Club 'devastated' after player killed on night out

A football club has paid tribute to its goalkeeper who died following an alleged assault while on a night out in York.

Married father-of-one James Hitchcock, from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, died from his injuries in hospital on Wednesday afternoon following an incident at the city's railway station on Sunday.

Mr Hitchcock played for Barton Town FC and chairman Mark Gregory said the club was "devastated", adding Mr Hitchcock was a "popular but quiet" member of the first team.

Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, of Belgravia Gardens, Middlesbrough appeared at York Magistrates' Court charged with murder and affray. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Dicicco did not enter a plea during the court appearance.

Officers were called to the station at about 20:45 GMT on Sunday after the victim, aged in his 30s, suffered serious head injuries, British Transport Police said.

Leading the tributes, Mr Gregory said Mr Hitchcock joined the semi-professional club, which plays in the Northern Counties East League, from Bridlington Town at the start of the season.

He said: "The news of James's death has been hard to take in. It's horrible. James was a popular member of the club. We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club."

Mr Gregory said Mr Hitchcock was a "very good goalkeeper".

He said he had personally contacted players and staff to inform them of Mr Hitchcock's death on Wednesday evening.

Anthony Bowsley, the club's first team manager, played with Mr Hitchcock at Bridlington Town.

He said: "James was a lovely kid. Just a genuine, all round good guy. He is irreplaceable both as a friend and a player."

All Barton Town FC games this weekend have been cancelled as a mark of respect, Mr Gregory added.

He said: "On behalf of the club, I would like to extend my condolences to James's family and friends."

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