Hitchin Town Football Club

Burke uses glory days to spur on Canaries

Friday, August 27 2010

Hitchin’s management team is using the club’s glory days in the FA Cup to motivate the team ahead of tomorrow’s Preliminary Round tie with Ware at Top Field.

Assistant Manager Mark Burke was skipper of the Hitchin side that reached the FA Cup second round in 1994 and 1995, beating Football League clubs Hereford and Bristol Rovers on the way. Burke recalls those days with relish and is hoping the current batch of Canaries find inspiration from stories of the past.

“When we reached the first round in 1994, we often talked about having a good run at Hitchin and it seemed light years away. But when it happened, it was just fantastic. And it is only when you do experience it you realise just how marvellous it is. Once you have tasted FA Cup success, you want it more and more,” he says.

Remembering Hereford and Bristol Rovers still sends Burke’s spine tingling, and since 1995, he has longed for a return to those days. “It would do so much for our club, the fans and the town. Each round that goes by, then expectation and excitement increases. And of course, the financial side is hugely beneficial for the club.”

Since 1995, Hitchin have not enjoyed much success in the competition, although reached the fourth qualifying round three times – in 1999, 2001 and 2007.

Hitchin will be at full strength for the game, with everyone fit and no suspensions. Ware, who have one point from two league games, were beaten 5-1 at AFC Sudbury in midweek. “We take no notice of league form – this is a big game for Ware aswell,” says Burke.