Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
New signings have lifted the club to a new level
Sunday, July 13 2003
Last Friday night's capture of former Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday striker Andy Douglas has given Hitchin Town a major boost and sent a signal to the rest of the Ryman Premier Division.
That's the view of Robbie O'Keefe, who was delighted at landing Douglas, a striker who has averaged a 1 in 2 goalscoring ratio in his career. "We now have Andy and Carl Drew, both players with great scoring records," beamed
O'Keefe.
Douglas's arrival in pre-season training sent a buzz around Top Field. "The players were quite clearly lifted by Andy's presence and he was very keen to sign for us, which in itself is a big compliment."
O'Keefe has also signed two midfielders to increase competition in the ranks. Stuart Maynard arrived from Enfield and James Osborn spent a brief spell at Harrow last season. "Both are good athletes and are comfortable on
the ball. Stuart and James will give us something that we did'nt have last season, I'm excited about seeing them in our team."
With Carl Williams back for his second spell at the club, O'Keefe has genuine competition for places in midfield, much needed given the lengthy suspension that will force Dean Brennan out of the first half dozen games.
Up front, too, Hitchin have options for the first time in a few seasons.
"Douglas, Drew, Dillon, Nolan and Francis, that's a good group of players to choose from," says O'Keefe. "And we may have one other to add to the squad."
The Hitchin manager knows, however, that Matt Nolan is unlikely to start the season with the club. "He's on a few shopping lists now, I think, so he could be on his way."
