Hitchin Town Football Club

Payne signs his first batch of players

Thursday, July 2 2009

Hitchin manager Colin Payne has announced initial batch of new signings for the 2009-10 season following the first pre-season training session.

Among the first players to put pen to paper are: Dean Gilbert, Martin Bennett, Carl Williams, Ieuan Lewis, Ashley Grinham, Danny Payne, Luke Donnelly and Jamie Arlick.

Luke Donnelly and Jamie Arlick are new to Hitchin fans. Luke Donnelly is another of the Hitchin football clan. Son of Ian, he is the brother of Brett, who is also expected to sign. Donnelly, a central midfielder, was previously with Boreham Wood and has also played for Stotfold.

Arlick had a pre-season with Hitchin two years ago.  A 20 year-old striker, he was previously with Tiptree. “I have high hopes for Jamie,” said Payne. “He could be a real find for us.”

Gilbert is returning for his second spell at the club. He was originally signed in December 2008 from Arlesey Town but left Hitchin last season.