WEEKLY BULLETIN FROM ROY

Here is the weekly roundup of all things Hitchin Town FC from Club Secretary, Roy Izzard.

FIXTURES

Saturday 28 July home to Baldock Town friendly kick off 3.00pm.

Tuesday 31 July home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles friendly kick off 7.45pm.

Thursday 2 August home to Maldon and Tiptree friendly kick off 7.45pm.

All of these three friendlies are pay what you want games.

RESULTS

Last Saturday we beat Arlesey Town 4-0 and on Tuesday we beat Eynesbury Rovers 4-1 both games being played away. At least 20 players were used in each game as the whole squad gained valuable minutes on the pitch. With the searing temperatures it has been necessary not to overplay players at such an early stage of the pre-season. Both games featured a number of necessary water breaks.

ADAM PARKER’S VIEW ON THE EYNESBURY GAME

With Mark Burke not returning from holiday until Monday Adam Parker has been in charge of the two friendlies played at Arlesey and Eyensbury. I spoke to him after the Eynesbury game and firstly he told me that despite Mark being away they have been in regular contact and Mark has been involved in the team selection and will be fully briefed ahead of his return.

Adam thought the first half at Eynesbury was poor. Too much passing went backwards or sideways and there were just not enough chances created. The high temperatures did not help but he changed things round for the second half and was much happier with the performance. The ball was moved quicker and many more chances were carved out. Adam was annoyed we conceded a late goal that could and should have been prevented but a number of players impressed him including trialist Charlie Thake.

MARK DUCKET

Eynesbury Rovers are managed by Mark Ducket who played 115 games for Hitchin between 2001 and 2010 scoring 9 goals. I spoke to him after the game and he told me he considered his spell at Hitchin was the best time of his career and he really enjoyed his Top Field stay. He was pleased to see Adam Parker again and regretted Mark Burke being on holiday. He was impressed by Hitchin and liked the football we played. Last season Eynesbury finished in 7th place in the United Counties League Premier Division and Mark has done an impressive job with limited resources. The playing surface at Eynesbury was impressive despite the drought conditions and we wish Mark all the best for the coming season.

JOSH COLEY

Congratulations to Josh Coley who has signed a contract for Norwich City for one year with a one year option and is due to play for their under 23 squad this season.

WILL WRIGHT

Will Wright has gone to Dagenham and Redbridge on loan from Colchester United until 5 January 2019. This should ensure first team football for Will as he looks to make the breakthrough from the under 23’s to the first team at Colchester.

Will’s sister Charlotte has been helping out with our physio team this pre season. With Conor Moran on holiday Charlotte has been very helpful having recently achieved her degree. It is good to continue the Wright connection!

SOCIAL CLUB

Ian and Jackie Mann are leaving Canary Club on Tuesday 31 July having been in charge for a number of years. We thank them for all their hard work and wish them all the best for the future. The Club will now take over the running of Canary Club and all existing bookings made will be honoured and we will be actively looking for new bookings. Please watch the website for further news on Canary Club.

HERTS SENIOR CUP

The draw for the Herts Senior Cup is due to be released on Monday. Details will be put on the website as soon as we find out.

PLAYER’S BLOG

I am hopeful of being able to replace Brett Donnelly with another player willing to write a regular blog. Negotiations are ongoing!!

Roy Izzard