Mark Burke has today informed the Management Committee of his decision to resign as First Team Manager.
Mark commented
After much deliberation and with a heavy heart I have made the decision to resign as 1st Team Manager.
It has been an honour and absolute privilege to manage my beloved football club for nearly 11 years but the time is right to step aside.
I feel by announcing my resignation now it will allow the Club time to make an informed appointment and give the new Manager enough time to adjust the squad as they see fit and ultimately secure the Club’s future in the Premier League.
I have some fantastic memories to take away with me from my time as an Assistant Manager and Manager.
I was very proud of assisting Charlie gain promotion back to the Premier League and the 11 seasons I have had as Manager at this level. I have enjoyed being the underdog and punching well above our weight when competing against other huge clubs.
I will look back with pride at the achievements the Club has had under my stewardship including, Southern League Cup winners, Herts Senior Cup winners twice and runners up once, Herts Charity Cup winners 3 times and runners up twice, finishing in the play-off positions twice and being one minute away from promotion to the National League South, an FA Cup run that took us into the First Round proper for the first time in over 20 years.
I am very proud of the many players I think I have helped on their way to successful careers and, also the ones I have helped enjoy and prolong their twilight years.
I have made lots of new friendships along the way and many that will last after my time in football.
There are a lot of people I need to thank starting with my assistant and good friend Adam Parker who has had my back throughout my time in charge and who has helped with all the achievements mentioned previously.
I would like to thank Club owner Andy Melvin who had faith in me when appointing me despite concerns from within. He has been with me all the way on my journey and has offered a lot of good advice over the years.
To Roy Izzard who has been so loyal and supported me at every match that I have been involved with. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Roy over the years and it will be an honour to manage the team one final time on Friday night in his most deserving tribute and celebration.
Thank you to the other Committee members for their support during all the ups and downs whilst I have been in charge.
My backroom teams over the years especially, Nick Sopowski, Derek Barker and Ian Stratford who have been with me from the start, coaches, Michael Jones, Josh Bickerstaff, John Albon, and physio’s Sam Backhouse and Chloe Ping who have all been vital in our preparation for matches and we wouldn’t have achieved so much without them.
The Ground Staff for helping produce one of the finest surfaces in the League to play on and all the comradery we have had over the years.
A massive thank you to all the volunteers that have made Top Field such a welcoming and vibrant place which is a joy to come to especially Kate Deller and Chris Newbold.
Also, to all the members of the Supporters Trust that have helped fund the playing budget year on year, truly loyal fans lead by David Tudball, Rupert Russell, and Ian Murrell.
The media team for being so positive throughout the years with Marac Alionic, Freddie Cardy and the Scourfield boys on the radio, Paul Sprague, and Matt Furniss on Social-Media, Mick Docking’s programme, Peter Else behind the lens and Pipeman with the words.
To all the supporters that have stayed loyal to me throughout all the good and bad times it has been much appreciated, keep up the singing!
Most importantly I would like to thank my family who have been with me every step of the way, especially my wife Marion who has made so many sacrifices during both my playing and Managerial career over our 35 year marriage. I am truly thankful for having you by my side.
My children Hannah and Kieran who have grown up at Top Field and given me so much support and finally, my Mum and Dad who has also been with me all the way.
COYC
Andy Melvin, CEO, thanked Mark for his commitment not only as First Team Manager but also in all the other work that Mark undertakes for the Club. Mark will continue on in his roles of Company Secretary and Head of our Community activities and will continue to play a crucial role in helping to deliver the future success of Hitchin Town Football Club.