DAN WEBB TO RETIRE
Dan Webb has informed manager Mark Burke that he will retire from playing for Hitchin after the game with Bromsgrove on Saturday. He played his first game in August 2012 and the Bromsgrove game will see him play his 400th game which have seen him score 40 goals. He has been captain for 6 years and can be considered a legend of the club. He is so well respected and has been a great role model for our young players.
Mark Burke paid the following tribute to Webby–
‘’Dan has been an absolute rock in all the teams I have built in the ten years he has been with the club. I really want to thank him for his service to the club over those 400 games. Together we have seen many highs and lows but he has always given Hitchin 100% effort and commitment.
I have many fond memories of his performances notably his winning goal against Poole on the day of the protest march to save Top Field, and his equaliser against Leatherhead in the FA Cup. He has lifted two Herts Senior Cups, the Southern League Cup and two Herts Charity Cups.
I think Webby peaked in the two play-off seasons although I still think he should have scored at Leamington! The great thing for me as a manager was that Dan rarely fell below 8 out of 10 in his performances. I would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future and I hope we see him back at Top Field sooner rather than later.’’
Dan has always been a favourite player with our supporters because he was always so consistent and his standards were so high. He was a brilliant defender but has also scored many vital goals. He always remained loyal to Hitchin and the ideal choice as captain. He often provided me with articles to keep in touch with the supporters and took his captaincy role seriously. Basically he was a thoroughly decent and likeable person and I will really miss him as will all our supporters.
I wish him all the best for the future and he will be a very difficult act to follow. I actually played a small part in Dan joining Hitchin. I was approached by a cricket colleague Michael Frankland who told me there was a centre half at Shefford & Campton who he thought was far too good for that level and he thought he could do a job at Hitchin. I trusted Michael’s judgement and alerted Mark Burke—the rest is now history and he was certainly ready for that step up in standard. Thanks for the memories Dan and I will certainly miss you having seen every game you played and always rating you one of our best ever central defenders.
BY ROY IZZARD
This is what Dan has said in his farewell message to the supporters who I hope will turn out in big numbers to pay tribute to him at the Bromsgrove game—
“After so many years, this is a difficult decision but in my opinion, a necessary one. I cannot believe it has come around so quickly but regardless of how many games and years it’s been, I feel it’s the right time for both myself and for the club. I am proud and privileged to have played and captained the side for as long as I have and have met so many great people because of it.
Thank you to Burkey for his trust and loyalty to me as a player and making me club captain. I’ve learnt so much from Burkey, he taught me my trade as centre half and converted me from a slow, chubby pub-player into a slow, less chubby, non-league player who enjoys the pub. This is where I normally make a joke about Parks – but to be fair to him, he’s one of the best! Like Burkey, he wears his heart on his sleeve and has a desire to graft and win. I’m grateful to have played for them and there’s two more friends for life.
There far too many others to mention but – the current Canaries, the ex-Canaries (you know who you are), Sam and the physio team, Nick, Del Boy, Spender, Mr Chairman, Roy, Mick, Chris, Kate, Steve and the ground staff, the social media team and all those contributing to maintain and improve the club. Most importantly, the fans and their loyal support which is invaluable to the club – thank you all!
Outside of the club, I’d like to thank my wife, Nikki, for the patience and commitment she has shown throughout the years – the amount of meals, parties, holidays I have either missed, been late to or had to reschedule/cancel because of football. Also my Dad (a proper centre half in his day) and all my family and friends for the support they’ve shown in so many different ways.
What’s next for me? I’ve not thought any further than getting on a plane (or two) this summer. I certainly won’t stop playing football altogether, I’m not sure I could function without kicking a few balls out of play. It is goodbye but I won’t be a stranger and wish the football club and all those involved, all the best in the future.
We still have one more job to do on Saturday and I look forward to seeing everyone there to, hopefully, celebrate 3 points and the end of a very difficult season!
Thank you’’
WEBBY