As Charlie Briggs spends quality time with his family, he can reflect upon a job well done.
His performances for Hitchin Town helped them secure promotion out of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central at the first attempt via the play-offs, whilst also earning him the Manager’s Player of the Season accolade.
“I was really pleased to win Manager’s Player of the Season awards, to be fair,” he told us. “We’ve got a top group so it honestly could have gone to anyone, but I’m really happy to be recognised for my performances this season.
“It was a massive season for us all round. Personally I felt like I had one of my most consistent campaigns, and as a team we played some really enjoyable football.
“Getting promoted was the goal at the start of the season, so to do it via the play-offs made all the hard work worth it in the end.
“It was a really competitive league. There weren’t many easy games and teams coming to Hitchin, playing in front of a crowd like ours, probably gave them that extra 10%, which made games even tougher.
“Credit to Leighton Town as well, who were so consistent throughout the whole season and deserved to finish top.”
So, with a place in the Premier Central secured, what are the aims and targets for 2026/27?
“On a personal note, just to maintain consistency and contribute as much as I can,” he replied. “As a team, we’re excited for the step up and want to compete as much as possible.
“Our fans have been unbelievable home and away this year, so hopefully we can give them another enjoyable season.”
And finally, we asked whether there are any summer plans in the pipeline.
“We went to Tenerife just after the play-off final, which was good fun and probably the best way to celebrate promotion together,” he added. “Now it’s just about enjoying a bit of downtime and spending quality time with my little boy before it’s time to go again.”
IMAGE: Richard Watt
