Brett Donnelly issues rallying cry ahead of Top Field bow as new Hitchin Town boss

Former Hitchin Town striker Brett Donnelly has issued a rallying cry for Canaries supporters after being appointed as the club's manager this week.

The charismatic Donnelly was chosen to replace the long-serving Mark Burke, who left the club last week after more than a decade of sterling service to the Fishponds Road outfit.

Donnelly has earned plaudits by leading Stotfold to two successive promotions at New Roker Park - and insists he is the man to spark Hitchin once again.

"Well firstly I just want to say what a huge honour it is to be the manager of this club," says Donnelly on the eve of his bow in the Hitchin hotseat.

"It is well documented how closely my family has become entangled in its history and I am delighted to be writing another chapter.

"I am well aware I've jumped from a club in a very good position to one perilously close to relegation.

"But what am I supposed to do when Hitchin Town come calling?

"It's a job I couldn't turn down. This is a huge, established club at this level and none of us want it to drop down to the league below so my first job is to secure step 3 status. It is something I intend to do as quickly as possible."

Donnelly insists he is well aware of the tough task ahead, following the Canaries disappointing 12 game losing streak that ultimately saw the popular Burke depart Fishponds Road.

He said" "I am aware of the task ahead. 12 game losing streaks aren't common so who actually knows how to turn that around? I have got to work it out very quickly.

"Thankfully, after meeting the squad last night, I'm confident in what we have. Add a couple to the mix and we will pull away. "

How will Donnelly ensure positive change happens?

"A slight change of tactics, a different voice and installing some belief and we will be fine," underlines Donnelly, adding: "These boys were 4th not long ago so all is not lost. They are just going to have to get used to my ways very quickly.

"I have already added three to the squad and they will be there tomorrow."

Donnelly has wasted no time drafting in his former Stotfold assistant Eddie McLoughlin, who comes in to work alongside Michael Jones who will be staying - while the equally highly-rated Paul Donnelly now takes charge of Stotfold. (See Nub News for more on this soon).

Passionate Donnelly says: "New blood was a must just to freshen up a battle scarred group. But on that point, I was amazed at how positive the lads were. Massively pleased to see that."

Hitchin Town host AFC Telford in Donnelly's first game as Canaries boss in Southern League Premier Central - with a bumper crowd expected to cheer the club on at the start of a new era.

Previewing the eagerly-awaited Donnelly said: "Can we get more bodies in?

"Not sure we have time or will be able to convince lads to join a dog fight—it will not be easy, I won't have the club held to ransom.

"We are all in this together now. I need all the fans to be onside tomorrow and to get right behind the lads. Be as vocal as possible please. You all know I will be so drown me out!"

Donnelly adds in an impressively rousing start off the field, with just the merest hint of a threat to previously underperforming players: "I can't wait to see everyone at the game but whatever happens tomorrow you have my word that the players will leave everything out there for the club.

"Those that don't won't last with me too long.

"Game one of our seven game season [remaining] let us start with three points."

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