GRAHAM Westley could make a shock return to Stevenage Boro s Broadhall Way this month. But Boro fans need not worry – Mark Stimson s job is safe and it could be as the saviour of Boro s first home weekend opponents, Crawley Town, on August 19. Westley is

GRAHAM Westley could make a shock return to Stevenage Boro's Broadhall Way this month.

But Boro fans need not worry - Mark Stimson's job is safe and it could be as the saviour of Boro's first home weekend opponents, Crawley Town, on August 19.

Westley is strongly rumoured to be preparing a rescue bid for the financially-stricken Sussex club who are already starting the season with a points deduction for being in administration.

Sources close to the club suggest Westley is part of a consortium which may bid to takeover from the unpopular Majeed brothers.

The former Boro boss, who was in charge for more than three years, has been out of football since leaving the club in May by 'mutual consent'.

Boro start this season's campaign on Saturday with a trip to Altrincham followed by the visit of York City on Tuesday night.

Stimson, Westley's successor, is not making any rash predictions for the season.

He said: "We're putting a team together and only time will tell how quickly they gel.

"We will go out every game to entertain and treat every one as a cup final.

"If we play like we can, we'll win more than we lose."

Stimson is hoping Boro will emulate his former side Grays Athletic, which went 15 games unbeaten at the start of last season.

Despite this, Accrington Stanley still won the title by a country mile but Stimson believes the race will be much tighter this year.

"Ourselves are one of 12 or 13 teams who can win the league this season. I think it will be a very open league this time.

"The two games coming up are going to be difficult because everyone is out to impress at the start of the season.

"We won't underestimate Altrincham because they had a reprieve last season and will be keen to avoid a similar season of struggle this time.

"And York, like ourselves, are one of the many teams which could do well."

On the playing front, midfielder David Hicks has been offered a short term deal by Stimson and Boro are waiting to hear back if the former Northampton man accepts.

Flying winger Dale Binns, signed from Cambridge City in the close season, will miss the first few weeks due to injury but otherwise Stimson reported a clean bill of health.

A battling 2-2 draw at home to Conference South side Kettering on Sunday completed Boro's pre-season schedule.

Stimson continued: "It's been difficult because we've played three Championship sides (Crystal Palace, Luton and QPR) and of course Spurs from the Premiership.

"Unlike, say, in a cup game, we haven't been able to really get stuck in during these games.

"The lower level teams we've played since then haven't given us that respect but I didn't expect anything different.