BARDS-EYE VIEW: Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory writes for the Herald
THE first few weeks of the football season are always hectic but this year we seem to have been busier than ever with some important new arrivals – and I don’t mean just on the playing side.
Supporters will have enjoyed hearing the new ‘Voice of the Bards’, Stuart Morse, on match days. I knew Stu from my time at Swindon Town where he was the PA announcer which involved a 110-mile round trip from his home in Wellesbourne.
He signed off at Swindon following their play-off match with Port Vale in May but their loss has been our gain and he is now entertaining the Bardy Army with exclusive interviews in the fanzone in front of the Pie & Pint Bar, as well as running through the teams and identifying the goalscorers.
We are also delighted to have Jordan Allen joining our ground staff. He first joined us on the government’s Kickstarter scheme and proved such a valuable member of the team that we had no hesitation in taking him on when that funding ended.
And for those who have been following Stratford Town for a few years – Jordan continues a strong family link with the club with his father Leon having played for us 20 years ago.
When talking about new arrivals I can’t ignore the fact that we have signed striker Adam Rooney. Adam is sure to be the highest profile player ever to have worn a Stratford Town shirt – he can include Aberdeen, Stoke City and Birmingham City among his former clubs and last season he was putting the ball in the net for Solihull Moors, helping them to the National League play-off final.
In the short time he has been with us, Adam has been a breath of fresh air with his vast footballing knowledge and professionalism, and he will also be key to our work with charities and community groups – a role he cherished at some of his former clubs.
On the community front, we have just agreed with Escape Arts to host monthly meetings of their VIP (Veterans in Interesting Pensioners) group – a fabulous mix of people who meet for lunch on the third Thursday of the month.
We play our first game in this season’s FA Cup on Saturday when we make the long trip to Cleethorpes Town. Our next match at the Arden Garages Stadium – unless we draw this weekend – will be on Tuesday, 13th September when AFC Rushden & Diamonds are the visitors.
Come on you Bards!
