Save Hitchin Town FC - 'No Pay Day' 29 November

Usually when I write about 'Pay What You Want' matches that are taking place around the country it has a positive air to it as the clubs involved are generally looking to increase awareness and goodwill in their local area and generate some extra support that then stays with them over the months and years that follow.

Hitchin Town's 'No Pay Day' which is scheduled for Saturday 29 November against Frome Town in the Southern League Premier Division (cup commitments not withstanding) has a slightly different but no less important aim.

The club's existence is under threat as the trustees of their Top Field ground, in use since 1865 and beautifully described as a 'welcoming if somewhat archaic place to watch the game', the Cow Commoners, have proposed to sell up to a property developer.

Chairman Terry Barratt said: “We are aware of the enormous groundswell of emotion around the issues of our ground. We want the support of everyone – not just our loyal fans, but the town of Hitchin, the non-league community and local businesses and enterprises. We urge them all to come along and show their support for our cause. We need the help of everyone to secure the future of senior football in Hitchin.”

The Save HTFC web page and official website have full details of the fight.