Hatton First Signing for New boss Weatherstone

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club Welwyn Garden City have made their first signing of the Marc Weatherstone era, by recruiting vastly experienced defender Sam Hatton.

Hatton, 34, began his career in Div 2 Stevenage’s academy, but only made one first-team appearance for the ‘Boro’.

He moved to AFC Wimbledon, where his career blossomed and he went on to appear 159 times for the Dons, in helping them to three successive promotions and into the Football League.

His next move was to Grimsby Town, where he also made close to 100 appearances in the then Conference for the Mariners, playing in two play-off semi-finals, in defeats to Newport County and Gateshead.

He then played for National League outfits Aldershot, Hemel Hempstead and Dartford, who were among a number of non-league clubs he had spells with, most recently alongside new boss Weatherstone at Enfield Town and at Wingate & Finchley last season, where the new Citizens’ boss was in charge for 15 months.

Herts-based Hatton now joins his old team-mate at his new club and Weatherstone says: “Sam is a model player. He’s a high-level professional and will bring a wealth of experience to what is basically a youthful squad at WGC. I’m delighted to have signed him.’’

The new Urbaser Stadium boss also revealed that Hatton will assist with some coaching with the Citizens.

Phil Ravitz