First team coach is an admirer of Mark Hughes and has worked with Brett Williams before at Rotherham United

Darren Sarll is looking forward to working with Brett Williams again.

Striker Williams has joined Boro after two seasons spent with Aldershot where he scored 43 times in 99 matches.

With 14 players having left Stevenage this summer, new boss Teddy Sheringham is having to rebuild the squad and made Williams his second signing last week after the capture of Mark Hughes from Morecambe.

Boro struggled with putting out a consistent forward line last season, not least because of injuries that mounted up during the season to their front men.

The much-heralded Calvin Zola, who the club hoped would be in the top goalscorers in the league last season, made just six substitute appearances due to injury while Connor Calcutt and Adam Marriott also suffered with prolonged spells on the sidelines. Even when Boro dipped into the loan market, Kevin Lisbie, Lee Barnard and Ryan Brunt – all forwards – also picked up injuries.

Williams is a player that Sarll knows very well having worked with the striker during his time at Rotherham United.

The 27-year-old spent a spell on loan with the Yorkshire outfit from parent side Reading back in 2011, when Sarll was on the staff at United.

Speaking about the club’s new striker, Sarll said: “I know an awful lot about Brett. He has a lot of athletic ability which he’ll bring to the side. His goalscoring has improved [over the years], and he’s really got that ability to finish from around the box.

“He’s a typical number nine, and he runs in behind the defence very well.”

Sarll also knows Hughes, having seen him play six times in recent seasons including last year against Boro at the Lamex Stadium when the defender gave away a penalty which Simon Walton tucked away to give Stevenage the lead in a match which eventually finished 1-1.

“I’ve always been an admirer of his leadership and the perception he gives in terms of bravery; to stop, prevent and destroy,” Sarll said.

“I’m a bit fan of his personality and the way he presents himself. But he can play, he’s a good footballer.

“You don’t come through Everton as a youngster and not be able to play. You’ve got to be able to pass the ball.

“I remember his game for Morecambe at Stevenage and thought that he was excellent. He gave away the penalty, but he was brilliant in the game.”