MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE
Mark has continued his talks with last season’s squad and has also continued to work on the pre-season programme. He has told me that he is confident that he will have positive news next week regarding both players and fixtures so watch out for next week’s bulletin.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION 2023/24 SEASON
This week the constitution of the Southern League Central Division was announced by the FA. In all there are eight different teams compared to last season. We have lost Rushall and Tamworth due to promotion, Bedford, Kings Langley, AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Hednesford due to relegation while Ilkeston and Basford have been moved back to the Northern Premier League.
To replace these eight clubs we have three clubs relegated from the National League North in AFC Telford United, Kettering and Leamington, three clubs promoted from the Northern Premier League in Long Eaton United, Halesowen and Stamford while Berkhamsted were promoted from the Southern League Division One Central and AFC Sudbury were promoted from the Isthmian League North Division.
I asked Mark for his comments on the changes and he feels they will make the league even tougher because of the quality of the new teams. A number of them will get big crowds and hopefully we will see increased numbers of visiting supporters coming to Top Field. The only teams we have never played before are Long Eaton United and AFC Telford United. We played Berkhamsted last season and last played Halesowen in 2019 ,Kettering in 2018, Leamington in 2017, AFC Sudbury in 2010 and Stamford in 2007.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets are currently on sale and give free entry to all home league games and friendlies (excluding testimonial games). You get a generous discount by buying a season ticket so please buy here—👉http://bit.ly/3pAi75d 💛💚
CLOSE SEASON MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Last Saturday saw the first working party of the close season. We welcomed new volunteers Becky, David and Joseph alongside our regular team. The focus was on tidying up the Canary Club garden in readiness for summer. Wood, old branches and rubbish were removed and the grass was cut and the end result was a real transformation.
The ground staff will be at the ground every week but please watch out for news of future working parties when targeted tidying and maintenance will take place. The ever loyal Flag Brigade are again working through a list of jobs with plenty of painting. We are very grateful to Paul, Mark and Martyn who for many seasons now have put in countless hours of unpaid work to keep Top Field in the best condition possible.
CANARY CLUB UPDATE
On Monday 22nd May the canary Club hosts the Hitchin Darts League Finals and Presentation Night. The action starts at 7.00pm and admission is by programme at just £1.50. These will be available on the door or beforehand at the Canary Club. This years celebrity guest is three times World Darts Runners Up Tony ‘’Silverback O’Shea. Everybody is welcome so please come along and enjoy what will be a very entertaining evening.
The Cider and Cheese festival will take place at the Canary Club on Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July. Please make a date in your diary for this popular event. Currently the ciders and cheeses are being ordered and the musicians are being booked. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
HTWFC UPDATE BY KARLA CHAFFEY
Result from last Sunday—
HTWFC Canaries 2 – 5 Garston Ladies Development
That’s the end of our season, and we look to build to the 2023/2024 season. Please look out on our social media platforms for details of pre season training sessions.
We are also looking for new sponsors for the womens’ set up. We are looking for sponsorship for training kits and tracksuits. If this is something you are interested in please get in touch with Callum on HTLFC.ClubSecretary@gmail.com.
BY ROY IZZARD