Former Boro favourite eagerly anticipating August showdown

FORMER Boro favourite George Boyd is relishing a return to the Lamex Stadium after his current club Peterborough were handed a trip to Stevenage in the Carling Cup first round.

Boyd, affectionately known as the ‘White Pele’ during his five years in Hertfordshire, has yet to return to the club in a competitive match since his �260,000 move to Posh despite appearing in a couple of pre-season friendlies and the 25-year-old is excited by the prospect of a return.

“It’s brilliant, I couldn’t believe it when it came through but it was bound to happen sooner or later,” Boyd told The Comet.

“I think it’s the first time I’ve come back competitively so it’ll be great, the fans were always great to me and I can’t wait for it.”

Despite the majority of Boyd’s former Boro colleagues following the mercurial winger to pastures new, there are still a few acquaintances at the Lamex that Boyd is looking forward to renewing.

Boyd added: “Ronnie Henry’s still there, I still speak to Dino Maamria – I’m still close to him but it’ll just be lovely to go back and hopefully do well.”

The Scotland B international was back in Comet country today (Thursday) visiting his former college, North Herts College in Hitchin, where he handed out trophies at the institution’s Primary Schools five-a-side tournament.

The tournament took advantage of the college’s fantastic new all-weather pitches and Boyd was impressed by the improvements made there since his departure.

“It’s lovely, it’s been a while since I’ve come back,” he explained.

“The facilities are unbelievable, they’re better than we have at Peterborough. They’re brilliant facilities and the college has come on leaps and bounds since I’ve left.

“Gordon (Barr, assistant principal) says there are a few good players coming through so that’s good for the college and the area.”