Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Trophy expert Hay up for his first game
Friday, November 23 2007
New Hitchin manager Darran Hay has a tough first game in store when he takes his team to Carshalton on Saturday in the FA Trophy.
Not many people know as much about the FA Trophy as Hay, who picked up three winners’ medals as a player with Woking. He has already been knocked out of the competition this season with Arlesey Town, so he is keen to avoid another defeat in Surrey. And with a squad shorn of suspended players Martin Standen and Ricky Miller, Hay will be weighing up his options in attack "It is going to take time to get to know the players and to determine what changes need to be made," said Hay. "Over the coming weeks, I will evaluate our strengths and weaknesses."
Hay had a full complement of players at his first training session. "The lads responded well and we know we have a tough job to do. Our priority is to get away from the relegation zone and I will do whatever needs to be done to achieve that. We have got to start thinking far more positively and I hope we can lift everyone at the club," he added.
Hay was a popular figure at Hitchin in his brief spell as a player in 2004-05. "I am excited by the challenge. This is my home town club and it means a lot to be the manager. I can’t wait to get started on this job."
Carshalton are near the bottom of the Ryman League Premier. They have been woefully inconistent this season, but have won their last three league games at Colston Avenue.