WEEKLY BULLETIN – 30TH JUNE
MANAGER’S NOTES
After the intense period of player recruitment Mark Burke is enjoying a well earned holiday but he will be back for the Luton game. I have spoken to Michael Jones from the management team for his update on pre-season preparations. Training started last Thursday with a light session and then on Saturday there was a training game between the first tam squad and a team of triallists. This week the training became harder in the Monday and Thursday sessions and it will be the same on Saturday as we prepare for the Luton game.
Michael thinks we are well ahead of where we were this time last year. He remembers our friendly at Biggleswade United where we were held 1-1 and they were the better team and he was concerned. Whereas this year we have been proactive in signing the bulk of last year’s squad with a couple of new additions unlike last year when we had fewer players signed at this stage and were still experimenting. This year we know who is going to play where and the players know each other’s games. Last season we built the squad as we went along but this year we start from a very strong position and there is good competition for places .
Michael feels we are in the best position since he joined the club. The players are feeling confident and optimistic but are keeping their feet firmly on the ground. They are taking nothing for granted and know the standard of the league will be high. Our first aim is to improve on our points tally from last season and we will do our utmost to challenge for the play-off positions.
SEASON TICKET NEWS BY CHRIS NEWBOLD
I am pleased to advise that the first batch of season tickets ordered have now arrived and I will be starting distribution of these tomorrow, in good time for those who would like to use their tickets for the Luton game on Saturday 8th July. These are all those season tickets ordered up to and including 19th June. For those season tickets ordered after 19th June we hope to receive those at some point next week in time for the Luton game.
Just so all are aware, there are guidelines as to their use, but the three main points are:
Entry to ground
Tickets have a readable icon (QR code) which is personalised. This must be read by a card reader for entry to the ground. Entry will be via the turnstiles on Fishponds Road, so that your card can be read and validated.
Validity of ticket
Each card carries the Bearer’s name. The ticket is only valid for the person whose name is on the card. It must not be transferred to any other person, and any cases where this is apparent will result in the card being withdrawn and disabled.
It is valid for all 21 League games in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central for Season 2023-24. It is not valid for any games in other Cup competitions (FA Cup, FA Trophy, Herts Senior and Charity Cups), or testimonial games, unless specified by the Club.
Lost Season Tickets
If you lose your season ticket, you must report it as soon as is possible by emailing tickets@hitchintownfc.club . If for any reason you are not able to email, please report your loss by text message to 07952 310368. Please do not phone this number to report a loss of ticket. We will then ensure the card is disabled.
The Club will make a charge of £4.00 for a replacement season ticket.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Club, and here’s hoping for a great season ahead!
PRE-SEASON GAMES TICKET NEWS BY CHRIS NEWBOLD
Tickets are selling well for all three of our pre-season matches so don’t delay buy today. Royston tickets are also now on sale. Prices are as follows:
Luton Town XI and Stevenage:
Adults £13, Concessions (60-79) £9, Teenagers £4, Children Under 13 accompanying an adult £2. Seniors Over 80 FREE, but online ticket required.
Watford Academy:
Adults £10, Concessions (60-79) £6, Teenagers £2, Children Under 13 accompanying an adult £1. Seniors Over 80 FREE, but online ticket required.
Please note that Child tickets can only be bought in conjunction with Adult or Concession tickets (maximum of 3 children to one Adult/Concession). Child tickets cannot be purchased on their own in isolation.
Herts Charity Cup
On Saturday 29th July we entertain Royston Town in the 1st Round of the Herts Charity Cup. Season tickets are not valid for this game, but reduced price tickets are available:
Adults £10, Concessions (60-79) £6, Teenagers £2, Children Under 13 accompanying an adult £1. Seniors Over 80 FREE, but online ticket required.
Please come along and support the Canaries in their first competition game of the season.
ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Thursday 22nd June the first team started their pre-season and we were lucky enough to have 3 of our academy prospects invited in for the session. These 3 lads have all been involved in every session the first team have completed so far. We are hopeful they are all showing enough quality to be involved in the up and coming pre-season friendlies and if they impress a chance to sign Southern League registration forms for the season.
We are also starting once a week optional training sessions on Monday 3rd July for our current academy players as well as our new recruits. This will be used as a way to start building relationships and ease everyone back in before we start academy pre-season training in August.
If you want to be a part of the academy or for further information please register your details using this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates
CIDER AND CHEESE FESTIVAL
The Cider and Cheese festival kicks off at 12.00 today (Friday 30th June) . All the best ciders from the west country, great cheese selection and live music. Get down to the Canary Club today and tomorrow.
💛💚
A MESSAGE FROM MICK DOCKING ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The cider arrived, was sorted and racked by our valiant volunteers Steve, Roger, Irz and Jan under the watchful supervision of Alan Clark, for whom this annual labour of love will soon be over. “Thank the Lord for that” he says.
Garden City Brewery have kindly supplied us with a cask of their own award winning ale which will supplement our other ales – Sharps’ Sea Fury – smooth and dark and with a hint of citrus, St Austell’s Tribute. Something for everyone.
The sun will hopefully shine upon us all and the garden will be full of sparking conversation, even if all the cider and ale is flat!.
Everyone is welcome – indeed, the more the merrier.
TOP FIELD WORKING PARTY
On Tuesday 4th July 2023 we will be holding another ground maintenance working party from 6.30 to 8.30pm. We would welcome any help.
Please come along in your rough clothes, We will be washing down signs, staining some timber and generally tidying up ahead of the Luton game.
BY ROY IZZARD