departure to Preston North End. Smith beat off competition from the likes of Paul Buckle, Paul Ince and Martin Keown to land the job and is now targeting promotion at the end of the season. The Boro are currently sixth in the table and one of the form teams in League One, having lost just one of their last 15 games.
During his playing career Smith spent time at Fulham, Colchester, Wycombe and Barnet before coaching at Wimbledon, Wycombe, Watford and Arsenal. His lack of actual managerial experience may be of small concern for some supporters, with the 43-year-old's only manager role coming in America with Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids. However, he did guide them to the 2010 MLS Cup in his second season, before leaving the following year after a disagreement over finance.
Smith's first match in charge will be at home to Notts County on Saturday in the FA Cup fourth round. Stevenage will be aiming to reach the fifth round for the first time in their history. County won the meeting between the two sides at Lamex Stadium earlier in the season but have won just one of their last nine matches in all competitions, with that sole win coming at Championship side Doncaster in the third round. Stan James have installed Stevenage as the evens favourites, while The Magpies can be backed at 11/4, with a draw priced at 12/5.
Odds courtesy of Stan James.
