Stevenage are attempting to fight off Premier League interest in 15-year-old talent Ryan Doherty this summer. 

The youngster has linked up with the club’s first team and is set to take part in the club’s pre-season fixtures including 45 minutes against Luton Town in a behind closed door friendly next week.

Doherty, who plays primarily as a midfielder has progressed quickly and his development has alerted Premier League sides to his ability.

The League One side are keen to keep hold of him, however, if a big enough offer comes in from a Premier League club, it may be difficult to turn down for a player yet to make a serious impact in first team proceedings. Alan Nixon (paywall) indicates that it may take a big offer to secure his services.

What Does Stevenage’s Season Hold?

Stevenage will be a club to keep an eye on this season, having lost promotion winning manager Steve Evans to next season’s league rivals Rotherham United, it will mean a period of change. They have favoured a less intrusive change, by appointing Evan’s number two Alex Revell to the top job, having taken charge of the first team towards the end of last season.

He will, be keen to follow on the success that his predecessor enjoyed, but signings could indicate a change in style from last season. The addition of Dan Kemp, returning to the club after a previous loan spell, could highlight a willingness to keep the ball on the ground with fast movement around him. This was the catalyst to his success at Swindon Town.

He utilised the talents of Jake Young and Charlie Austin to play quick one-twos to pull the defenders out of their position to allow space for the attackers to create chances. This worked both ways, the space created by these moves also allowed Kemp to chip in with a number of goals. Stevenage didn’t always play long ball football last year, but to get the best out of the former Swindon and Hartlepool man then the team will need to play to his strengths.