Returning Westley looking to make immediate impact at rock-bottom Stevenage

Posted Tuesday, December 24, 2019 by PA

Graham Westley takes charge of the first game of his fourth spell as Stevenage manager when Forest Green visit The Lamex Stadium on Boxing Day.

Caretaker boss Mark Sampson has returned to his coaching role, and Westley must try to engender an immediate bounce, with Boro sitting at the bottom of the League Two table.

They were thumped 5-1 by Crewe last weekend and Westley could well make changes.

Defender Chris Stokes has missed the last two matches through illness while youngster Arthur Iontton was back in the squad for the Crewe game having not featured since October.

James Morton will hope to have played his way into the Forest Green starting XI.

The young midfielder has only started six league games this season but he was a half-time substitute for Matty Stevens against Swindon last weekend and Rovers recovered from two down to force a draw.

Elliott Frear returned to the starting line-up after six weeks out through injury and lasted 65 minutes, so manager Mark Cooper must decide how best to use him during the congested festive programme.

Rovers remain in the play-off places but have only won one of their last nine games in all competitions.