NOTE: This was written before the news of Steve Evans' departure for Rotherham United. All bets are off now although it might be fascinating to compare this with what the new manager does.

It comes round quick every year but the end of the season means football fans across the country and are already turning their thoughts to the next campaign.

Stevenage are no different. The end of their play-off hopes was disappointing, especially considering the position they were in as late in the year as the beginning of March, but it did highlight that reaching the post-season extravaganza is not a million miles away.

And that comes from producing an excellent summer transfer window.

Part one of that is the released and retained list, vital to create space in the squad and free up some gaps in the wage bills too.

I can't imagine it being drastic at the Lamex in 2024, some are on two-year deals and others will have clauses in their current contracts allowing for one year extensions no doubt. Those I'm not privy to.

But there will still be significant changes and definitely areas and positions in the squad that need a make-up.

Who Boro might go for it is an opinion piece for another day. For now though, this is how I would go through the squad list (and how I think Steve Evans might deal with it).

Stevenage FC squad 2023-2024

1.Taye Ashby-Hammond

Has been in and out and is prone to the odd lapse in concentration, hence the need to provide a back-up to push him.

He's number one for a reason though.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

2.Luther Wildin

New baby, playing well. Normally he'd be one to see what his options are elsewhere. For once I don't think that is the case. 

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

3.Dan Butler

Had an excellent season, seems to be happy. Going nowhere I reckon.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

4.Nathan Thompson

Now we get to the questions. Is he good enough to stay? Absolutely. Will he stay? I don't honestly know.

Has been out of the squad since his dismissal at Portsmouth New Year's Day. Would likely free up some wages.

What happens with his brother might be a contributing factor.

NM - Release
SFC - Unsure

5.Carl Piergianni

Slowly becoming Mr Stevenage in the style of Ronnie Henry or Scott Cuthbert. A leader and is absolutely needed still.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

6.Dan Sweeney

Signed an extension to his deal in March so he is definitely staying.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

7.Alex MacDonald

A solid squad player who probably had more game time than perhaps some expected. Don't see any reason why that should change next year.

Does a job in the Bostwick mould, except he's younger. Plus he seems to be important in the dressing room.

NM - Retain
SFC - Unsure

8.Jake Forster-Caskey

I think you have to keep him, he's a good player and fits into a number of positions in the squad. I think the big question is whether he wants to stop. Feels a bit like the Gilbey situation last year.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

9.Elliott List

A sliding doors moment at Tranmere last year. What would have happened if he hadn't got injured.

Not seen that pre-season form since although maybe, just maybe, there was glimpses against Barnsley. One more chance? Not for me I'm afraid but the club might think differently.

NM - Release
SFC - Retain

10.Nick Freeman

Has got better as the year went on. A solid if unspectacular part of the squad. Keep him.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

11.Jordan Roberts

I get the feeling he could be the big shock release, no obvious reason why, just a gut feeling.

For me though, I'd absolutely keep him and I have the feeling he has been carrying an injury over the last few months, hence the lack of starts and the tailing off of his form.

Does fit like a glove with this system and when he plays well, Stevenage play well.

NM - Retain
SFC - Release

12.Craig MacGillivray

A marmite character this boy but while his MK days seem numbered, think he can find a first-choice position elsewhere. At Stevenage, he would only ever be rotational at best.

NM - Return to parent club
SFC - Return to parent club

14.Kane Smith

If I could, I would keep him, but I think for the sake of the lad's career, you have to let him go. Would not surprise me if Boro kept him though.

NM - Release
SFC - Retain

15.Terence Vancooten

Always one of the last to sign, may do it quicker than usual though this year.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

16.Harry Anderson

I so want to be able to say that he'd stay and be an integral part of the squad because he is an exceptional and exciting footballer but it's his injury record.

He's been so unlucky at Boro and if the physios at the club know better, then he definitely stays for me.

But sadly the boy seems like he's made of glass and I just can't see that changing anytime soon.

NM - Release
SFC - Release

17.Finley Burns

Will return to Manchester City no doubt, deal there finishes in 2027. Did see him having a big chat with his agent the other week, got the feeling he was on the move but where?

He does the dark arts well, the unseen work. Wouldn't be a mistake if he was to sign again but think Boro can do better to be honest, perhaps needing someone in a different mould.

NM - Return to parent club
SFC - Return to parent club

18.Harvey White

Came with a big reputation and he is definitely talented enough. Maybe needs a proper pre-season but don't think he does enough for the boss.

Could be one that generates a bit coin to spend elsewhere.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain/sell if possible

19.Jamie Reid

Not even up for debate, the hotshot will be on the retained list for sure. May even be contracted for next season, the announcement in August just said an "improved and extended" deal.

You would have assumed he's on a deal next year as the big question is, do you sell when the inevitable someone comes knocking?

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

20.Aaron Pressley

His surprise appearance in the win over Barnsley seemed to herald a renaissance, but then he was hauled off at half-time against Burton, albeit looking very tired.

I think Boro will cut their losses and so would I.

NM - Release
SFC - Release

22.Nesta Guinness-Walker

Only in on loan but has to be one who is kept. Looks a threat when he gets on the ball and has the added bonus of being able to play in a couple of positions down the left.

Seemingly out of contract in the summer so he'll be a sign rather than retain for me.

NM - Sign permanently
SFC - Unsure

23.Louis Thompson

Been excellent in the last few weeks and would be a keeper for me.  Don't think what happens with his brother should or will impact.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

24.Ben Thompson

Hasn't been the player I think Steve Evans thought he'd get. Been some good signs but not consistently enough.

Still, would continue to make for a good member of the squad.

NM - Retain
SFC - Retain

29.Kane Hemmings

Now 33 and if he is happy to play second or third fiddle, I'd keep him. I don't think he will be though.

NM - Release
SFC - Release

33.Vadaine Oliver

Had his best season under Evans when at Gillingham. Failed to get anywhere near that though.

NM - Return to parent club
SFC - Return to parent club

Summary

That would leave a squad of 15 and openings for up to 10 new faces. It would be a good starting point for the summer window for sure.

I think there will be some really eyebrow-raising approaches for players and I definitely think the efforts this season will have made the club a more attractive proposition in a lot of people's eyes.

Will write another piece on possible names that I would go for soon but one thing is for sure, it is going to be a hugely interesting and pivotal summer at Broadhall Way.