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Hitchin Town and Knebworth in tie-up

Monday, March 14 2005

Hitchin Town and Knebworth football clubs have formed an alliance that will reap benefits for both entitites.

The move is part of Hitchin Town’s community development strategy and brings the number of affiliated or associated clubs within the programme to double figures.

The link-up between Hitchin and Knebworth is aimed at developing young players from both clubs. Hitchin Town’s second-year scholarship students will be able to play Herts County League football, while Knebworth’s leading players will gain the opportunity to play Capital League football with Hitchin’s reserve team.

In addition, both clubs will share training facilities, with Knebworth using the Norton Road sports complex during the 2005-06 season.

Mark Burke, responsible for community development at Hitchin Town said: “This is another opportunity to extend what is a growing franchise in North Herts. I am sure that our association with Knebworth will be a positive boost for our young players and may even find some undiscovered talent.”

Tony Lamacraft, team manager of Knebworth FC, added: "I am delighted by this link-up with Hitchin Town. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our squad in depth and quality, as well as providing rewards for my players who prove themselves capable at the higher level. This will undoubtedly raise the profile of the Club and help our dedicated Committee to progress Knebworth Football Club."

Knebworth FC was reformed in 1999 from a successful Knebworth Youth side, eight years after the Club shut down because its ground had been sold for development. The Club spent four progressive seasons in the Hertford & District League, gaining promotion from Division Two in the first season and taking the Division One Title the following season. Two terms in the top flight saw fourth and third placed finishes before a move to the Herts County League, where the Club is now pushing for promotion to the Premier Division in only its second season.