Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Canaries won't let Nolan go for a song
Saturday, July 5 2003
Hitchin Town will not be bullied into a cut-price deal should Chesterfield Town come in for 21 year-old striker Matt Nolan.
Nolan is on trial at Saltergate and is being closely watched by manager Roy McFarland. Early reports suggest that Nolan is doing well and that cash-strapped Chesterfield may take a chance on the youngster.
McFarland has said that he is looking for a striker and Nolan may fit the bill. But like many Nationwide League clubs at the moment, the former England centre half may be reluctant to pay cash for a non-league player.
"We have to make sure we get a deal that is optimal for Hitchin Town," said manager Robbie O'Keefe. "There are clubs out there who are willing to spend, just look at Stoke who are reputed to be tabling a £ 100,000 bid for Basingstoke's Craig McAllister."
McFarland is well acquainted with Hitchin- he raided Top Field to land Zema Abbey in 2000, a deal that eventually netted £ 30,000 for the Canaries, but only after a substantial sell-on.
"We rate Matt higher than Zema, so there will have to be some serious negotiation," insists O'Keefe.
Nolan is one of O'Keefe's most valued proteges. He graduated via the club's youth scheme and averages a goal every three games. The coming season was seen as a crucial one for Nolan, who finished 2002-03 under something of a cloud. He recently signed a new contract.
