From BBC Sport · · 2m
FA Cup: 'Hitchy is always with us'
James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town, died after a single punch in December 2024, leaving his family and club to honor his memory.
In brief
James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town, died after a single punch in December 2024, leaving his family and club to honor his memory. James Hitchcock, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town, died in December 2024 after being punched in an unprovoked attack, leaving his family and club to honor his…
James Hitchcock's death
James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town, died after a single punch to the head in an unprovoked attack in December 2024.
“Even now, more than 18 months on, it has still not fully sunk in. I see little Freddie growing up and it hits me so hard.”
James' family and club
James' widow April and son Freddie, now aged two, will attend Barton Town's FA Cup third qualifying round home tie with Chorley.
“He was just lovable. He always had a smile on his face and had an infectious laugh.”
James' last game
James pulled off a fine save in a 1-1 draw with Bottesford Town in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division before his death.
“As he was coming off, i said to him great save nigel martyn because hitchy was a leeds fan and he had a little chuckle to himself”
The attack
James was struck from behind at York Railway Station on his way home from a day out with friends, dying in hospital.
“I remember hitchy saying he was going to get some food.”
The verdict
Mckenzie Dicicco was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025 after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
“It was a cowardly, deliberate and vicious attack on a man who had no chance to defend or brace himself.”
Family's grief
James' father Chris says his life has changed forever because of 'one senseless act', and he now works as an assistant referee.
“I don't live any more - i exist. I try and be happy, i try and do things and i put a brave face on. But it'll never be the same again for me.”
Club's tribute
Barton Town has a plaque at the entrance to the players' tunnel in memory of James and sewns 'Hitchy #1' on the back of their shirts.
“He is always with us”
Memorial trophy
Barton Town and Bridlington Town meet annually for the James Hitchcock Memorial Trophy to raise funds for the Victim Support National Homicide Service.
“Before each game i look at the back of the shirt and have my 10 seconds with hitchy before i put it on.”
James' personality
James had a distinctive laugh, was a practical joker, and always had a smile on his face.
“His laugh was outrageously infectious. We all used to call it a cackle.”
James' legacy
James' memory lives on through his family, club, and the football community, who continue to honor him.
“They asked if it was ok if they put james name on the back of their shirts.”
James' impact
James' death has left a lasting impact on his family and club, with his widow and son continuing to be involved in the football community.
“I want to raise my little boy in a world where he knows about his dad.”
What happens next
James' widow and son will attend Barton Town's FA Cup third qualifying round home tie with Chorley, one of the biggest matches in the club's history.
“It's really sad looking at where james used to stand in goal and saying where is he”
At a glance
James Hitchcock, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town, died in December 2024 after being punched in an unprovoked attack, leaving his family and club to honor his memory.
