Today sees the first local derby of the season with the visit of Willenhall Town. We have spoken this week about how the two-club’s history is intertwined and also the recent difficult time Willenhall have endured this summer.

Today all we need to do is concentrate on the football, both managers will have named their squads, with the players arriving between 1.15pm and 2pm.

Manager Parkes no doubt will have made changes as he always does, in the 12 months I have worked with him, I don’t think I have ever seen the same squad named two games in a row, which is a good thing as the players are never certain they will be involved.

Come and see a Black Country local derby, two towns separated by less than 2 miles, supporters from both clubs are more than welcome at the Paycare Ground this afternoon, don’t forget the 3pm kick off, and because of our wonderful kitchen and bar staff, why not come and have your lunch before the game, they do a mean pie, chips and peas amongst other things.

Every volunteer associated with the club will be working their socks off this morning, to make sure come 1pm everything will be “spick n span” and ready for the afternoons entertainment. I have no doubt from the Chairman, who will be working and triple checking everything, Secretary (The Boss) will be giving the pitch its final cut, our wonderful kitchen and bar staff preparing all the food, I will be printing the programme and new fixture cards, our gateman, and then of course there’s Anton.

Everyone at Darlaston Town (1874) is an unpaid volunteer putting in hundreds of hours over a year, why for the love of their club and fellow volunteers, in a week when we are reminded once again by events in Barcelona and exceptionally sad loss of Graham Hodson Chairman of our close neighbours Bilston Town, our condolences clearly go to his family friends and everyone at the club, you realise how fickle life can be, and how we should all take and seize the opportunities as they occur, life is too short, we are always looking for new people to get involved with the club, if you are interested why not have a word the chairman.

After mentioning the huge loss of Graham Hodson to Black Country Football, he and I were not friends by any means, but the tireless unselfish work Graham did not only at Bilston Town, but within the Bilston Youth League and local Community was immense so many people are in his debt and owe him so much, we salute you sir.

I know today is going to be so so difficult and emotional at Bilston Town today. I would like to express from everyone at Darlaston Town (1874) the very best for today, you will be in our thoughts especially during and after the minutes silence before today’s game and thereafter.