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Alex Revell
Alex Revell
Alex Revell
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Alexander David Revell (born 7 July 1983) is an English football manager and former professional player, who is the manager of EFL League One club Stevenage. During his playing career he made at least 50 appearances for five different clubs; Cambridge United, Braintree Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, Rotherham United and Stevenage.

Key Information

Career

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Cambridge United

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Revell is a graduate of the Cambridge United youth set-up, where he struggled to establish himself during his stint at the Abbey Stadium.[citation needed]

Kettering Town (loan)

[edit]

Discovering his first team opportunities at Cambridge were limited, Revell spent a loan spell at then Conference National club Kettering Town.

Braintree Town

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Soon afterwards, Revell left Cambridge in 2004 where he made the decision to drop out of the Football League by joining Braintree Town.

During his time at Braintree, Revell managed to find the net 35 times for the club, where he managed to help them gain promotion to the Conference South during the 2005–06 season.

Brighton & Hove Albion

[edit]

Revell was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2006, with manager Mark McGhee saying he wouldn't be "a major signing in the supporters' eyes, but he could turn out to be the best signing".[2]

On 1 January 2008, Revell scored his first professional hat-trick as Brighton defeated AFC Bournemouth 3–2 at the Withdean.[3]

Southend

[edit]

On 30 January 2008, Revell made his move from Brighton to Southend on a two-and-a-half-year contract for £150,000. Steve Tilson had been a long admirer of Revell and tried to sign him in August 2007 transfer window.[citation needed]

On 16 August 2008, Revell scored his first league goal for Southend in a 1–1 draw with Millwall at The New Den.[4] Revell scored his first home league goal for the Shrimpers in a 2–1 win over Swindon Town at Roots Hall on 18 October 2008.[5] After several excellent hard working performances without reward, Revell scored his third goal for Southend after 10 minutes in the 2–2 draw away at Tranmere on 15 November 2008, getting ahead of Craig Duncan to meet Kevin Betsy's cross.[6]

Revell suffered a broken leg against Leyton Orient on 20 January 2009 after landing awkwardly, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.[7]

Revell made his comeback appearance from the injury on 10 July 2009 against Great Wakering in a pre season friendly.

He made five appearances for Southend at the start of the 2009–2010 season, the last of which came against Swindon Town as Southend went down to a 2–1 defeat.

Revell returned to Southend at the end of his loan spell having made 12 appearances and scoring two goals. On 12 January 2010, Southend and Revell parted company by mutual consent.[8]

Swindon Town (loan)

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On 1 September 2009, just three days after playing against them, he signed for Swindon Town on loan from Southend United until 3 January 2010, with the club having the option of making the move permanent if his spell was successful.

Revell made his debut for The Robins in a 1–1 draw against his parent clubs rivals Colchester United. His first goals for Swindon came on 3 October 2009 against Brentford as he bagged a brace in a 3–2 victory.

Revell fell down the pecking order at Swindon and with the fine form of Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin up front, Revell found his chances limited and was often an unused substitute. Swindon opted not to make the move permanent and Revell returned to Essex.

Wycombe Wanderers (loan)

[edit]

Wycombe Wanderers thought they had signed Revell on 12 January 2010 on a free transfer but that deal fell through, on the rule that prevents players representing three clubs in one season. Revell was a Southend United player at the start of the season and played five times before going on a standard loan to Swindon Town, meaning that he had officially represented two clubs and subsequently could not sign for Wycombe.

If Revell had gone on an emergency loan to Swindon Town he would have been able to sign for Wycombe Wanderers without any problems.

On 22 January 2010, Revell was given permission to sign for Wycombe Wanderers on a three-month emergency loan.[9] Revell remained a Southend United player as the club still held his registration. He remained on loan at Adams Park until late April 2010 before becoming a free agent. His first goal for Wycombe came on his debut, against Bristol Rovers from the penalty spot. After failing to score again for the next two months, Revell scored five goals in three games against Tranmere Rovers, Milton Keynes Dons and Swindon Town to help keep Wycombe in contention to avoid relegation.

After the final game of his loan deal, he signed a contract at Wycombe, starting on 3 May until the end of June. However, this did not allow him to play in the final game of the season because the rule that prevents players representing three clubs in one season would only allow him to play while his emergency loan was valid.

Leyton Orient

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Revell was offered an extended contract by Wycombe but turned it down, instead choosing to join Leyton Orient on a two-year contract starting on 1 July 2010.[10] He scored on his league debut for Orient on 7 August, and followed it up three days later with the winning goal in the League Cup victory over his former club Swindon Town.[11] On 13 November, Revell scored twice to help Orient register their first away win of the season with a 3–0 victory over Bristol Rovers.[12]

Rotherham United

[edit]

Revell signed for Rotherham United on the final day of the summer 2011 transfer window for an undisclosed fee.[13] He made his debut on 3 September, and scored twice in a 3–2 defeat against eventual league winners Swindon Town.[14] His next goal came on 4 October in the Football League Trophy, scoring in a 2–1 loss to Sheffield United.[15] On 25 October he helped Rotherham complete a sensational comeback against Morecambe, with Rotherham 3–0 down at half time, Revell scored the final goal as Rotherham managed to draw the game 3–3.[16] After scoring in wins against Bradford City[17] and Hereford United,[18] Revell scored his first goal of 2012 in another defeat to Swindon, this time a 2–1 loss at the Don Valley Stadium on 14 January.[19] He scored in successive games against Dagenham[20] and Southend[21] in January and February. On 21 March he scored in a 4–2 win against Macclesfield Town.[22] He scored his tenth league goal for Rotherham on the final day of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Northampton Town on 5 May, which was also Rotherham's final ever goal and game at the Don Valley Stadium.[23] He scored his first goal of the following season on 15 September 2012, in a 1–0 win against Torquay United.[24] He scored again the following game, in a 3–2 defeat at home to Rochdale.[25] In the next game against Barnet, he was sent off for what seemed to be a reckless challenge in a 0–0 draw at Underhill.[26]

Revell scored Rotherham's first goal in their 2014 play-off semi-final first leg against Preston North End,[27] and in the final, against Leyton Orient, he contributed two goals, the second "an angled, dipping half volley from 40 yards out" to tie the scores and take the match into a penalty shootout which Rotherham won.[28] He scored a goal against ex-club Brighton in the 2014–15 Championship season, leveling the match in an eventual 1–1 draw at Falmer Stadium.

Cardiff City

[edit]

On 9 January 2015 Revell left Rotherham United and joined his former manager Russell Slade at Cardiff City, with the transfer fee believed to be in the region of £175,000.[29] He made his debut in a 1–0 win over Fulham the following day and went on to score his first goal against Norwich City, the next game. He went on to finish the season with goals goals in 17 games for his new club and six in total for the season.

Revell had started in the starting eleven, the following season partnering Joe Mason, however was dropped after three games after a slow start to the season.

Wigan Athletic (loan)

[edit]

On 11 November 2015, Revell joined League One side Wigan Athletic,[30] making his debut at Rochdale and then finding the winner against Shrewsbury Town the following week.

Upon returning to Cardiff, former club Rotherham United manager, Neil Redfearn had confirmed that the club had opened talked over Revell making a return to New York Stadium.[31] Despite talks going on, Revell started the following game against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

Milton Keynes Dons

[edit]

On 1 February 2016, Revell signed on a free transfer to fellow Championship side Milton Keynes Dons.[32][33] On 23 February 2016 Revell scored his first goal for the club with a header in the 1–1 home draw versus Huddersfield Town.[34]

On 16 April 2016 away to Preston North End, with no substitutions remaining and the score level at 1–1, Revell replaced goalkeeper Cody Cropper in goal in the 81st minute after Cropper was sent off for a foul inside the penalty area against Preston's Eoin Doyle, resulting in a penalty being awarded. Revell saved the resulting penalty taken by Joe Garner. The game finished 1–1. The incident was widely reported in the press with Revell receiving high praise for his performance.[35]

Northampton Town

[edit]

Revell signed for Northampton Town on 14 June 2016 with contract commencing 1 July 2016 for 2 years.[36] He scored his first goal for Northampton in a 1–1 draw against Charlton Athletic on 13 August 2016.[37]

Stevenage

[edit]

Revell joined League Two side Stevenage on a free transfer on 30 January 2018, signing an 18-month contract with the Hertfordshire club.[38] He made his Stevenage debut in the club's 3–2 away defeat at Accrington Stanley on 3 February 2018, playing the whole match.[39] In only his third appearance,[40] Revell received a straight red card for a challenge on Isaiah Osbourne in an eventual 3–1 away loss to Forest Green Rovers.[41] Consequently, he was suspended for the club's next three matches, returning to the first-team over a month after his dismissal.[40] Revell scored his first goals for Stevenage in the club's comprehensive 4–1 win over rivals Barnet at Broadhall Way on 2 April 2018, netting twice in the second-half.[42] This was to serve as the catalyst for a strong end to the season for Revell; scoring Stevenage's solitary goal in a 3–1 away loss at Coventry City,[43] before scoring a hat-trick in a 3–1 win over Exeter City on 28 April 2018.[44] It was Revell's first hat-trick in over ten years.[45] Revell announced his retirement on 4 July 2019.[46] He later accepted a coaching role with Stevenage as the club's under-18s manager in September 2019 following the sacking of Dino Maamria.[47] On 4 January 2020 Stevenage announced that Revell would retain his coaching duties but was coming out of retirement to aid the first team squad in their relegation battle.[48]

Managerial career

[edit]

On 16 February 2020, Revell was appointed first team manager of Stevenage until the end of the 2019–20 season following the resignation of Graham Westley, with Stevenage seven points adrift at the bottom of League Two.[49] He managed two games, losing both, before the season was terminated prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom; with bottom club Stevenage initially relegated, but reprieved due to points deductions for Macclesfield Town.[50] Stevenage's struggles continued into the 2020–21 season as the team were in last place with only two wins in their first 18 matches. However, from Boxing Day on the club won 10 matches, drew nine times and only lost five games, finishing in 14th place in the league table.[51] Revell was sacked as Stevenage manager on 14 November 2021, following a poor run of results which saw them gain only 7 points from 12 games, leaving them only two points above the relegation zone.[52]

Revell re-joined Stevenage in early January 2022 as a coach for the youth academy.[53] In the off-season he was promoted to first team coach by manager Steve Evans, whom he played for at Rotherham.[54] On 17 April 2024, following the shock departure of Evans to Rotherham United, Revell was appointed interim manager for the remaining two fixtures of the season.[55] On 9 May 2024, he was given the job on a permanent basis.[56]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 11 January 2020
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cambridge United 2000–01[57] Second Division 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2001–02[58] Second Division 24 2 2 0 0 0 4[a] 0 30 2
2002–03[59] Third Division 9 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 11 0
2003–04[60] Third Division 20 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 21 3
Total 57 5 2 0 1 0 6 0 66 5
Kettering Town (Loan) 2003–04[60] Conference Premier 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1
Braintree Town 2004–05 IL Premier Division 32 18 1 0 0 0 0 0 33 18
2005–06 IL Premier Division 37 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 17
Total 69 35 1 0 0 0 0 0 70 35
Brighton & Hove Albion 2006–07[61] League One 38 7 3 2 2 0 3[a] 2 46 11
2007–08[62] League One 21 6 1 1 1 0 2[a] 0 25 7
Total 59 13 4 3 3 0 5 2 71 18
Southend United 2007–08[62] League One 8 0 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 10 0
2008–09[63] League One 23 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 28 4
2009–10[64] League One 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 0
Total 34 4 4 0 3 0 2 0 43 4
Swindon Town (Loan) 2009–10[64] League One 10 2 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 12 2
Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 2009–10[64] League One 15 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 6
Leyton Orient 2010–11[65] League One 39 13 8 2 2 1 1[a] 0 50 16
2011–12[66] League One 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0
Total 44 13 8 2 3 1 1 0 56 16
Rotherham United 2011–12[66] League Two 40 10 2 0 0 0 1[a] 1 43 11
2012–13[67] League Two 41 6 4 0 0 0 1[a] 0 46 6
2013–14[68] League One 45 8 2 1 2 0 6[c] 4 55 13
2014–15[69] Championship 24 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 26 4
Total 150 28 8 1 4 0 8 5 170 34
Cardiff City 2014–15[69] Championship 16 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 2
2015–16[70] Championship 10 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 13 1
Total 26 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 30 3
Wigan Athletic (Loan) 2015–16[70] League One 6 1 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 7 1
Milton Keynes Dons 2015–16[70] Championship 17 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 4
Northampton Town 2016–17[71] League One 32 8 2 0 3 2 2[d] 0 39 10
2017–18[40] League One 15 2 0 0 1 0 2[d] 1 18 3
Total 47 10 2 0 4 2 4 1 57 13
Stevenage 2017–18[40] League Two 12 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 6
2018–19[72] League Two 40 7 1 0 1 0 1[d] 0 43 7
2019–20[73] League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 1[d] 0 2 0
Total 54 13 1 0 1 0 1 0 57 13
Career total 596 137 32 6 21 4 30 8 679 155
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in League One play-offs
  3. ^ Three appearances in Football League Trophy and three in League One play-offs
  4. ^ a b c d Appearances in EFL Trophy

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 14 February 2026[74]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Stevenage 16 February 2020 15 November 2021 77 20 30 27 026.0
Stevenage 17 April 2024 Present 93 34 24 35 036.6
Total 170 54 54 62 031.8

Honours

[edit]

Rotherham United

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Revell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander David Revell (born 7 July 1983) is an English professional 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. He is currently the manager of club , where he also concluded his playing career in 2020 after making 57 appearances and scoring 12 goals for the club. Revell began his professional career with hometown club 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. 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 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 . He then signed for Cardiff City in January 2015, making 24 appearances in the 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 in January 2018 to end his playing days with over 550 senior appearances and more than 115 goals across his career. Transitioning to coaching, Revell joined 's academy post-retirement and was appointed in February 2020 following Graham Westley's resignation, later confirmed as permanent manager in July 2020 amid the disruptions, though he departed in November 2021 after a mid-table finish in League Two. He rejoined the club as a coach in January 2022 and was reappointed manager on 9 May 2024, with 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. On 31 October 2025, Revell signed a new five-year contract extension with , rewarding his success in achieving EFL Manager of the Month nominations and positioning the team as playoff contenders early in the 2025–26 season.

Early life and background

Birth and family

Alexander David Revell was born on 7 July 1983 in , . He was raised in the area, a region with a vibrant football culture centered around the , 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 , joined the 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. 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. 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 United, marking the transition from youth prospect to full-time professional.

Club career

United (2000–2004)

Revell, a product of United's youth academy, made his senior debut for the club during the 2000–01 season in the . Initially featuring as a substitute, he recorded 4 league appearances without scoring that year. 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. 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. 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. Seeking additional match experience amid restricted first-team chances at , Revell joined non-league side 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 's forward options later that year. Revell's tenure at ended in 2004 on a free transfer, coinciding with the club's ongoing struggles that culminated in relegation from the Football League the following season.

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 Division One North. This opportunity came after a loan spell at Town earlier in his career, which had helped build his confidence as a forward. At Braintree, Revell quickly developed into a prolific goalscorer, netting 39 goals in 65 appearances across league and cup matches over two seasons. 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. Revell's standout contributions were particularly evident in the 2005–06 season, where his goals helped Braintree Town secure the 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.

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. 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. The following season, 2007–08, saw Revell's involvement limited by injuries, including an ankle ligament issue and surgery that sidelined him for periods, alongside increased squad rotation under manager . He featured in 21 league matches, netting 6 goals, with a standout performance being a in a 3–2 home win over on 1 January 2008. In January 2008, amid Brighton's ongoing financial constraints following years of budgetary challenges, was sold to Southend United for £150,000, ending his spell at the club after 59 league appearances and 13 goals overall.

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. During his time at the club, Revell struggled to secure a regular starting position amid competition from established forwards such as and . In the 2008–09 League One season, he made 23 league appearances, starting 19, and scored 4 goals while providing 3 assists. The following season, opportunities were even more limited, with only 3 league appearances and no goals before his departure. Overall, Revell featured in 26 league matches for Southend, netting 4 goals. 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 , he made 10 appearances in League One, scoring 2 goals. Upon returning to Southend in , Revell featured sparingly in the initial matches before the club agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent on 12 . 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). At Wycombe, he made 15 League One appearances and scored 6 goals, contributing to the team's efforts despite their eventual relegation. These spells away from Southend helped revive his career profile ahead of his next permanent move.

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 spell at Wycombe Wanderers where he netted six goals in 15 appearances. 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. During the 2010–11 season, 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 Orient's mid-table stability, as they finished seventh with 70 points. 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. 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. In August 2011, seeking further career progression, he transferred to Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal just before the closed.

Rotherham United (2011–2015)

Revell joined Rotherham United on 31 August 2011, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Leyton Orient. 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. In April 2013, Revell extended his contract by two years, committing to the club until the summer of 2015. The following season, 2013–14, saw 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 '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 won 4–3 on penalties to secure promotion to the after nine years in the lower tiers. 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. 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 . In 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.

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 via the the previous summer. During the 2015–2016 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. Overall, across his Cardiff tenure, Revell made 26 league appearances and scored 2 goals, both coming in the 2014–2015 season. In November 2015, seeking more regular minutes, Revell was loaned to League One side Athletic until January 2016. He featured in 6 league matches for , starting 4, and netted 1 goal during his spell. The loan was cut short in December 2015 when Cardiff recalled him, citing personal circumstances for the early return. 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.

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. The 32-year-old forward provided experience and depth to the Dons' attack during the second half of the Championship campaign. 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. 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. 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 . The highlight of his spell came on 16 April 2016 in a crucial 1–1 away draw with Preston North End. With Dons goalkeeper 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 in the 89th minute, securing a vital point that contributed to MK Dons' fight against relegation from the —though the team ultimately finished 23rd and dropped to League One. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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. As a with over 450 career appearances, 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. 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 , Revell offered reliable experience to a squad that ultimately suffered relegation to League Two, finishing bottom of the table. On 30 January 2018, at the age of 34, Revell left on a free transfer to join in League Two.

Stevenage (2018–2020)

Revell joined League Two club on 30 January 2018, signing an 18-month contract on a free transfer from Northampton Town. 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 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 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. Following the expiry of his contract in , Revell retired from professional playing at the age of 35 after a 20-year career. He immediately transitioned into coaching at , joining the club's coaching setup to focus on youth development and first-team support. 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.

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. 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. In July 2020, Revell's position was made permanent as the club transitioned into the 2020–21 campaign. Revell's first full season saw Stevenage adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive 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. 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. The 2021–22 season began poorly for under , with the team earning just seven points from their first 12 League Two fixtures and sitting 21st, two points above the drop zone. On 14 November 2021, was sacked along with assistant , ending his first spell at the club after failing to ignite an improved performance.

Period out of management (2021–2024)

Following his dismissal as 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. During this interval, he focused on completing higher-level certifications, including enrollment in the Pro Licence course, which emphasized practical leadership and in high-pressure environments. Revell rejoined in January 2022, initially serving as an academy coach to mentor young players and contribute to the club's youth development program. 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 . This role allowed him to rebuild his professional network within the club and EFL circles, as highlighted in his 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. By 2024, Revell had obtained his 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 units and emergency services. His work on the course included a on , informed by interviews with high-stakes professionals, which he later applied to his . This period of structured development and supportive roles at 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.

Second spell at Stevenage (2024–present)

Alex Revell returned to 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. During his interim period, Revell completed his Pro Licence, which included studies on pressure management. 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 as a surprise package in League One. In the 2024–25 season, the team showed early play-off contention with a defensive record of 17 clean sheets across 46 league games but ultimately finished 14th. The 2025–26 campaign saw further success, with 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%. Revell incorporated leadership insights from external experts to enhance team performance, including discussions with bomb disposal specialists on handling high-stakes pressure and the on precision under duress, drawn from his Pro Licence research. His tactical approach emphasized organization, increased pace in wide areas, and attacking potency, contributing to Stevenage's improved results. 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. This methodical fostered a cohesive group, described by 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.

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:
SeasonClubDivisionAppsGoals
2000–01Cambridge UnitedConference20
2001–02Cambridge UnitedThird Division262
2002–03Cambridge UnitedThird Division90
2003–04Cambridge UnitedThird Division203
2003–04Kettering Town (loan)71
2004–05Braintree TownConference South2811
2005–06Braintree TownConference South4124
2006–07Brighton & Hove AlbionLeague One387
2007–08Brighton & Hove AlbionLeague One216
2007–08Southend UnitedLeague One80
2008–09Southend UnitedLeague One234
2009–10Southend UnitedLeague One30
2009–10Swindon Town (loan)League One102
2009–10Wycombe Wanderers (loan)League Two156
2010–11Leyton League One3913
2011–12Leyton League One50
2011–12Rotherham UnitedLeague Two4010
2012–13Rotherham UnitedLeague Two416
2013–14Rotherham UnitedLeague One458
2014–15Rotherham United244
2014–15Cardiff City162
2015–16Cardiff City100
2015–16Wigan Athletic (loan)League One61
2015–16Milton Keynes Dons174
2016–17 TownLeague One328
2017–18 TownLeague One152
2017–18League Two126
2018–19League Two407
2019–20League Two20
Total596137
This table covers league matches only, including non-league seasons; overall totals across sources may vary slightly due to inclusion of lower-tier or loan appearances. In cup competitions, Revell recorded 28 appearances and 5 goals in the , 28 appearances and 2 goals in the , 21 appearances and 4 goals in other league cups, and additional outings in play-offs (5 appearances, 3 goals) and the National League (22 appearances, 5 goals). Notably, while at Milton Keynes Dons, Revell served as an emergency goalkeeper on 16 April 2016 against Preston North End after the regular keeper's red card, saving a penalty in a 1–1 draw. Revell earned no international caps.

Managerial statistics

Alex Revell's senior managerial record is centered on his two stints at in and League One, where he has prioritized a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation to emphasize defensive solidity and midfield control. 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 of +15 (163 scored, 178 conceded). 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 disruptions. 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). 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.
StintSeasonsPrimary CompetitionMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
First spell2019–2021League Two7720302726.0
Second spell2024–2025League One7530172840.0
Overall2019–2025League Two/One15250475532.9

Honours

As a player, Revell contributed to several promotions. With Southend United, he helped secure promotion from League Two via the 2007 play-off final victory over Bristol Rovers. At Rotherham United, he played a pivotal role in back-to-back promotions, including the 2013–14 League One play-off final win over Leyton Orient. In the match against Leyton Orient at Wembley Stadium on 25 May 2014, Revell scored both of Rotherham's goals—a close-range equalizer in the 55th minute and a stunning 30-yard strike five minutes later—to level the score at 2–2, forcing extra time and ultimately a 4–3 penalty shootout victory that secured the promotion. This performance, particularly his long-range volley, has been widely regarded as a career highlight and was later voted the Goal of the Century by Rotherham supporters in 2025. On loan at Wigan Athletic in 2015–16, he contributed to their League One title win. Revell has not yet won any major team honours as a manager. However, in recognition of his early-season success with in the 2025–26 League One campaign, he and his backroom staff received the League Managers Association (LMA) Men's Everest Performance of the Week Award on 8 August 2025 for a 3–2 away victory over that opened the season. As of November 2025, remain in contention for a play-off position under Revell's leadership, building on a strong start that included a nomination for the Manager of the Month award for August.

References

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