Dan Kemp has cited the Alex Revell effect as a big reason for him signing for Stevenage.

The 25-year-old midfielder joins on a free transfer from MK Dons, having briefly played under his new boss during a COVID-19 stunted loan spell in 2020.

And he revealed that conversations with Revell, heading into his second spell as Boro boss, were key in his decision to sign a two-year deal.

Kemp said: "I met with the manager and his staff and just got an amazing feeling from the chats we had - the way the plan was laid out, how much the club wanted me.

"Obviously I knew the manager before and got on really well with him.

"I know what a good person he is first and foremost and also that he is a fantastic manager and I think he is someone who can really get the best out of me.

"And I just got a sense of being wanted. He wants me to be a massive part for this team, a key player for this group, and someone can help us produce quality moments in the final third.

"That's what I'm good at, scoring and assisting, and I feel this is the perfect place for my next step."

He spent two years in Buckinghamshire although a vast part of that was away on loan, first at Hartlepool United and then Swindon Town last season.

His spell with the Robins was so good that his 14 goals and eight assists from 25 games earned him the League Two club's player of the year award, even though he was recalled in January.

He said: "The last 18 months has probably been the best football of my career. I'm loving my football and I think last season was showing the best version of myself."

His previous spell with Boro saw him make six appearances and score one goal before the league was cancelled in the wake of the pandemic.

But he says nothing too much has changed in terms of the surroundings, the sense of familiarity very much a positive in his eyes.

He said: "I had a really good understanding of what the club looked like from my brief time before and I'm delighted to come back and see nothing much has changed. This is how I remember it.

"I remember a really good club with really good people. The facilities are great at the training ground and I've played at the stadium a few times.

"So it hasn't really changed, a few tweaks here and there, but I don't think that is a bad thing."

And now there is nothing but "pure excitement" as he looks forward to getting back to work.

"I can't wait to get into pre-season and meet the lads," he said. "I've heard good things, Alex Gilbey spoke fondly about the group.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to know them and getting going."