ROGER FIGG – ONE OF THE BOYS OF ’61

SADLY, Hitchin Town’s finest ever team is gradually disappearing from view. The latest member of the club’s 1960-61 FA Amateur Cup side to pass away is Roger Figg, who was one of the most skilful and accomplished players of his time. Roger went on to win nine England amateur caps, but it was at Hitchin Town where he built up a reputation that was soon winning admirers at other clubs. Roger and his brother Brian came from Park Street in St. Albans. Roger was born in 1939 and joined Hitchin Colts and was only 17 when he made his first team debut in April 1956 against Tooting & Mitcham, playing on the right wing with Brian at inside right. Hitchin’s team that day also included Peter Hammond and Dennis Gibbs, as well as Mike Dixon, the father of former England striker and future Hitchin manager Kerry Dixon. Roger left to join St. Albans, but his spell at Clarence Park was brief and he returned to Top Field. Hitchin now had a stronger team and in 1960-61, Roger was a key figure in Laurie Scott’s side that promised to win more prizes than it did. The FA Amateur Cup campaign saw the Canaries reach the last four and unluckily lose to Walthamstow Avenue at White City. He departed once more in November 1961 to join Barnet and was soon back with his new club on Boxing Day 1961. He made 155 appearances for Hitchin and scored 44 goals. At Barnet, he scored 230 goals including 49 in 79 games in 1963-64. He made his England debut in May 1964 against France, scoring two goals and in his nine games netted six times. Roger could have turned professional but declined offers from a handful of clubs.

BY NEIL FREDRIK JENSEN