Hitchin Town boss Mark Burke looks forward to hosting Luton Town U21s to help raise awareness of brilliant book by Hatters former kitman

Canaries boss Mark Burke can't wait to welcome near neighbours Luton Town U21s to Top Field tonight, Monday (March 13).

With Hitchin having a rare spare weekend the match will give valuable minutes to some of the Canaries squad.

However, the match has also been arranged in a heartening show of sporting solidarity to help boost awareness and hopefully sales of a brilliant new book, penned by former Hatters kitman Phill Duffy.

Speaking ahead of the eagerly-anticipate clash, the highly-respected Hitchin boss Burke said: "I would like to thank Luton for agreeing to send their U21 side to Top Field for Monday's friendly.

"This further strengthens the close relationship between the two clubs. It will be interesting to see Josh Allen and Dan Idiakhoa play against their team mates.

"It also gives me the opportunity to see Luton's young players who may be possible loan targets in the future."

The must-buy tome for all Hatters fans is called 'They played for David Pleat at Luton Town' and is signed by three of the club's most loved players.

Mick Harford, Wayne Turner and Alan West will all be at Top Field on Monday evening to put pen to paper to showcase the book.

Written by Duffy, the book is part one of a two-part series, taking readers and fans back to an era when football was still very much "at the heart of working-class culture".

This volume's 420 pages chronicle memories and stories from the men within the dressing room and corridors of Kenilworth Road, all at a time when Pleat was leading a rise up the divisions.

Popular Burke - known to all in football as Burke added: "Before the game I am looking forward to seeing my first Hitchin Town manager and Luton legend Alan West.

"He will be in the clubhouse from 6.15pm along with fellow Luton legends Mick Harford and Wayne Turner.

"They will be with the author Phil Duffy to sign copies of Phil's book They Played for David Pleat at Luton Town. The legends will stay to watch the game."

Top Field Ticket details

Hitchin season ticket holders can gain free admission to the match by logging into their account.

The game will also boost Mark Burke's Canaries who have a free weekend in the Southern League, with their next Premier Division Central game coming up on Saturday, March 18, when they travel to Hednesford Town.

Following that the Canaries are back at Top Field on March 25 against Stratford Town.

For more on the book, follow @Kitman_Phil on Twitter or click here to buy

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