This weekend promises double success for fans of Hitchin Town and England!

While Gareth Southgate's Three Lions prepare to play Italy in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley on Sunday, Hitchin Town fans are gearing up for their north Herts derby with League Two side Stevenage on Saturday.

BBC Radio presenter and Hitchin Town fan Tim Wheeler certainly can't wait for the exciting double bill.

"What a weekend of football," renowned broadcaster Tom told Hitchin Nub News, adding with a smile: "The big match and then England in the final!"

Mark Burke's side will be looking to continue the good form shown during their 4-1 victory over former Canary Brett Donnelly's Stotfold on Tuesday.

The derby against Boro caps a busy week following their 7-0 defeat against a strong Luton Town squad in front of an impressive Top Field crowd of 1,158.

The progressive Canaries have been busy during lockdown after revamping grand old Top Field thanks to the £60k+ they raised during their crowdfunding appeal.

They have also earned plaudits through redesigning their badge in a move that has seen more than £4,000 spent on new kits and assorted brands items.

Tim is one of the many supporters who has purchased the club's stylish new kit, made by sports giants Hummel - and has been busy composing new songs for the Top Field choir.

"I'm so excited to get back to Top Field in my brand new Canaries kit and me and the not-so-ultras have prepared some great new songs for the terrace," Tim explained.

"Big respect to the volunteers who have added some sparkle to the ground. Come on Hitchin, come on England - let's do the double!"

So, if you're going to be among the 500 or so north Herts football fans at Top Field on Saturday, why not give Tim's song lyrics a go.

Especially if you've been busy lubricating your throat with a few welcome pre-match ales in the Canary Club before kick-off.

To the tune of Temptation by Heaven 17.

"The team are on fire....Hitchin Town!

Pressing higher and higher....Hitchin Town!

We're wearing the new shirt....Hitchin Town!

And we're loving the refurb.....Hitchin Town!"

And here's another (with a nod to our town's renowned reputation for quality independent shops...)

"You may have a Screwfix...and Roaring Meg...but we love our Hitchin...so we'll shop here instead! HITCHIN!"

Nub News will be at Top Field on Saturday to cover the game. Visit the Hitchin Town website for the latest ticket details here

................

Club secretary and stalwart Roy Izzard's weekly bulletin

With all the euphoria surrounding England we must not forget that football has come home - to Hitchin.

The visit of Luton last Saturday was our first home game since December and it was great to return to our beloved ground after such a long absence.

The ground looked very different and there were plenty of favourable comments made by supporters who appreciated the improvements.

The ground will not be complete for a couple of weeks but everybody could see that the ground was safer, brighter, more welcoming and it still retained some of its old world charm.

Ground updates from Kate Deller

Top Field has gone through a massive overhaul in the last 16 months. A huge amount of work and effort has been put in by our band of 29 volunteers.

These amazing people with an average age of 60 have worked solidly in all weather on Saturdays and evenings to ensure that as much work was completed in time for this season.

When you walk through the gates you won't see the finished product (we are waiting delivery of the new terracing for the Fishponds Road End) but I do hope you appreciate the changes that have taken place.

Top Field has never looked so good. That is thanks to our wonderful supporters for their amazing Crowdfunding money which has allowed us to make radical changes including the fencing, roofing and other jobs required to make Top Field safe.

Also this would not have been possible without the dedication of those volunteers who wanted to see Top Field back looking its best.

So please, all still take care around the ground as it is unfinished and there will be changes you need to get used to.

Stands not where they used to be, new concrete where it wasn't before. There are areas cordoned off for your safety. Please do look and appreciate the stadium, we are all very proud of what we have been able to achieve with teamwork.

Please listen to the volunteer marshalls and security officers as they are there to ensure you have an enjoyable matchday experience.

HTFC Radio news by Freddie Cardy

The ever-excellent Freddie Cardy and co will be covering Saturday's game on HTFC Radio, along with all pre-season commentaries.

Freddie says: "The Canary Club Podcast is also continuing with interviews and Euros excitement, and if you miss any of the commentaries you can listen back as a podcast.

"Tune in live on htfc.radio12345.com, we can't wait to be back at Top Field!"

Programmes and teamsheets

There is good news for programme collectors with printed match day programmes on sale in the ground again with the peerless Mick Docking producing an excellent double effort.

The price is £2.50. The club would prefer payment by card (preferably contactless) but you can pay cash if you have the correct money.

Teamsheets can be purchased for 30p, with club secretary Roy Izzard assuring fans it will 'be a better quality than last year.'

Southern League fixtures

Southern League fixtures are set to be published at 1pm on Friday, July 16. Stay tuned to Hitchin Nub News for news of who the Canaries will face from August.