Taking a Bostik bow: Bishop's Stortford

With the expansion of our League (and the alterations which the FA have made to the pyramid) we have a number of clubs who are entirely new to us, haven’t been part of our setup for rather a long time, or are returning to us after some time away. We decided that the best way to introduce- or to reintroduce- them to Bostik League supporters was through the eyes of one of their own.

Here's Ken, explaining what it means to be one of the blue Bishop's!

How long have you been a supporter of Bishop’s Stortford?
About ten years.

Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?
They are my local team, and I started to watch them after my son stopped playing local football.

And what is it about the club that has kept you there since? There are a number of things. Firstly it's local, so easy to get to. We have a smart stadium, and good, friendly supporters. I'm involved in helping out these days, working on a turnstile on match day and assisting with Academy home games.

What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

A home matchday is always brilliant! The Turnstile E Team [Turnstile - Programmes - Raffle - 100 Club] start work at approximately two hours before KO; Coops [Me], Tommy Mac [Ex Lighthouse Keeper], June "Ex Tiller Girl" Taylor...all of us looking forward to banter with home and away supporters. Our turnstile actually won the Best Turnstile Award last season, presented by IMH Trading Limited.

Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

Winning the Amateur Cup in 1974 [Still holders] & Winning the FA Trophy in 1981 - - The top trophies that it is possible to win for lower league pyramid clubs.

For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

It's a proper enclosed stadium. A Main Stand and a Family Stand either side of the pitch, covered tiered terracing behind each goal, a club shop, a 50/50 Raffle, programmes £2, burger bar, and the clubhouse-The Mitre Suite Bar- opens at least two hours before KO.

If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

There is ample parking at the ground @ £2. We are approx 1/2 mile from J8 on th M11. The railway station and the bus station are approx 1.5 miles from the club.

Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc? Can I recommend Turnstile E?!

Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

We serve burgers, sausages, bacon rolls, pies and chips, and they are all delicious especially the Chips. Mind you, I'm a Guinness man- and when you've bought one you know which turnstile to bring it to!