Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Salton: "We don't want negativity at Top Field"
Friday, January 21 2005
Hitchin manager Darren Salton urged the club's fans to adopt a positive attitude in the coming months as he looks to build towards next season.
Speaking at a fans forum at Top Field, Salton said: "I am trying to build a team that perhaps next season can challenge for promotion. I am an ambitious person and I want to progress as a manager and I want Hitchin to progress as a club."
Assistant manager Ken Gillard added: "The only way this club will move on is if we stick together. If you're not interested in that, if you want to snipe from the sidelines, then go and support another club."
Both Salton and Gillard thanked the loyal fans for their support. "Everyone's been great since we took over," said Salton.
Salton announced that both Julian Old (Met.Police) and Paul Covington (Dunstable) had left the club, but James Ayres was returning from Arlesey Town. "I want to thank Julian and Paul - they have been brilliant but they've had better offers elsewhere and I wish them all the best." He also pleaded with the fans to welcome Ayres back with open arms. "There have been various stories why James left last year, but he wants to come back to the club - it certainly is not a money motivated move."
Chairman Terry Barratt informed the audience that both Salton and Gillard are not being paid. "They have chosen to put that money back into the team, that is the level of their commitment," said Barratt.
Andy Melvin updated fans on the lack of activity concerning the ground development. "We have made progress, but it is slow." Melvin called for the Supporters Club to lead a campaign to lobby the club's landlords, the Charities Commission.
