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Introducing - FC Stratford

Pete Stephens went 'upstairs' following this season and former Alcester Town
manager, Dave Poulson, stepped into the Managerial role.
The 2016/17 season was always going to be tough, a few strong teams were added
to Midland League Division Three and FC Stratford would have their work cut out
to match the previous season.
A strong start once again but another mid-season blip meant FC Stratford finished
sixth in a league of fourteen.
It was the Les James Challenge Cup where FC Stratford were to endure some
success though. A Semi Final penalty shootout victory over local rivals Redditch
Borough should've seen FC Stratford going to Walsall's Bescott Stadium in May.
Unfortunately, due to a rule that wasn't picked up by anyone, FC Stratford were
removed from the competition after the captain, James Robbins, played for Studley
earlier in the season.
Dave Poulson continued the following season as manager of FC Stratford and made
some very good signings to begin the season and his side got off to a flyer. Once
again, the club suffered a dip in form but on this occasion managed to maintain
their league position. By the end of the 2017/18 season, Dave Poulson had
completed what he had set out to do when taking over - getting FC Stratford
promoted into Midland League Division Two.
FC Stratford finished third in what would prove to be a tough league. GNP Sports
ran away with the league title whilst a strong Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons side
finished runners up. Just goal difference proved enough to see Poulson's side
promoted over his former club, Alcester Town.
This season proved to be Poulson's last with a new business venture his main
priority. Nick Ballinger took over the FC Stratford side for their first ever season in
Midland League Division Two. A player overhaul would make for a tough campaign
for a highly rated Ballinger.
Ballinger's side would complete their aim for the season, with a third from bottom
placed finish the club would survive relegation back to Midland League Division
Three. Alongside this, a cup final defeat to league runners up GNP was a superb
achievement.
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, Ballinger decided to step away from FC Stratford to
spend more time with his family. Dave Poulson resumed charge of First Team affairs
and once again, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, a player overhaul was needed.
Poulson's side lost their opening two games of the season but then pushed on and
despite a controversial end to the season due to COVID-19, the club looked set to
mount a challenge for promotion.
With the 2020/21 season upon us, Danny Janes took over as manager of FC
Stratford with Dave Poulson taking on the role as Chairman.
The season had barely got started before COVID-19 again halted proceedings. With
the club sat fourth in Midland League Division Two having lost just once in the first
eight games, the season was brought to an end.
So we move to the 2021/22 season, following the National League System
restructure there was something new for FC Stratford to look forward to.
The club had been moved from the Midland Football League to the Hellenic League,
not only that, FC Stratford had been moved from Step Seven to Step Six.