Hitchin Town s Supporters Trust has again pledged its backing to the club and looks to match last season s level of support. Following an appeal for existing members of the trust to renew their membership for the 2006-7 campaign, the reaction has been im

Hitchin Town's Supporters' Trust has again pledged its backing to the club and looks to match last season's level of support.

Following an appeal for existing members of the trust to renew their membership for the 2006-7 campaign, the reaction has been impressive.

"We are delighted with the way people have responded - it shows the sort of commitment we have at the club," says trust secretary Brian Gray.

The enthusiasm shown by supporters to commit to a subscription for 2006-7 has again surprised Canaries' officials.

Hitchin chairman Terry Barratt said: "It's been brilliant. We have a very loyal bunch of supporters and their willingness to show their allegiance is just fantastic. I hope we can repay them with a good season."

Once again supporters can donate via one-off cash donations, quarterly cash instalments or weekly/monthly standing orders. For further details, email brian@gamlingray.fsnet.co.uk

The Canaries are also going all out in a bid to attract younger supporters for the 2006-7 season.

The club will not charge any child under 16 for entry to league games during the season.

This does not apply to cup ties or friendlies.

Barratt continued: "We are only too aware that our crowd is getting older and we want to nurture a new generation of Hitchin fans. These people are our future.

"With Premiership and Football League so expensive now, we would hope to appeal to youngsters who want to watch a game."

* Hitchin will not be entering the Capital League in 2006-7.

The club is taking a one-year 'sabbatical' from the competition owing to anticipated disruptions that will be caused by development work at Norton Road.

Community officer Mark Burke said: "Operationally, running a reserve side next season will be more difficult because we may have to move certain areas of the club from Norton Road while work is being carried out on the ground."

Hitchin have every intention of returning to the competition the following season though.

"A reserve side is part of our plans and although we won't be playing Capital League games, we will still enter the league cup," added Burke.

Work is expected to start at Norton Road later this year.

* Hitchin will meet former manager Kerry Dixon again when they travel to Dunstable for a pre-season game on Tuesday, July 18.

Their full list of pre-season games is:

July 10: Luton Town (home)

July 12: Barnet (home)

July 18: Dunstable (away)

July 22: St Albans (home)

July 25: Arlesey Town (home)

July 29: Crystal Palace (home)

August 2: Stevenage Boro (home)

August 5: Salisbury (away) - Southern League Championship Shield

August 12: Ware (home) - Herts Charity Cup

P Young utility player Glen Lamacraft has signed on for the 2006-7 season.

Manager Darren Salton considers Lamacraft a big prospect for the future.

Salton said: "This is a big signing for me. Glen showed last season what he is capable of and he's a massive part of my plans.