CANARIES SING PRAISES OF ROY – ‘MR HITCHIN’
ROY IZZARD will see his 50 years of loyal service to Hitchin Town honoured on Friday night with a special testimonial.
Fans and a number of club legends will celebrate ‘Mr Hitchin’ who is the Canaries’ secretary and treasurer against a Luton Town XI at their Top Field home (kick-off 7.30pm).
Proceeds from the game are going to both the Southern Premier Central club as well as a donation to British Heart Foundation following the recent cardiac arrest suffered by Hatters defender Tom Lockyer.
Lockyer collapsed during their Premier League game at Bournemouth this season and had his life saved by quick-thinking medics.
And humble Izzard wants to mark the strong link between the two clubs by raising money for charity.
“I was very honoured and humbled to be awarded a testimonial game to mark my 50 years service to Hitchin Town,” he said.
“I certainly did not want to take any proceeds from the game for myself and I wanted the club to benefit from the match receipts. But I also wanted to help a charity as well.
“As the game is against Luton Town I felt it would be a good idea to support a heart charity as Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest in their league game at Bournemouth. Tom thanked the players, staff, doctors and paramedics who saved his life.
“Because of this and the fact that I suffered a ministroke myself a couple of years ago I have decided to try and raise money for the British Heart Foundation.”
The proceeds of the match have already helped to fund a new community defibrillator that will be installed at Top Field before the game.
Former Hatters and Hitchin player-manager Alan West will be at the game along with Alan West (former Hitchin player/manager), plus Luton legends Mick Harford, Brian Stein, Kingsley Black, Wayne Turner and Rob Johnson.
Hitchin chairman Terry Barratt said: “Roy has epitomised the strength of a Hitchin Town supporter. He is always ready to help and assist particularly if it raises or saves money for the club. The Fifty Year Testimonial is a fitting tribute to a club stalwart who is Hitchin through and through.”
Club owner and former manager Andy Melvin continued: “Roy Izzard is Mr Hitchin Town Football Club. His passion, enthusiasm and love for the club is unparalleled.
“I am privileged to be able to call Roy my friend and it was his unwavering support, encouragement and trust in me that enabled the team to have one of its most successful periods in the club’s history.
“I doubt that there is another football club that has an individual as dedicated as Roy, but I would add that we are very fortunate at Hitchin to have such a vast number of exceptional characters like Roy, who are also unbelievably dedicated and committed to the Football Club and its cause.
“I could go on and on but what more can I say, Roy Izzard is a top man, honest to the core, and I love him.”
Writing in the matchday programme, Barry Swain noted: “Roy’s 50year rollercoaster ride has seen the club suffer financial issues and relegations but, on the flipside, enjoy the odd promotion, title success and cup run.
“He’s seen players come and go, managers come and go. Chairman, club officials and supporters come and go. He’s even seen three stands blown down by the wind!
“He’s seen so much change. Rotten wood making way for secure cement. I see the club from afar these days, getting here when I can. Hitchin Town seems to be in a good place now.
“Roy has stood the test of time and change. Testament to the modern day HTFC that they have acknowledged his contribution to this club, to local football and to local sport for so many years. Every club needs a Roy Izzard.”