WEEKLY BULLETIN – 21ST JUNE
MANAGER’S NOTES BY BRETT DONNELLY
After no break whatsoever, even on my mini holiday, we’re back at it today. The first preseason session. I can’t deny that I’m not excited. The reprieve seems a distant memory and we seem to be in a good place. Only time will tell what side we have put together but it will be my team now. That’s the main thing. Players I believe will buy into to how I want things done and will run through brick walls to get us up the league and competing in all our games. It’s basically a brand new squad and all players are playing for a chance to be in the 20 we want to go with come August 10th. The real work starts now with an eye looking toward 6th July and our first preseason. We will be pushing the players to be ready for the first game of the season with a mixture of hard work and fun. I’ll also be working hard on team building. With such a large number of new faces it’s hugely important they gel quickly. We have a couple of team building events planned in the coming weeks which are just as important as the games and training sessions. A harmonious group which get along off the field and enjoy being in each other company is worth 15-20 points, regardless of talent. I know this as I played in a Hitchin side with no experience whatsoever but because of the group dynamic and the fact 90% of the squad actually socialised together we nearly got promoted. I aim to get this squad doing the same.
We do have a few additions and retained players to get out this week but we have also added to the back room staff. Harry Collison had come in and will be working along side others on the social media. Harry may look 36 but at 21 he has an exuberance and appetite for the game which I’ve found hugely refreshing. He will also help out at training and on match days and will be a big part of my staff. Finally we have got Rob Verdia onboard as our head analyst. Rob has been around the non league scene for many years locally and has had every role from player to chairman! Knows the game inside out and another who is hungry to improve and push the club forward. Now I’m a bit of a dinosaur but stats and going through the analytical side of the game is huge now. Rob will be going over games with a fine tooth comb and helping us get the extra 5-8% we have missed. I’m intrigued to so how it all works and how we put it into practice. It’s the small things like that that can make a difference. Lastly the goalkeeper situation keeps raising its head. Don’t worry, it’s in hand. I have Josh Mollinson already at the club and we have others in this week. The reprieve did mean the one we had could no longer commit but I believe we have found a better alternative.
You’ll hear from me next week. There will be lots more player news
MERCHANDISE UPDATE BY PAUL SPRAGUE
Fanwear
Our new fanwear range is available online now. Further items will be released in the coming months, but this is already a much larger range than we have previously offered. Please note some of the items are online only so please allow enough time for the items to be printed / embroidered. We do not hold any stock of the online only items.
Shop online here: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/merchandise
Replica Shirts Shirts continue to sell very well. So thanks for your support. This week we have released the designs for our Goalkeeper shirts and these are now available to buy online: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/merchandise
Club Shop Opening Times The Top Field Club Shop will be open on Saturday 29th June between 9.30 and 12.00.
If you selected the collection option for your replica shirt they will be available to collect at these times or at our home pre-season fixtures. We also have a stock of home and away shirts available to buy and will have some of our fanwear range available to buy too.
ATTENDANCES
There was another interesting article in the Non-league Paper last week on attendances. It highlighted average attendance in the main non league divisions with comparisons between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
Of the clubs who will be in the Southern League Central Division next season Spalding United had the biggest percentage increase of 66% from 280 to 464. Redditch had a 39% increase from 438 to 611 while Stratford had a 34% increase from 527 to 706. Hitchin had the fourth biggest increase of 25% from 493 to 617.
The biggest fall in average attendances was Banbury who dropped 30% from 877 to 617. Leiston had an18% drop from 228 to 186 while AFC Sudbury dropped 16% from 401 to 335.
REMINDER OF PRE-SEASON GAMES
Tickets for all home fixtures are available online now. https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets:
Saturday 6th July – AFC Rushden and Diamonds (Home)
Tuesday 9th July – Barnet (Home)
Saturday 13th July – Histon (Away)
Tuesday 16th July – Luton Town XI (Home)
Saturday 20th – St Neots (Away)
Friday 26th July – Edgware and Kingsbury (Home)
Tuesday 30th July – Stotfold (Away)
BY ROY IZZARD