Barton Town honour James Hitchcock with shirt tribute and memorial fundraiser

Barton Town are keeping the memory of goalkeeper James Hitchcock at the centre of club life through a tribute on their shirts, a memorial plaque and an annual fundraising match. In a report published on Friday, BBC Sport detailed how the non-league club has continued to support his widow, April, and their son Freddie after his death in December 2024.

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Hitchcock, a former Leeds United academy player, was 32 when he was attacked at York Railway Station while returning from a day out with friends. He died in hospital after being punched from behind. In July 2025, Mckenzie Dicicco was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, according to the BBC's account of the case.

The goalkeeper's name remains visible whenever Barton play. Their shirts carry the wording 'Hitchy #1' on the back, while a plaque at the entrance to the players' tunnel also commemorates him. Team-mate Andy Norfolk told the BBC he spends a few moments remembering his friend before putting on his shirt for each match, making the tribute part of his own matchday routine.

Barton and Hitchcock's former club Bridlington Town also meet each year for the James Hitchcock Memorial Trophy. The fixture raises money for the Victim Support National Homicide Service. Hitchcock had played in local leagues in Hull before joining Bridlington and later Barton, where manager Anthony Bowsley remembered both his shot-stopping and his ability with the ball at his feet.

His father, Chris, has returned to refereeing since his son's death. He previously stopped officiating so he could travel to watch James play semi-professionally, but told the BBC that being involved in matches again helps him cope. Earlier this season, he served as an assistant referee for Barton's FA Cup match against North Ferriby, retaining a connection with the club through a different role.

April said Barton's players and the wider football community had stayed in touch and continued to include her and Freddie, now two. She takes their son to matches so he can learn about his father's life in football. The club sought her agreement before adding Hitchcock's name to the shirts, a gesture she described as part of its continuing effort to keep his memory alive.