PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
We are now able to announce our pre-season friendlies that have been arranged against non-league opposition. We will only be able to announce our friendlies against league teams when our opponents give us permission to do so.

  • Tue 6 July:  Home to Stotfold – 7:30pm
  • Thurs 15 July: Away to Arlesey Town – 7:45pm
  • Sat 17 July: Away to Harpenden Town – 3pm
  • Sat 24 July: Away to Leighton Town – 3pm
  • Tues 27 July: Home to Beaconsfield Town – 7:45pm
  • Sat 31 July: Away to Barton Rovers – 3pm
  • Tues 3 August: Home to Bedford Town – 7:30pm
  • Sat 7 August: 1st Team vs Development Squad @ Top Field – 10am
  • Mon 9 August: Herts Charity Cup
  • Sat 14 August: Southern League Premier Season Starts

LAYNE EADIE
Layne Eadie has decided to join Harlow Town. We thank Layne for his past services and wish him well for the future.

MERCHANDISE UPDATE BY CHRIS NEWBOLD
Online sales of our new brand of merchandise continue to progress amazingly well. At the present time we have been able to meet all deadline commitments for delivery, and in a large amount of cases, well ahead of these deadlines. We are only awaiting one outstanding item of stock for delivery, so we are very pleased with how things are going.

We have in the past couple of days introduced a new item for sale online – Hitchin Town Evergreen Hoodies. These are available in all sizes for both adults and juniors – chest sizes are clearly explained on all products and differ from product to product, so please check your size before ordering. Stewart has been wearing one of these around town and has had nothing but positive comments and the: “where do I buy one of these” questions, so if you are interested, here are the link to sales:

Delivery times for these may take a little longer, but hopefully we’ll continue to get these out as soon as the stock arrives. Thanks for your continuing support and it will be great to see all this new gear being worn when we return to football at Top Field.

TRIBUTE TO ROSE WILKINSON BY MICK DOCKING
Very sadly we lost Rose, our joint Bar Manager, to cancer last weekend.

For the last decade, Rose and Steve have been very much the face of the Canary Club – to both our loyal customers over this period as well as the countless players and officials of both Hitchin Town FC and officials from visiting clubs. How many occasions has there been a dry exchange from Rose when dispensing a large dollop of cottage pie to a fresh-faced youth straight out of a football academy somewhere, expecting a plate of macadamia pesto pappardelle with a side of olives?

To the footballers Rose was known foremost for serving up the post-match fare with good nature and a smile, always managing to produce a tasty plateful, usually on a modest budget. To the regular patrons of the Club Rose was much more, operating alongside Steve as Bar Manager with primary responsibility for staffing issues, hall bookings and cash and carry operations, as well as bar duties.

Rose was a forceful character, of that there is no doubt, but having said that she had a sympathetic side and was always prepared to help to sort out problems, of which there have been a few over the years. Her support of the Club, even when things were very difficult, was unwavering and we will always be grateful for that loyalty and commitment.

Wishing Jen and Rose’s family and close friends every sympathy and support at this very difficult time.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
We have been training all this week as we did not have any fixtures. We have also had 4 players in with the first team for their training sessions which is another great opportunity and experience.

We have also had players selected for the Pro:Direct showcase event coming up, this shows the talent we have within our Academy as our players keep getting these various opportunities.

Our next trial date has been confirmed as Saturday 22nd May. The trial will take place at the Arena Baldock SG7 5AU on the all weather pitch between 12noon & 2pm. To register your interest or for further information please use this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates

LADIES UPDATE BY CALLUM ELLIS
It was the final round of fixtures in Group E of the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League and both teams were playing opponents away from their temporary home of Ransoms Recreation Ground.

The First Team were hosting Hitchin Belles who had beaten them 4-0 at The Priory only a couple of weeks ago. There was early pressure from the Firsts who dominated the Belles throughout the first half. Spang hit a 25 yard lob over the Belles keeper to score the only goal of the game. The Belles still showed how they were a threat but couldn’t break through a tough Hitchin defence. Belles fought till the end though and are to be congratulated for winning Group E.

The Reserves were away to Herts Vipers Development up at the County Ground. After some confusion about a pitch booking the game was a little bit delayed. It was the Vipers that walked away with the three points scoring 9 goals but Allen scored two to soften the blow.

Both teams are due to return for one last training session on Wednesday before a two week break before starting up preseason and preparing for what we hope to be a full football season.

CANARY CLUB
The newly renovated Canary Club re-opened on Tuesday and patrons were impressed by the improvements. Why not see for yourselves by paying a visit. The fully refurbished main hall is available for bookings. Please ring 01462 421888 or 07857 983345.

EX-CANARIES CONTINUE TO SHINE
In the National League last Saturday Kane Smith scored for Boreham Wood against Wrexham while Will Wright had two assists from his free kicks against FC Halifax.

NON-LEAGUE PAPER
Last Sunday saw the Non -League Paper devote a whole page to Hitchin Town FC. It featured an interview with manager Mark Burke and the Mental Health Awareness Week article from our chaplain Nick Smith. It is always good to see positive coverage of the club.

BY ROY IZZARD