CANARIES BOSS STANDS DOWN
HITCHIN TOWN legend Mark Burke says he has been honoured to manage the Canaries for 11 years – but now is the right time to hand over the baton.
The long-serving boss stepped down this week after a run of 11 defeats for the Southern Premier Central outfit.
Burke will continue in his roles of company secretary and head of community at the club he served so well as a player too.
He made 732 appearances for the Hertfordshire outfit and captained their FA Cup giant-killing sides in 1994 and 1995 as well as to two promotions.
Having been assistant to Carl Williams, he took over as manager at the start of the 2014-15 campaign and twice guided his side to the Southern League Premier play-offs.
They lifted the Southern League Cup in 2018 and also reached the FA Cup first round proper under his stewardship for the first time in 23 years.
But following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to AFC Sudbury, Burke decided to step aside with a “heavy heart”.
In a statement he wrote: “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 Premier League.
“I have some fantastic memories to take away with me from my time as an assistant manager and manager.
Friendships
“I was very proud of assisting Charlie gain promotion back to the Premier League and the 11 seasons I have had as manager at this level. I have enjoyed being the underdog and pu
