Loyal Hitchin Town servant Dan Webb signed off his Top Field career with a victory after a challenging season that thankfully saw the Canaries avoid relegation.

Hitchin marked the retirement of respected club captain, Dan Webb with a 1-0 victory over Bromsgrove Sporting, with Webb coming on as a late substitute to make his four hundredth and final appearance to great acclaim and affection from the Top Field faithful - in front of the second largest home attendance of the season, with 777 coming through the gates in a pay what you want game.

Webb informed manager Mark Burke that he planned to retire from playing for Hitchin after Saturday's game.

Webb played his first match in August 2012 and the Bromsgrove game saw him make his his 400th appearance for the Canaries. During that time, Webb, who has led the side for six years, notched 40 goals and is rightly viewed as a club legend.

Hitchin Town boss Mark Burke paid tribute to Webb, saying:

''Dan has been an absolute rock in all the teams I have built in the ten years he has been with the club. I really want to thank him for his service to the club over those 400 games. Together we have seen many highs and lows but he has always given Hitchin 100% effort and commitment.

I have many fond memories of his performances notably his winning goal against Poole on the day of the protest march to save Top Field, and his equaliser against Leatherhead in the FA Cup. He has lifted two Herts Senior Cups, the Southern League Cup and two Herts Charity Cups.

I think Webby peaked in the two play-off seasons although I still think he should have scored at Leamington! The great thing for me as a manager was that Dan rarely fell below 8 out of 10 in his performances. I would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future and I hope we see him back at Top Field sooner rather than later.''

Hitchin Town secretary Roy Izzard underlined that Webb has always been a favourite player with the club's supporters because he was always so consistent and his standards were so high.

Roy explained that Webb was a brilliant defender but has also scored many vital goals. He always remained loyal to Hitchin and the ideal choice as captain - who took his captaincy role seriously.

Roy also added modestly that he played a small part in Dan joining Hitchin. Roy was approached by a cricket colleague Michael Frankland, who told him there was a centre half at Shefford & Campton who he thought was far too good for that level and he thought he could do a job at Hitchin.

Roy said he trusted Michael's judgement and alerted Mark Burke — and the rest is now history.

Roy said: "He was a thoroughly decent and likeable person and I will really miss him as will all our supporters.

"I wish him all the best for the future and he will be a very difficult act to follow. Thanks for the memories Dan and I will certainly miss you having seen every game you played and always rating you one of our best ever central defenders."

Perhaps the final word should go to the Hitchin legend himself.

"After so many years, this is a difficult decision but in my opinion, a necessary one. I cannot believe it has come around so quickly but regardless of how many games and years it's been, I feel it's the right time for both myself and for the club. I am proud and privileged to have played and captained the side for as long as I have and have met so many great people because of it.

Thank you to Burkey for his trust and loyalty to me as a player and making me club captain. I've learnt so much from Burkey, he taught me my trade as centre half and converted me from a slow, chubby pub-player into a slow, less chubby, non-league player who enjoys the pub. This is where I normally make a joke about Parks – but to be fair to him, he's one of the best! Like Burkey, he wears his heart on his sleeve and has a desire to graft and win. I'm grateful to have played for them and there's two more friends for life.

There far too many others to mention but – the current Canaries, the ex-Canaries (you know who you are), Sam and the physio team, Nick, Del Boy, Spender, Mr Chairman, Roy, Mick, Chris, Kate, Steve and the ground staff, the social media team and all those contributing to maintain and improve the club. Most importantly, the fans and their loyal support which is invaluable to the club – thank you all!

Outside of the club, I'd like to thank my wife, Nikki, for the patience and commitment she has shown throughout the years – the amount of meals, parties, holidays I have either missed, been late to or had to reschedule/cancel because of football. Also my Dad (a proper centre half in his day) and all my family and friends for the support they've shown in so many different ways.

What's next for me? I've not thought any further than getting on a plane (or two) this summer. I certainly won't stop playing football altogether, I'm not sure I could function without kicking a few balls out of play. It is goodbye but I won't be a stranger and wish the football club and all those involved, all the best in the future.