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James Hitchcock’s widow and young son are due at Saturday’s match against Chorley as Barton Town continue to honour the goalkeeper, who died after an attack in 2024.
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Barton Town are preparing to host Chorley in the FA Cup third qualifying round on Saturday, with April Hitchcock and her two-year-old son, Freddie, due to attend. Her husband James, the club’s former goalkeeper, died aged 32 in December 2024 after being struck from behind at York railway station. [1]
Hitchcock, a former Leeds United academy player, died in hospital. Leeds Crown Court heard that he suffered a fractured skull and brain damage when he fell after being punched. Mckenzie Dicicco pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025. [1]
Barton Town have stitched ‘Hitchy #1’ onto the back of their shirts and placed a memorial plaque by the players’ tunnel. April told BBC Sport that returning to the ground is painful, but that the club has continued to include her and Freddie. She takes him to matches so he can learn about his father. [1]
Hitchcock’s former clubs, Barton Town and Bridlington Town, also meet each year for a memorial trophy that raises funds for the Victim Support National Homicide Service. His father Chris, who has returned to refereeing, told BBC Sport that officiating helps him cope. [1]
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