Hitchin Town Football Club

Preview: Rugby Town v Hitchin Town

Monday, August 9 2010

Manager Carl Williams marks his first competitive game in charge with a trip to Butlin Road, home of Rugby Town. Hitchin last visited Rugby Town in 2008-09 season.

Rugby a tough place to start

Saturday August 14: Rugby Town v Hitchin Town, Butlin Road 3pm

Hitchin fans have bad memories of Rugby. It was in January 2009 that the spectre of relegation started to become reality. The Canaries had thrown away a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 at Butlin Road and within days, popular manager Darran Hay resigned and the team continued to sink towards the Premier trapdoor.

Rugby are now in transition. They suffered relegation last season and new manager Martin Sockett has completely rebuilt his squad.

Happy hunting ground?
Not likely. Hitchin have won just once at Butlin Road – in February 2008. A 2-0 win – remember that superb goal from Mark Ducket – was part of a decent run that staved off relegation in 2007-08. We’ve only managed to avoid defeat twice – in 2007-08 and in 2006-07 (0-0), while in the FA Cup, we’re been beaten twice (1985-86 and 1992-93).

Expected drop?
Rugby fans shouldn’t have been too surprised at relegation. In the past five years they have flirted with the drop – since 2005-06 they finished 15th, 17th, 15th, 17th and finally 22nd.

What’s good about Rugby?
They have a fantastic ground that will stand out at Central Division level. The main stand would not look out of place at a much higher level and all round Butlin Road is a good stadium. It’s a pity they don’t get bigger crowds. It’s also a friendly club and the town itself has a rich history. Ever read Tom Brown’s Schooldays?

How are they shaping up?
Rugby’s squad is unrecognisable from last season. They lost talented frontman David Kolodynski, who has shifted to Cambridge City and most of their squad is a mystery. Sockett has been trying out lots of players in his pre-season programme, which has yielded mixed results. They were heavily beaten by Nuneaton, but beat Redditch. They were also beaten at home by Tamworth and on August 7, suffered a 0-3 defeat at Butlin Road at the hands of Mickleover Sports. The bookies rate Rugby as 16/1 (Sky Bet), which places them just above mid-table, but Hitchin’s management team have received feedback that suggests Rugby may be one of the front-runners.

How do you get there?
From M6, Junction 1 North and South onto A426 signed Rugby, at third roundabout turn left into Boughton Road. Continue along Boughton Road, after passing under railway viaduct turn right at traffic lights (B5414) up the hill, take second left at mini roundabout into Butlin Road.

Want to read more?
Click here to see the Media Briefing Sheet for this game

Useful links
Rugby Town FC
The Rugby Observer
Rugby entry on Wikipedia