Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory writes for you in his biweekly column…

We are delighted to have agreed a 10-year deal to host Masters Walking Football major events, starting with the Walking Football World Cup from 6-9 May 2027.

This global event will bring 100 teams from 55 countries to the home of Shakespeare, and I’m sure the teams will be spread out across Warwickshire, visiting the county’s heritage, with circa 2,000 hotel rooms booked. It’s a real winner for everyone in our community.

The agreement will allow Stratford Town FC to host the Masters European Championships, the Masters World Club Championship and the Six Nations - an exciting period that will be streamed globally.

Stamford last Tuesday was an event I don’t think I have ever witnessed - literally, due to the middle floodlights not working and struggling to see across the pitch. I don’t think I have ever witnessed a player taking out his own teammate, getting booked and his team being awarded the free-kick.

This is not an excuse for the draw; it is the reason I have appealed for the game to be replayed, so let’s see what the league says and I will keep you informed.

However, Saturday’s draw with a very good Peterborough Sports side - quite an entertaining draw if you enjoy chess - keeps our unbeaten run going as we head into Alvechurch at home. Then the games come fast, with a month of Saturdays and Tuesdays where we need to start picking up wins if we want to progress up the table.

The fans over the last few games have been tremendous, and the Bardy Army making noise behind the goals is a real pleasure. I noticed a song about Dan Lafferty being our Stratford Pelé - class - and it has been noted in the changing room. Keep up the great work, and thanks again for your support.

United Nations Day is this Saturday, and as we are a member of Football for the Goals, we would like to invite you for a £3 pint of our own-brand Bards Lager while Aston Villa play Manchester City on the TVs in the bar. Get down early - the cheapest pint in town, as a thank you for your support.

Time flies, doesn’t it? We are now talking about you joining us for our One Club, Heritage and Remembrance Day next week, on the 31st against Hitchin, where we welcome back the now-infamous Bardy Bugler as we show respect to our history and heritage and remind ourselves why we have the freedom we have today.

Academy trials are commencing Wednesday, October 28. Please register your interest academy@stratfordtownfc.co.uk - don’t miss out.

Due to the queues that have been forming, please arrive a little early at Shakespeare’s Theatre of Dreams on Saturday afternoons to make life easier for local residents and our lovely turnstile ladies.

We welcome Birmingham back to the Arden Garages Stadium on the 30th for the return of Premier League 2, where Blues play Swansea, 7pm kick-off.

I can’t help it: I’m still smiling over beating Leamington two weeks ago for the first time in 19 years. “How do you like those apples?” I say.

Bardy Army, keep the faith - we go again together.