Paul West and Steve Sykes join Stratford Town's board of directors

STRATFORD Town has welcomed two new members onto its board of directors.

Paul West and Steve Sykes bring with them vast commercial experience. West started out at Alcester Town and enjoyed spells with Port Vale, Bradford City, Wigan Athletic and Morecambe, before retiring from full-time football in 1998.

He then linked up with Evesham United, playing more than 400 games before going on to manage the club for five years, during which time he guided them to the FA Cup first round for the first time in their history.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience and if that can help anyone in any way – especially young players and managers – then I’ll be delighted,” he said.

“What chairman Jed McCrory has created and implemented here in terms of the structure of the club – from the first team all the way through the academy, juniors, community work and education programme – is a massive credit to him, his fellow directors, staff, volunteers and supporters.

“Stratford Town is now in a great position, not only being financially stable, but having an owner who has an unbelievable appetite to take this club further.”

Meanwhile, Sykes has been deeply involved with Midlands non-league football, playing for a number of teams including AP Leamington before turning to management where he took charge of Alveston and Racing Club Warwick.

He started Bidford-based Proco – a global laminates firm – 12 years ago, having worked extensively in China and Europe. Proco acquired American company RSG in 2018.

Sykes has been a key member of Stratford’s backroom team over the past few years and his work with the club’s young players is set to continue with his new role overseeing talent development.

“This is an exciting time to be involved,” he said.

“I’ve have been working with our younger players for a number of years and that is now paying dividends, with a number of our homegrown stars on the verge of the first team while others have taken up football scholarships in America.”

The Bards conclude their pre-season with a home game against Leamington on Saturday (3pm kick-off).