Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Problems ahead as Ryman clubs become apprehensive
Friday, April 9 2004
The Ryman League's shake-up at the end of the season may not be as smooth as some people think. With some clubs fearful of the future cost of Conference membership and others refusing to pay the League's £ 750 levy for legal costs, there is a hint of mutiny in the air.
Earlier this season, Hitchin's management realised that chasing a place in the Conference might lead to financial disaster. The Canaries were caught up in the wave of panic that gripped the feeder leagues over being left behind by a new order in non-league football. ""The restructuring has come too early for us," says Hitchin Chairman Terry Barratt. "We are still, frustratingly, waiting for significant progress on our ground development and until this happens, we won't have the infrastucture or commercial prowess to step up."
Barratt has detected some trepidation on the part of clubs who will take part in the Conference. "I have heard some horror stories of what some clubs have been prepared to do to ensure a top 13 place. But at the same time, we hear from others that actually fear moving up and how they can raise sufficient income to survive at that level."
Barratt also sees problems ahead for some of the clubs. "There are some clubs that may regret pushing the boat out to reach for a level of football that will certainly cost them more, not just in travelling but in wages." Barratt feels that players in Conference North and South will start to raise the ante when it comes to wages. The level may not be much higher in playing terms, but the average wage will almost certainly rise, he says.
But regardless of Hitchin's plight this season, Barratt believes 2004-05 can be exciting for the club. "It will be interesting, a new environment with fresh opposition." Hitchin may be subject to a sideways shift to the Dr Martens League but Canaries' fans will probably have to wait until the summer to find out the club's destination.
