By David Lawrence

CATALAN KING: Maxi Lopes in action for Barcelona and with youngsters at Stratford Town, inset
PICTURE: Alamy

STRATFORD Town’s academy side were given an unexpected boost ahead of their game with Newcastle Town this week – the support of former Barcelona and Milan striker Maxi Lopez.
The Argentine superstar – who includes Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho among his closest friends – had been invited to the Warwickshire club by chairman Jed Mc- Crory.
“Maxi was in the country on business so I asked him to come along and see the lads in action,” McCrory explained.
“He was great,...