Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hay looking to move Canaries forward next season
Friday, April 25 2008
Darran Hay is looking to move Hitchin forward next season and will not want a repeat of the events of 2007-08.
Speaking on the eve of the final league game of the season at Corby, Hay sees the Canaries' revival as the just the start of things at Top Field. "It’s been a great relief to stay up and the players, fans and officials of the club have all played their part, but I am ambitious and want to build on things and have a real stab at the upper reaches of the table."
Hay's team have turned in some impressive performances in recent weeks. "We've played some good stuff and the crowd have really appreciated what we have been trying to do. With some new faces, we can have a really good season in 2008-09."
And Hay wants to go out with a bang at Corby on Saturday. "We want to finish off with a win and put on a bit of a show," he insists. Corby, like Hitchin, secured their Premier Division place last Saturday. The Steelmen may include former Hitchin player Daniel French in their line-up.
Meanwhile, Chairman Terry Barratt has paid tribute to Hay's determination when results were going against Hitchin in January and February. "Darran has done a great job and battled his way through what was a real crisis for us. It would have been easier to give up, but he didn't." Barratt also underlined the role played by local man Hay in raising spirits at the club. "Darran has changed the whole mood of the place, uniting players, officials and fans. It's been an intoxicating experience and we have to build on this as we move forward once more."