STEVENAGE chairman Phil Wallace believes Graham Westley has “evolved and matured” and will “inject a winning mindset” into the relegation-threatened club.
Former Newport County AFC manager Westley is back in the Boro hotseat for a fourth time, with caretaker manager Mark Sampson returning to his role as first team coach following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade.
That result left Stevenage in 23rd place in League Two, but Wallace is convinced that Westley is the man to help the club beat the drop.
“Graham got us into the football league almost 10 years ago and I can’t think of anyone better equipped to reinvigorate the team and start winning matches,” said Wallace.
“Graham knows the club inside out, we know each other inside out and he is desperate to put his career back on track.
“Given our current league position, this is not the time for us to experiment with managers. I need someone I trust and I trust Graham.
“The opportunity exists now for him to again create a team that is great to watch and delivers results that make our fans proud to support us.
“I obviously have a high regard for him, having employed him three times before and each time he has evolved and matured.
“I am banking that this maturity and evolution has continued over the four years since he was here last and we can establish a formidable partnership again.”
Westley was sacked as County boss in March 2017 after winning just six of his 29 games in charge, leaving the Exiles 11 points from safety with just 12 games to play.
His last appointment was at Barnet in January 2018 but he was axed after two wins in 11 games.
But Wallace believed the 51-year-old can rekindle his previous successes at Stevenage, which include back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One.
“I am positive Graham will inject a winning mindset into everyone at the club,” added the chairman.
“He has evolved and matured since he was with us four and a half years ago and his enthusiasm and feelings for Stevenage are burning bright so it wasn’t much of a decision to put our partnership back together again.
“It is important for us both that we now start winning in a way that brings the fans back to watch us.
“Our immediate objective is to climb the league but once that’s done, we will be raising our sights much higher.”
Westley met the Stevenage players and staff today and will officially take over next Monday following their home clash with Crewe Alexandra.
County head to the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, March 14.
Read more: Newport County boss Michael Flynn takes positives from Stevenage draw
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