The one thing you learn very quickly when doing this job is that sport never sleeps. Most breaking news happens outside of the usual office hours and so it is perfectly natural to see plenty happening when you are on holiday.

Stevenage FC have taken that to extremes though in the last two weeks.

I took two weeks off hoping Steve Evans had taken the same break as well. I was wrong and so this is a round-up of who Boro have been signing during my holidays.

One more tour for the band 

They had already announced deals to extend the stays of Elliott List and Josh March prior to my fortnight off, but four more of last year's squad have also agreed to another season at least.

And they are some of the club's big names too.

Skipper Carl Piergianni led the way, agreeing "a new, improved and extended contract", although exact details were not announced.

That was followed by Luther James-Wildin, the right-back opting to continue his stay at the Lamex Stadium into a sixth season.

Jake Forster-Caskey was next, the hope being a pre-season under Evans and a relatively injury-free campaign could make him the focal point of Boro's assault on League One.

The final one was perhaps the one that caused the most jubilation.

Taye Ashby-Hammond had been widely lauded for his performances last time out after signing on loan from Fulham.

The Cottagers though have now agreed to let him move to the Lamex on a permanent deal - the latter point being the main reason for the joy among the faithful.

Paul Farman was the last first-choice keeper Boro had on a permanent contract and he left three years ago.

Three new faces

Experience seems to be the cornerstone of Evans' early business, and not only have they secured the likes of Piergianni and JFC, they have added to the group as well with players possessing plenty of League One know-how.

Nathan Thompson is a 32-year-old who joins Boro having played more than 300 games in the third tier for the likes of Portsmouth, Swindon Town and most recently, Peterborough United.

Speaking on Boro's website, he said: "I’ve had good discussions with the manager about what we are looking to achieve this season.

"Having played against Stevenage numerous times, it’s always been a tough game.

"Now, I’m looking forward to being on the other side and seeing what we can achieve."

Alex MacDonald is 33 and lists Gillingham, Mansfield Town, Oxford United and Burton Albion as former clubs.

He played for Evans at the first two and so the wide man knows fine well what he is getting himself into.

The third of the new boys is Nick Freeman, a new local hero having been born in the town back in 1995.

He made more than 175 appearances at Wycombe Wanderers where he picked up a League One play-off winning medal.

He said: "This is my local club. I was born and raised in the area so it’s an exciting time for me.

"The club is going in the right direction and improving every year. This next step is a big one and I can’t wait to get started."

Some sad goodbyes too

It hasn't all been incomings though. There has been one departure while another joined the list of ones that got away.

Leaving is Danny Rose, joining Grimsby Town for an "undisclosed five-figure fee".

The other one that brought sadness to Stevenage fans was Alex Gilbey's decision to join Milton Keynes Dons in League Two next season.

It is a return to the club for the midfielder who spent last season on loan with Boro from Charlton Athletic.