Canaries boss Mark Burke has resigned after 11 years as Hitchin Town boss.

It's the end of an era at Top Field after Mark Burke resigned as manager of Hitchin Town FC on Tuesday evening (March 5).

Burkey - as he is known fondly by everyone in the game - has been in charge at Fishponds Road for 11 years but, an underwhelming campaign capped by 11 losses on the bounce, was enough for the much-loved character to step aside at the Southern League Premier Division Central side.

He said: "After much deliberation and with a heavy heart I have made the decision to resign as first team manager.

"It has been an honour and absolute privilege to manage my beloved football club for nearly 11 years but the time is right to step aside.

"I feel by announcing my resignation now it will allow the club time to make an informed appointment and give the new manager enough time to adjust the squad as they see fit and ultimately secure the club's future in the division.

"I have some fantastic memories to take away with me from my time as an assistant manager and manager."

A proud member of the historic Hitchin Town side that reached the FA Cup first round proper twice in the mid 1990s, Burkey led the Canraries to the first round proper back in 2018, for the first time since those heady days.

Who can forget the celebrations at Leatherhead after Hitchin won the fourth qualifying tie on penalties, only to be drawn against Solihull Moors in November 2018 - that saw the BBC Match of the Day cameras visit the Canary Club to host the FA Cup draw on an unforgettable evening at Top Field.

"I have enjoyed being the underdog and punching well above our weight when competing against other huge clubs," added Burkey, saying "I will look back with pride at the achievements the club has had under my stewardship including Southern League Cup winners, Herts Senior Cup winners twice and runners up once, Herts Charity Cup winners three times and runners up twice, as well as finishing in the play-off positions twice and being one minute away from promotion to the National League South.

"Then there was an FA Cup run that took us into the first round proper for the first time in over 20 years."

Burkey was at the helm when the club launched a do or die crowdfunding scheme during lockdown that saved the very existence of Hitchin Town after cash flow problem stemming from the Coronavirus pandemic.

While Burkey was also manager during the stirring Save Top Field campaign back in the winter of 2014, which saw hundreds of people march through Hitchin to save grand old Top Field from rapacious property development.

Burley added: "I am very proud of the many players I think I have helped on their way to successful careers and, also the ones I have helped enjoy and prolong their twilight years.

"I have made lots of new friendships along the way and many that will last after my time in football.

"There are a lot of people I need to thank starting with my assistant and good friend Adam Parker who has had my back throughout my time in charge and who has helped with all the achievements mentioned previously.

"I would like to thank club owner Andy Melvin who had faith in me when appointing me despite concerns from within.

"He has been with me all the way on my journey and has offered a lot of good advice over the years."

Nub News understands that Burkey will still attend Friday evening's benefit match for club secretary and stalwart Roy Izzard. (See Nub News for more)

He added: "I would like to thank Roy Izzard who has been so loyal and supported me at every match that I have been involved with.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working with Roy over the years and it will be an honour to manage the team one final time on Friday night in his most deserving tribute and celebration.

"Thank you to the other Committee members for their support during all the ups and downs whilst I have been in charge."

"To all the supporters that have stayed loyal to me throughout all the good and bad times it has been much appreciated, keep up the singing!

"Most importantly I would like to thank my family who have been with me every step of the way, especially my wife Marion who has made so many sacrifices during both my playing and managerial career over our 35 year marriage.

"I am truly thankful for having you by my side."

Burkey will not be severing all ties with the club and will continue on in his roles of company secretary and head of community activities, including the good work that goes on at the Arena in Baldock.

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In happier times, Mark Burke pictured with former player now Stotfold boss Brett Donnelly (right) and broadcaster Freddie Cardy. CREDIT: @laythy29