STEVENAGE Boro chairman Phil Wallace believes new boss Mark Stimson is the man to take the club forward. Stimson has been appointed on a three-year contract after joining the club from Grays Athletic. His number two at Grays, Scott Barrett, will also be h

STEVENAGE Boro chairman Phil Wallace believes new boss Mark Stimson is the man to take the club forward.

Stimson has been appointed on a three-year contract after joining the club from Grays Athletic.

His number two at Grays, Scott Barrett, will also be his assistant at Broadhall Way.

Wallace said: "We had a strong list of candidates for the job lined up a week or so ago but when we heard Mark was available there was never going to be anyone else as our first choice.

"We were determined as a board to do whatever was necessary to persuade him to join us.

"He doesn't have as much managerial experience as some of the other candidates. But we believe he is destined for the top and is capable of taking this club into the Football League during the term of his contract, playing the type of football our fans love to see.

"His talent for getting players playing to the best of their ability has been proved time and time again over the last four years.

"This, together with his current knowledge of the level and his desire to play football in a certain style, was the main reason he was our prime target when we heard he was available.

"We were fully aware there was interest in him from Football League clubs but I'm delighted to say that we were able to persuade him that Stevenage Boro was a challenge he couldn't resist.

"One which, if he were successful on the pitch, would allow him to take the club through to the Championship without the need for significant stadia or infrastructure development.

"We were able to persuade Mark that a financially stable club with an ambitious board and Football League facilities was the right career path to follow for the next three years. We're delighted he's joining us."

Stimson himself said: "I'm obviously hoping for a good relationship with Phil (Wallace).

"He only wants good for the club and he was really enthusiastic when we spoke over the phone."

The arrival of Barrett, a specialist goalkeeping coach, means Lionel Perez will not remain at the club.

Fitness coach Perez, a former Premiership goalkeeper, was acting as Graham Westley's assistant towards the end of the season.