WEEKLY BULLETIN – 28TH JULY
FIXTURES
- Saturday 29th July Home to Royston Town Herts Charity Cup kick-off 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased online and as it is a cup game with receipts shared season ticket holders must also buy a ticket.
- Tuesday 1st August –the friendly at AFC Dunstable has been cancelled and the players will train instead.
MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE
ARSENAL UNDER 18’S
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and evening last Saturday when we celebrated the legend that is Dan Webb’s testimonial. Although it was a year late I think Dan was very happy with the whole day.
Despite this being a testimonial the management team made it very clear to the players that we wanted them to replicate the intensity and performance that we showed at Stotfold. We warned them this was going to be a serious match and it would not be until the final few minutes that we could relax and have some fun.
Disappointingly the players did not take the message on board in the first 20 minutes and Arsenal totally dominated the game. Fortunately there was a break in play and this allowed us to reiterate what we had said before the match and I was then pleased with the reaction from the players and we began to play in the way I had wanted. We did concede a second goal to a dubious penalty and we went in to half time 2-0 down.
In the second half we introduced a very nervous Dan Webb but he showed his class and I don’t think he put a foot wrong. In the spirit of a testimonial game I began to drip feed former players that had served the club so well and were close friends of Webby. The majority of them had retired and not played football for a long time. But as with Webby they showed their class and I found the good memories come flooding back.
The game finished in true Roy of The Rovers fashion and if you were not there to witness it you would not have believed it. It all started in the 88th minute when we were awarded a penalty which was a genuine decision and not just for show as in some testimonials. Up stepped a reluctant Dan Webb who duly had his penalty saved but he was only teasing as he slotted in the rebound. Enter John Frendo and Simon Martin to finish off the substitutions and have all the former players on the pitch. I loved seeing Frendo draw a foul to give us a chance from the free kick.. Ironically he was sent from the pitch for not wearing shin pads so we were reduced to 10 men.
Lenchy delivered a sublime cross that saw coach Josh Bickerstaff recreate the ‘’hand of God’’ goal to get the equaliser! It really was a fairy tale story. I would like to thank Arsenal and Jack Wilshere for bringing a team to Top Field. Arsenal are Webby’s favourite team and not only did they charge no expenses, they paid for the complimentary tickets they were offered and presented a personalised Arsenal shirt with Webby 5 on the back to Dan.
Then it was the evening dinner with John Hartson the main speaker. He donated a signed Celtic shirt which raised more money for Dan. The evening was very enjoyable and the perfect ending to a great day.
WATFORD ACADEMY
I was really pleased with our performance against Watford. We played good football throughout the game and looked really dangerous going forward. It was perhaps our most complete performance so far and it is encouraging to see how well the players are gelling because of the continuity.
BIGGLESWADE TOWN
While the first team trained the development team played against a strong Biggleswade Town side. Whilst we lost 2-0 I was pleased with the way we played and despite many of the players not having played together before they still managed to create several good chances. The development players will improve as the season goes on and hopefully push to join the first team squad.
ROYSTON TOWN
On Saturday we have our first competitive game of the season when we host Royston Town in the quarter final of the Herts Charity Cup. Royston are always difficult opponents so it will be a very good test. We will only be allowed 3 substitutes to come on so it is a proper warm up for the first league game next week. I have a soft spot for the Herts Charity Cup as we reached the final in my first year as manager and we are the current holders. I am sure it will be a very entertaining game and there will hopefully be a good crowd.
MARK BURKE
MESSAGE FROM DAN WEBB
Having spoken to Dan he wanted to thank all the 863 supporters who attended his testimonial game-he is very grateful for their support. He also wanted to again thank Arsenal for all they did to make the day go so successfully. Dan really enjoyed the game and it was great for him to play alongside so many old colleagues. He was nervous before coming on and did not really want to take the penalty but was relieved to net the rebound. The evening was also a great success and Dan felt the whole day was the perfect end to his time at Hitchin which he had so enjoyed over his 10 years. He hopes to come to some matches at Top Field this season and will always be welcome. Dan had the following message:
What a day! So proud to have my wife, daughter. Family and friends there to celebrate my final appearance.
Being able to play one last time was special but the introduction of the ex Canaries was something else. Thank you to Burkey and the management staff for allowing us to step in and steal the show.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising a special day. I love this club!
MERCHANDISE UPDATE
We had a great day in the shop last Saturday with the new lines proving popular. So please come in to the shop on Saturday to see the full range of merchandise we can now offer. You can also purchase your team sheet as there will not be a programme for the Royston game.
ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Tuesday 25th July Academy second year Henry Silver played for the first team in their 3-0 win against Watford Academy. He came on in the 75th minute and gave a really good account of himself. First team coaching staff have been impressed with his development so far and all look forward to watching him develop as the season progresses.
On Thursday 27th July we had Henry Silver involved in the game against step 4 Biggleswade Town but we also had James Campbell who came on with 25 minutes left of the match and did not put a foot wrong. He was very comfortable on the ball and played some very good passes under pressure. He defended well when needed to and is transitioning better than expected from Academy football into senior development football.
If you want to be a part of the academy or for further information please use this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates
THANKS STEVE
Many thanks to Steve Maxted who has kindly donated the new car parking signs for the club. It is much appreciated and shows how lucky we are to have such generous volunteers.
BY ROY IZZARD