The Comet’s Damion Roberts catches up with Stevenage FC’s new CEO

Stevenage’s new chief executive officer says getting Everton in the FA Cup is a ‘dream draw’ for his club, adding that Boro will use the money it makes from the game ‘for the long-term good of the club’.

Barry Webber took up his position as Boro’s CEO at the turn of the year, having formerly been the commercial director at Premier League side West Ham United.

He watched Stevenage in action against Doncaster on Saturday, saying his new club were the better team ‘from the first whistle to the last’, and now looking ahead to Everton, Webber says: “It’s a dream draw for the club which has come at such a crucial time. With the national media spotlight on us, we have a rare opportunity to not only showcase the club but also the town.

“What we know is that the spotlight is already on Stevenage and the hype and euphoria will grow as matchday approaches on the 25th. This is also an opportunity to tell the wider community all about the club, and what we are trying to achieve.”

Webber has had some previous experience dealing with Everton, saying: “When I was at AEG my job was to secure a stadium naming rights partner for Everton’s new stadium (Kirkby project). Unfortunately the stadium never received planning permission and after 12 months the project was pulled.”

He also believes that although Boro will be taking on a Premier League side on January 25, his new club can more than match them.

“During that time I made many a friend at Everton. They will come here high in confidence expecting to win the match,” he says.

“We on the other hand hold no fear and expect to not only compete with Everton but also beat them and progress into the next round.

“Confidence is high in the camp having convincingly beaten Doncaster in the last round and also announced Francois Zoko has signed a new contract until the end of season.

“Players are also returning from injury and 2014 is set to be a much improved year. We have three weeks to secure a few wins and the momentum will take us into the Everton game in high spirits.”

Asked how the game will help the club financially, Webber said: “It is great that we are experiencing the magic of the FA Cup and I am sure all our supporters are proud of the team’s achievement. However, we can’t hide the simple fact that we will absolutely seek to maximise our income from this draw for the long-term good of the club.

“Our fans know every penny we get from this cup run will be carefully invested back into the team and the club infrastructure.

“In the past the owner Phil Wallace has demonstrated that time and time again and it is one of the main reasons why the club has come so far in such a short amount of time. Phil has made a clear statement of intent by bringing me into the business and I am determined to do my best for Stevenage and our supporters.”