Alex Revell
Alexander David Revell (born 7 July 1983) is an English professional football manager and former player who played predominantly as a centre-forward, known for his physical presence and goal-scoring contributions in the lower tiers of English football.[1] He is currently the manager of EFL League One club Stevenage, where he also concluded his playing career in 2020 after making 57 appearances and scoring 12 goals for the club.[2] Revell began his professional career with hometown club Cambridge United in 2000, making his debut in the Football League at age 17, followed by a loan spell at Kettering Town, before joining non-league Braintree Town after his release.[3] He signed with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2006, where he featured in over 50 matches across two seasons in the third tier, then moved to Southend United in 2008, contributing to their promotion from League Two via the play-offs that year. Joining Rotherham United in 2011, Revell enjoyed his most prolific spell, scoring 17 goals in the 2012–13 season to help secure promotion from League Two through the play-off final victory over Port Vale, and adding two goals—including a memorable long-range volley—in the 2014 League One play-off final win against Leyton Orient on penalties to earn back-to-back promotions to the Championship.[4][5] He then signed for Cardiff City in January 2015, making 24 appearances in the Championship during the 2014–15 season, and enjoyed a brief loan spell at Wigan Athletic in late 2015, making 6 appearances and scoring once during their eventual League One title-winning campaign. After Cardiff, he joined MK Dons in February 2016, then Northampton Town in June 2016, before signing with Stevenage in January 2018 to end his playing days with over 550 senior appearances and more than 115 goals across his career.[1] Transitioning to coaching, Revell joined Stevenage's academy post-retirement and was appointed caretaker manager in February 2020 following Graham Westley's resignation, later confirmed as permanent manager in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 disruptions, though he departed in November 2021 after a mid-table finish in League Two.[6] He rejoined the club as a coach in January 2022 and was reappointed manager on 9 May 2024, with Stevenage having achieved promotion from League Two in the 2022–23 season under previous management, before he guided them to a strong start in League One in the 2024–25 season and continued success in 2025–26, including topping the table as of October 2025.[7] On 31 October 2025, Revell signed a new five-year contract extension with Stevenage, rewarding his success in achieving EFL Manager of the Month nominations and positioning the team as playoff contenders early in the 2025–26 season.[8][9]Early life and background
Birth and family
Alexander David Revell was born on 7 July 1983 in Cambridge, England. He was raised in the Cambridge area, a region with a vibrant football culture centered around the Abbey Stadium, home of local club Cambridge United. Information on Revell's family background is limited in public sources, and there are no specific accounts of his parents or siblings playing a notable role in his early life. Revell joined the youth setup of Cambridge United, reflecting his early connection to the local football scene.Youth career
Alex Revell, a local talent born in Cambridge, joined the Cambridge United youth setup at age 7 in 1990 under manager John Beck, before progressing to the youth academy in 1997 at the age of 14.[10][11][12] As a promising forward, he began his organized football development within the club's junior setup, focusing on skill refinement and tactical understanding in a competitive environment.[13] Over the subsequent three years, Revell advanced through the youth ranks, gaining experience in age-group matches and contributing to the academy's efforts in regional youth competitions. In 2000, at age 17, he secured his first professional contract with Cambridge United, marking the transition from youth prospect to full-time professional.[10]Club career
Cambridge United (2000–2004)
Revell, a product of Cambridge United's youth academy, made his senior debut for the club during the 2000–01 season in the Football League Third Division.[14] Initially featuring as a substitute, he recorded 4 league appearances without scoring that year.[15] Over the course of his time at his hometown club, Revell amassed 57 league appearances and 5 goals, gradually transitioning from a fringe player to a more established squad member.[14] His breakthrough came in the 2001–02 season, where he started regularly and netted 2 goals in 24 league outings, contributing to key moments such as his first competitive strike against Bristol Rovers in October 2001.[15] By the 2003–04 campaign, following a period of limited opportunities, he added 3 more goals in league play, including a notable effort in a 2–1 victory over Oxford United that highlighted his growing physical presence as a target man.[11] Seeking additional match experience amid restricted first-team chances at Cambridge, Revell joined non-league side Kettering Town on loan in February 2003. During the short spell in the Conference National, he made 7 appearances and scored 1 goal, aiding his development in a more attacking environment before returning to bolster Cambridge's forward options later that year.[16] Revell's tenure at Cambridge ended in July 2004 on a free transfer, coinciding with the club's ongoing struggles that culminated in relegation from the Football League the following season.[17]Braintree Town (2004–2006)
Following his release from Cambridge United in the summer of 2004, Alex Revell joined non-league side Braintree Town in the Isthmian League Division One North.[18] This opportunity came after a loan spell at Kettering Town earlier in his career, which had helped build his confidence as a forward.[19] At Braintree, Revell quickly developed into a prolific goalscorer, netting 39 goals in 65 appearances across league and cup matches over two seasons.[20] He served as the club's top scorer in both the 2004–05 and 2005–06 campaigns, forming a key part of the attacking line that drove the team's ambitions.[21] Revell's standout contributions were particularly evident in the 2005–06 season, where his goals helped Braintree Town secure the Isthmian League Division One North title and earn promotion to the Premier Division. His consistent scoring form during this period caught the eye of professional scouts, culminating in a £8,000 transfer to League One club Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2006.[22]Brighton & Hove Albion (2006–2008)
In June 2006, Alex Revell transferred from non-league Braintree Town to Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of £8,000, marking his return to full-time professional football after a prolific scoring record in the Conference South had drawn interest from several clubs.[22][23] During the 2006–07 League One season, Revell established himself as a versatile forward, capable of playing as a central striker or wide, and contributed significantly to Brighton's survival in the third tier. He made 38 league appearances, scoring 7 goals, including key strikes that helped the team secure a 22nd-place finish with 53 points, avoiding relegation by six points ahead of the bottom four.[11][24] The following season, 2007–08, saw Revell's involvement limited by injuries, including an ankle ligament issue and hernia surgery that sidelined him for periods, alongside increased squad rotation under manager Dean Wilkins. He featured in 21 league matches, netting 6 goals, with a standout performance being a hat-trick in a 3–2 home win over Bournemouth on 1 January 2008.[25][26][27] In January 2008, amid Brighton's ongoing financial constraints following years of budgetary challenges, Revell was sold to Southend United for £150,000, ending his spell at the club after 59 league appearances and 13 goals overall.[28][29][23]Southend United (2008–2010)
Revell joined Southend United from Brighton & Hove Albion on 30 January 2008 for a transfer fee of £150,000, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.[30][31] During his time at the club, Revell struggled to secure a regular starting position amid competition from established forwards such as Freddy Eastwood and Lee Barnard.[32] In the 2008–09 League One season, he made 23 league appearances, starting 19, and scored 4 goals while providing 3 assists.[11] The following season, opportunities were even more limited, with only 3 league appearances and no goals before his departure.[11] Overall, Revell featured in 26 league matches for Southend, netting 4 goals.[11] To gain more playing time, Revell was loaned to Swindon Town on 1 September 2009 for an initial three-month period, which was later extended. During the loan, which lasted until January 2010, he made 10 appearances in League One, scoring 2 goals.[33][34] Upon returning to Southend in January 2010, Revell featured sparingly in the initial matches before the club agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent on 12 January.[35] This allowed him to join Wycombe Wanderers immediately on a free transfer (listed in some records as a loan until the end of the 2009–10 season).[35][36] At Wycombe, he made 15 League One appearances and scored 6 goals, contributing to the team's efforts despite their eventual relegation.[11] These spells away from Southend helped revive his career profile ahead of his next permanent move.[32]Leyton Orient (2010–2011)
Revell joined Leyton Orient on a free transfer in May 2010, signing a two-year contract after his deal with parent club Southend United expired, having impressed during a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers where he netted six goals in 15 appearances.[19][33] He marked his league debut with a goal in a 2–1 victory over Yeovil Town on 7 August 2010, heading in an equalizer just before halftime.[37] During the 2010–11 season, Revell established himself as a regular starter and key goal threat in League One, making 44 appearances across all competitions—including 39 in the league—and scoring 13 league goals that played a pivotal role in Leyton Orient's mid-table stability, as they finished seventh with 70 points.[38][11] A standout moment came on 13 November 2010, when he scored a brace in a 3–0 away win over Bristol Rovers—Orient's first road victory of the campaign—heading home Dean Cox's corner for the opener and adding a second from close range shortly after.[39] Revell's consistent performances and physical presence endeared him to supporters, solidifying his status as a fan favorite during his lone season at the club.[40] In August 2011, seeking further career progression, he transferred to Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal just before the transfer window closed.[41]Rotherham United (2011–2015)
Revell joined Rotherham United on 31 August 2011, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Leyton Orient.[41] He quickly established himself as a key forward, becoming a consistent starter in the League Two side and contributing significantly to the team's promotion push. In the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons, Revell made 81 league appearances and scored 16 goals, helping Rotherham secure a play-off spot in 2012–13, though they were eliminated in the semi-finals.[11] In April 2013, Revell extended his contract by two years, committing to the club until the summer of 2015.[42] The following season, 2013–14, saw Rotherham earn automatic promotion to League One as runners-up, with Revell adding 8 goals in 45 league appearances. His form peaked in the 2014 League One play-offs, where he scored Rotherham's opener in the semi-final first leg against Preston North End. In the final against his former club Leyton Orient on 25 May 2014, Revell scored both goals in a 2–2 draw—first a close-range finish to reduce the deficit, then a stunning 30-yard half-volley to equalize—before Rotherham won 4–3 on penalties to secure promotion to the Championship after nine years in the lower tiers.[5][11] During the 2014–15 Championship campaign, Revell remained a regular, making 24 league appearances and scoring 4 goals amid Rotherham's fight against relegation, which they narrowly avoided by finishing 21st.[11] Over his entire spell at Rotherham, he featured in 150 league matches, netting 28 goals, and was a pivotal figure in the club's back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship. In January 2015, with his contract set to expire that summer, Revell departed for Cardiff City on an undisclosed fee, seeking a fresh challenge in the second half of the season.[11][43]Cardiff City (2015–2016)
Revell joined Cardiff City from Rotherham United in January 2015 on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2017, following Rotherham's promotion to the Championship via the playoffs the previous summer.[44][45] During the 2015–2016 Championship season, his playing time became increasingly limited due to the squad's depth in attacking options under manager Russell Slade, resulting in just 10 league appearances with no goals scored.[46] Overall, across his Cardiff tenure, Revell made 26 league appearances and scored 2 goals, both coming in the 2014–2015 season.[11] In November 2015, seeking more regular minutes, Revell was loaned to League One side Wigan Athletic until January 2016.[47] He featured in 6 league matches for Wigan, starting 4, and netted 1 goal during his spell.[46] The loan was cut short in December 2015 when Cardiff recalled him, citing personal circumstances for the early return.[48] Revell returned to Cardiff's first team briefly after the loan but struggled to regain a consistent role amid ongoing competition for places. In February 2016, he departed the club permanently on a free transfer to Milton Keynes Dons.[49]Milton Keynes Dons (2016)
Revell joined Milton Keynes Dons on 1 February 2016, signing a short-term contract until the end of the 2015–16 season after leaving Cardiff City on a free transfer.[50] The 32-year-old forward provided experience and depth to the Dons' attack during the second half of the Championship campaign.[51] In his four months with the club, Revell made 17 league appearances and scored 4 goals, often featuring as a substitute or in a supporting role up front.[52] His contributions included a headed opener in a 1–1 home draw against Huddersfield Town on 23 February, marking his first goal for the team.[53] Revell also netted in a 3–2 defeat at Blackburn Rovers and during the relegation run-in, helping to bolster the side's survival push amid a challenging season.[54] The highlight of his spell came on 16 April 2016 in a crucial 1–1 away draw with Preston North End. With Dons goalkeeper Cody Cropper sent off for a foul outside the box and no substitutes left, Revell volunteered to play in goal, donning the gloves for the final 20 minutes. He saved a penalty from Jermaine Beckford in the 89th minute, securing a vital point that contributed to MK Dons' fight against relegation from the Championship—though the team ultimately finished 23rd and dropped to League One.[55][56] Revell's contract expired at the end of the season, and he departed the club in June 2016 to sign a two-year deal with Northampton Town.[57]Northampton Town (2016–2018)
On 14 June 2016, Northampton Town signed Alex Revell on a two-year contract commencing 1 July 2016, bringing the 32-year-old striker to the club on a free transfer from Milton Keynes Dons.[57] Revell had previously demonstrated his team utility at MK Dons by stepping in as an emergency goalkeeper and saving a penalty during a 1–1 draw against Preston North End in April 2016.[58] During the 2016–17 League One season, Northampton's first back in the third tier following promotion from League Two, Revell established himself as a key figure in the forward line, making 32 league appearances and scoring 8 goals, including his first for the club in a 2–1 win over Charlton Athletic on 13 August 2016. A calf injury sidelined him for four to six weeks in January 2017.[59] His contributions, alongside 4 goals in cup competitions for a total of 36 appearances and 12 goals across all competitions, helped the team consolidate their position with a 17th-place finish, avoiding relegation by 8 points.[60] As a veteran with over 450 career appearances, Revell provided leadership and a positive influence in the dressing room, fostering resilience amid a challenging campaign that included heavy defeats like a 5–0 loss to Bristol Rovers.[61] In the 2017–18 season, Revell's involvement decreased due to increased competition, limiting him to 15 league appearances and 2 goals before his departure midway through the campaign. Overall, across 57 total appearances and 13 goals in all competitions during his time at Northampton, Revell offered reliable experience to a squad that ultimately suffered relegation to League Two, finishing bottom of the table.[11] On 30 January 2018, at the age of 34, Revell left Northampton on a free transfer to join Stevenage in League Two.[62]Stevenage (2018–2020)
Revell joined League Two club Stevenage on 30 January 2018, signing an 18-month contract on a free transfer from Northampton Town.[62] He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goals for the club with a brace during a 4–1 league victory over local rivals Barnet on 2 April 2018. Over the remainder of the 2017–18 and full 2018–19 seasons, Revell featured regularly as a forward, contributing experience and leadership to the squad while helping Stevenage avoid relegation in his debut campaign. By the end of the 2018–19 season, he had made 55 appearances and scored 13 goals in all competitions for the club.[63] Following the expiry of his contract in summer 2019, Revell retired from professional playing at the age of 35 after a 20-year career.[64] He immediately transitioned into coaching at Stevenage, joining the club's coaching setup to focus on youth development and first-team support.[63] In January 2020, during an injury crisis under manager Graham Westley, Revell briefly came out of retirement by signing non-contract playing terms, making two league appearances before fully stepping away from playing duties.[65]Managerial career
First spell at Stevenage (2020–2021)
On 16 February 2020, Alex Revell was appointed as player-manager of Stevenage on a caretaker basis following the resignation of Graham Westley, with the club sitting 23rd in League Two and facing a relegation battle.[66] Revell, who had been serving as assistant manager since September 2019, guided the team through the remaining fixtures of the curtailed 2019–20 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, helping Stevenage secure a 23rd-place finish and EFL status after an appeal confirmed Macclesfield Town's relegation in their place.[67] In July 2020, Revell's position was made permanent as the club transitioned into the 2020–21 campaign.[6] Revell's first full season saw Stevenage adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and counter-attacking play, which contributed to a strong run from late December 2020 onward—winning 10 matches, drawing nine, and losing only five to climb to 14th place in League Two by the end of the 2020–21 season.[68][69] This mid-table finish marked a stabilization after the prior year's struggles, though the team had hovered near the relegation zone earlier in the campaign. Over his initial tenure, Revell managed 77 matches, recording 20 wins, 30 draws, and 27 losses, for a points-per-game average of approximately 1.17.[70] The 2021–22 season began poorly for Stevenage under Revell, with the team earning just seven points from their first 12 League Two fixtures and sitting 21st, two points above the drop zone.[71] On 14 November 2021, Revell was sacked along with assistant Dean Wilkins, ending his first spell at the club after failing to ignite an improved performance.[6]Period out of management (2021–2024)
Following his dismissal as Stevenage manager in November 2021, Alex Revell spent a brief period away from frontline roles, using the time to advance his coaching qualifications and reflect on his career.[72] During this interval, he focused on completing higher-level certifications, including enrollment in the UEFA Pro Licence course, which emphasized practical leadership and psychological resilience in high-pressure environments.[73] Revell rejoined Stevenage in January 2022, initially serving as an academy coach to mentor young players and contribute to the club's youth development program.[12] He was later promoted to first-team coach under manager Steve Evans, where he assisted in daily training sessions, match preparation, and tactical planning, gaining deeper insights into squad management without the full responsibilities of head coach.[2] This role allowed him to rebuild his professional network within the club and EFL circles, as highlighted in his LinkedIn profile, where he positions himself as a "forward-thinking and self-motivated Pro Licence coach" drawing on nearly two decades of playing and coaching experience.[74] By 2024, Revell had obtained his UEFA Pro Licence, a qualification he pursued through the English FA's program, involving classroom sessions as well as field research on decision-making under stress—such as visits to bomb disposal units and emergency services.[75][12] His work on the course included a presentation on pressure psychology, informed by interviews with high-stakes professionals, which he later applied to his coaching philosophy.[76] This period of structured development and supportive roles at Stevenage enhanced his credentials, paving the way for his interim charge of the first team in April 2024 after Evans' departure and his subsequent permanent re-appointment as manager in May.[7]Second spell at Stevenage (2024–present)
Alex Revell returned to Stevenage as interim manager on 17 April 2024 following Steve Evans' departure to Rotherham United. He was appointed permanently on 9 May 2024, marking the beginning of his second spell in charge.[2] During his interim period, Revell completed his UEFA Pro Licence, which included studies on pressure management.[72] As of 14 November 2025, Revell's second spell had yielded a record of 77 matches, with 30 wins, 17 draws, and 30 losses, establishing Stevenage as a surprise package in League One.[70] In the 2024–25 season, the team showed early play-off contention with a solid defensive record of 17 clean sheets across 46 league games but ultimately finished 14th.[77] The 2025–26 campaign saw further success, with Stevenage topping the League One table after 10 games, having secured 8 wins, scored 17 goals, and conceded just 8, while boasting the league's best big-chance conversion rate at 55.6%.[75] Revell incorporated leadership insights from external experts to enhance team performance, including discussions with bomb disposal specialists on handling high-stakes pressure and the Red Arrows on precision under duress, drawn from his Pro Licence research.[72] His tactical approach emphasized organization, increased pace in wide areas, and attacking potency, contributing to Stevenage's improved results.[75] In squad building, Revell implemented a strict rule requiring more than 10 references for new signings, along with multiple personal meetings to assess fit, prioritizing those who would not disrupt dressing room unity.[75] This methodical process fostered a cohesive group, described by Revell as "special" for its collective buy-in. On 31 October 2025, he extended his contract with the club until 2030, reflecting the board's confidence in his vision.[8]Career statistics and honours
Playing statistics
Revell made 679 senior appearances and scored 155 goals across his professional playing career. The following table summarizes his league appearances and goals by season:| Season | Club | Division | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01 | Cambridge United | Conference | 2 | 0 |
| 2001–02 | Cambridge United | Third Division | 26 | 2 |
| 2002–03 | Cambridge United | Third Division | 9 | 0 |
| 2003–04 | Cambridge United | Third Division | 20 | 3 |
| 2003–04 | Kettering Town (loan) | Conference | 7 | 1 |
| 2004–05 | Braintree Town | Conference South | 28 | 11 |
| 2005–06 | Braintree Town | Conference South | 41 | 24 |
| 2006–07 | Brighton & Hove Albion | League One | 38 | 7 |
| 2007–08 | Brighton & Hove Albion | League One | 21 | 6 |
| 2007–08 | Southend United | League One | 8 | 0 |
| 2008–09 | Southend United | League One | 23 | 4 |
| 2009–10 | Southend United | League One | 3 | 0 |
| 2009–10 | Swindon Town (loan) | League One | 10 | 2 |
| 2009–10 | Wycombe Wanderers (loan) | League Two | 15 | 6 |
| 2010–11 | Leyton Orient | League One | 39 | 13 |
| 2011–12 | Leyton Orient | League One | 5 | 0 |
| 2011–12 | Rotherham United | League Two | 40 | 10 |
| 2012–13 | Rotherham United | League Two | 41 | 6 |
| 2013–14 | Rotherham United | League One | 45 | 8 |
| 2014–15 | Rotherham United | Championship | 24 | 4 |
| 2014–15 | Cardiff City | Championship | 16 | 2 |
| 2015–16 | Cardiff City | Championship | 10 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Wigan Athletic (loan) | League One | 6 | 1 |
| 2015–16 | Milton Keynes Dons | Championship | 17 | 4 |
| 2016–17 | Northampton Town | League One | 32 | 8 |
| 2017–18 | Northampton Town | League One | 15 | 2 |
| 2017–18 | Stevenage | League Two | 12 | 6 |
| 2018–19 | Stevenage | League Two | 40 | 7 |
| 2019–20 | Stevenage | League Two | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 596 | 137 |
Managerial statistics
Alex Revell's senior managerial record is centered on his two stints at Stevenage in EFL League Two and League One, where he has prioritized a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation to emphasize defensive solidity and midfield control.[68] Across 152 matches as of early November 2025, he has achieved 50 wins, 47 draws, and 55 losses, resulting in a win rate of 32.9% and an overall goal difference of +15 (163 scored, 178 conceded).[70] His first spell from February 2020 to November 2021 saw 77 matches with 20 wins at a 26.0% rate, focusing on stabilizing the team in League Two amid the COVID-19 disruptions.[70] The second spell, starting April 2024, has yielded stronger results with 75 matches, 30 wins (40.0% rate), and improved defensive metrics (1.08 goals conceded per game).[70] In the ongoing 2025/26 League One season, Revell's side has averaged 1.94 points per match over 18 fixtures, with 11 wins establishing them as promotion contenders early in the campaign.[80]| Stint | Seasons | Primary Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First spell | 2019–2021 | League Two | 77 | 20 | 30 | 27 | 26.0 |
| Second spell | 2024–2025 | League One | 75 | 30 | 17 | 28 | 40.0 |
| Overall | 2019–2025 | League Two/One | 152 | 50 | 47 | 55 | 32.9 |