Devastated non-league club announce tragic death of keeper after serious head injury with all games postponed in tribute
DEVASTATED non-league club Barton Town FC have announced the tragic death of goalkeeper James Hitchcock.
The ace passed away “peacefully” in hospital after suffering a serious head injury.
Tributes poured in for Hitchcock after Barton Town made a sobering announcement on social media.
And all the club’s weekend games have been postponed in tribute to Hitchcock.
Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League on Saturday.
A statement read: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our First Team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends.
“All the club’s games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.”
Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.
His former side led the tributes with a club statement.
It read: “It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.
“The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.
“‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.
“Hitch will be remembered before our home game on Boxing Day. RIP Keeps.”
Barton Town’s NCEL rivals Pickering Town noted: “The club wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, who passed away yesterday after tragic circumstances.
“James was a very good opponent of ours over many years for many clubs and will be sadly missed by many players and supporters.”
Skelmersdale United noted: “We would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Hitchcock. RIP.”
Hull City Ladies added: “On behalf of everyone at Hull City Ladies Football Club, we are deeply sorry to hear about James Hitchcock.
“Our thoughts are with Barton Town and James’ family and friends.”
