Twelve months ago, Middlesbrough sanctioned the temporary exit of the winger in the hope he would benefit from a year of regular football in the Championship with Portsmouth.
But it didn’t work out for the 24-year-old, who made just five Championship starts for John Mousinho’s side and his struggle for form led to Portsmouth’s own fans turning on the winger.
Mousinho admitted at the time he was worried about the impact the chants would have on Silvera, and Portsmouth’s boss agreed it was the “best thing” for the former Central Coast Mariners star when the loan was cut short in January.
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Silvera was then sent to Blackpool for the second half of the campaign, with Boro hopeful that the winger would benefit from having Steve Bruce’s arm around his shoulder and getting some regular minutes under his belt.
But, again, it didn’t go to plan, with Silvera starting just three games for the Tangerines.
“It’s been disappointing for Sammy,” said Bruce at the end of the season.
“After a really bright start, he’s not been able to have a run in the team.
“Basically, it’s not just injury, it’s been the way the team has played. He’s a very good player, and we wish him well.”
But rather than dwell on the disappointment of last season, Silvera reported back to Boro for the start of pre-season itching to “prove a point”.
And Silvera is hoping he can benefit from the arrival of Rob Edwards as head coach and the fresh start at the Riverside.
“I had some unfortunate time out on loan, just not getting the game time,” said the winger in an interview with the club.
“Some things were out of my control, some things weren’t, but just being back here, being in a quality environment with quality players, it’s important to me to keep growing. And the level of the coaching has been fantastic. I’m really enjoying it.
“I think everyone has a point to prove. Everyone is raising the bar and it’s always good to have a different set of eyes and ideas on training.
“The way we want to play, we’re slowly learning and improving as a team. it’s exciting and that’s the main thing.”
Silvera is part of the 27-man Boro squad out in Portugal this week for the pre-season training camp, which will end with a behind closed doors training game on Saturday.
Edwards and his coaching staff have been working the players hard, with double sessions on the agenda in preparation for the coming Championship campaign.
Silvera said: “It’s been tough but it’s been good. It brings all the lads together. We’re here to learn, keep improving to reach our goals and the most important thing is we do it together.”