CONGRATULATIONS to Town on achieving the Football Stewarding Qualification.

Apart from the wretched tannoy booming out 'stewards stand down' right in the middle of me interviewing Roy Evans after every match, I have nothing but praise for the lads and lasses in the bright yellow jackets.

From the lady who guards the gate by the press entrance, to the ever effervescent Chris Kirkland, I have found Town's stewards to be totally professional (qualified or not) but CRUCIALLY, without being officious.

I just wish the story was the same elsewhere.

While you cannot fault the intentions of most stewards (they do it for nothing in most cases), there are clearly people who should not be given a sniff of a luminous jacket.

It is a bit like local government. I've always thought that those who want to boost their own ego by becoming local councillors (rather than doing so to benefit their community) should be weeded out before they ever get into a position of power.

How many of you have come across the 'jobsworth' steward?

You can't come in here, you can't do this, you can't do that etc. Oh, is there anything more annoying?

Dave Evans, our photographer has suffered badly this season. A game at Wycombe saw him utterly baffled by a steward.

The steward would not leave his post to pass on Evso's request for admittance despite the fact that the man in charge was just yards away.

It is this kind of attitude that angers your average punter. Still, one football fanzine I read put in a mock advert for stewards.

It said 'were you bullied at school? Do you have trouble communicating with girls? Then why not become a steward?'

Thankfully, no such problems at the County Ground. Keep up the good work ladies and gents!