The Dark Horses No One Saw Coming Are Quietly Taking Over League One

The Dark Horses No One Saw Coming Are Quietly Taking Over League One

Stevenage have flown under the radar so far this season, with last campaign’s mid-table finish being nothing to write home about. However, the Boro have something to shout about now, as they currently sit in second place, with the same points and a game in hand on League One leaders Cardiff City. So what has changed from last season for Stevenage?

📊 It's time to look at the #SkyBetLeagueOne table!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/MGt8HFWuAU

— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) October 25, 2025

Unbeaten at home this season

Stevenage have made the Lamex Stadium an unattractive place for opponents to visit this campaign, as the club are unbeaten at home in all competitions. This is already a significant improvement from last season, as Boro lost nine of their 23 home games in the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite only being 12 games into the new season, it is clear to see the improvement made over the summer. Both incomings and outgoings have added quality and experience to a side that has lacked that cutting edge for the past couple of seasons.

Stevenage’s most recent home match in the league was against promotion rivals Bradford City, a game which ended in a 1-1 draw. The Bantams also sit on the same points as Cardiff and Stevenage, showing how making the Lamex Stadium a fortress will be vital in the club’s promotion push.

That was Boro’s first league game failing to win at home, having won their five previous home league matches. Despite only averaging 1.5 goals per game at home, the club have kept four clean sheets from six home games.

It goes back to that famous Sir Alex Ferguson quote, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles,” and that is certainly what is starting to develop at Stevenage Football Club.

Another point added. 👊 pic.twitter.com/GMV9nekq9X

— Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) October 25, 2025

Stevenage’s efficient summer transfer window

What on the surface may appear to be an ordinary summer transfer window has provided Stevenage with the quality and experience to surge up the table. Manager Alex Revell has added further reinforcements to the foundations of the squad from last season, and has avoided disrupting the already established chemistry amongst the existing squad.

Boro’s most notable additions are Jordan Houghton (from Plymouth Argyle), Chem Campbell (from Wolves) and Filip Marschall (from Aston Villa). Together these three players have amounted to 34 appearances in League One this season, proving to be vital men in Revell’s team.

Houghton (29) has a plethora of experience within the EFL, playing across the Championship, League One and League Two during his career. The defensive midfielder has played all 12 league matches this season, being the experienced head next to 24-year-old Harvey White.

Welcome to #StevenageFC, Jordan Houghton! ✍️

— Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) June 6, 2025

Campbell (22) has spent the last couple of seasons on loan with multiple EFL clubs, gaining more experience year on year. Last season he made 39 appearances for Reading in League One, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

The versatile attacking midfielder has already scored two goals in 12 league appearances for Boro, quickly proving his worth to his new manager.

🚨 Reading are set to miss out on Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Chem Campbell to Stevenage, according to reports.#ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/qQEJ5UKM5B

— RFCnews_latest (@RFCnewslatest) June 10, 2025

Marschall (22) joined Stevenage in the summer after a six-and-a-half-year stint with Aston Villa. The young goalkeeper spent last season on loan with Crewe Alexandra, playing all 46 league games for the club.

The 6’5’’ shot stopper collected 16 clean sheets with the League Two outfit in the 2024/25 campaign, showing an abundance of talent from a young age. It’s therefore no surprise to see that Marschall has only conceded 10 goals in the league this season, an average of (0.83 goals per game).

All the best to Filip Marschall who has joined Stevenage on a permanent deal.

Wishing you every success for the future, Fil! 💜 pic.twitter.com/uUc8dLMzWx

— The Villa Academy (@academyavfc) July 29, 2025

It’s clear to see the success Stevenage have had in terms of incomings during the summer; however, these signings were made to fill the void left by departing players.

31-year-old veteran midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey left the club to join National League side Woking. Meanwhile, wingers Kyle Edwards and Elliott List both joined League One rivals Northampton Town, leaving a lack of depth out wide.

Winger Beryly Lubala (27) was also recruited in the summer from Wycombe Wanderers to provide another attacking option. Lubala has already scored for his new club, netting a goal in Stevenage’s 5-1 win over Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy.

Stevenage have struck the perfect balance between outgoings and incomings this summer and are now starting to reap the rewards. There’s no reason as to why the club can’t keep fuelling their promotion charge; however, it won’t come easy. Only three points separate the top seven teams, with a fierce and ruthless battle lying ahead for the League One title.