Fatboy Slim may have said it first but Stevenage manager Steve Evans has a version on the theme of 'you've come a long way baby'.

It was March 16, 2022, that Evans walked into the Boro job with the club sitting third from bottom with a three-point buffer but having played more games than their rivals.

His first game ended in a 2-1 loss at Exeter City and they lost his second in charge too, 1-0 at home to a Carl Piergianni-inspired Oldham Athletic.

However, fast forward 24 months and they are sixth in League One with complete control over their hopes of a play-off place.

Evans said: "It's an easy date to remember because on St Patrick's Day, it's my grandson's third birthday.

"Two years ago when he had his first birthday, we were third bottom of League Two.

"We've come a long way in his short life and it's been a fantastic 24 months.

"We've had the most wonderful support from the chairman and the board, they have been fantastic in their support of the team.

"But the staff around the club, everyone from the matchday stewards to the catering staff to the security teams, they have been absolutely fantastic.

"Here at the training ground, our ground staff work miracles every day.

"I'm blessed to do the job I do but I have never forgotten that there are 72 people doing my job in the EFL.

"There are thousands of electricians in Peterborough for example but only one manager.

"It shows you how privileged we are and so for the last two years, I have been blessed to do this job, and that's on good days and bad days.

"You should always have reflections, like I did after Posh. I was disappointed going home and disappointed when I woke up.

"But you move forward a few hours and then you realise, we're still in the play-offs in League One.

"In the words of Darren Ferguson before the game, it's unthinkable you are there.

"After the game he believed we should be there and so do I but we know how tough it is when you look at Blackpool and Oxford and Orient and Lincoln.

"They thought they'd be there.

"But, like anything in life, when it is not expected, everyone wants to knock it."

And he isn't putting any targets in place, other than being inside the top six come the end of the regular season.

He said: "Our goal is to finish in the top two or top six by one goal or one point. 

"Last season we'd have loved to be champions but Leyton Orient were rightful champions over the period.

"If it comes down to our last game, here against Cheltenham, we'll grab it. I'd love to have that opportunity because I know what will happen if we go in there.

"The performance at Peterborough shows that, not the result but the performance.

"We could be two places outside the play-offs if we don't take care of ourselves against Orient or we can be well entrenched in it."