There is plenty going on for Brady Hickey during the month of April.
The first assignment for the experienced front-runner is to ensure that Barwell secure their status in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central and then the day after the curtain comes down on the regular season, he will take centre stage for a well-deserved testimonial to mark a decade of loyal service for the Leicestershire club.
He has certainly made the best possible start to his big month with a hat-trick at the weekend to secure a 3-1 victory over Biggleswade Town and three precious points to leave his side amongst a group of clubs just above the relegation zone.
“The overall performance on Saturday was average, if I’m being totally honest, but in the situation we find ourselves in it’s all about getting the three points by whatever means,” Hickey told us. “To score a hat-trick is always nice; it was my first of the season, the previous one came in a 4-4 draw at Alvechurch on a Tuesday night last season, so it was overdue!
“As a team we’ve been very hit-and-miss this season. There have been good spells along the way, but we’ve been far too inconsistent and that’s why we find ourselves in this position with four games to go.
“This League is as competitive as it’s ever been. Things are going to go right down to the wire at both ends of the table and we have to be ready for the fight.
“These remaining games are going to be huge. We know that we’re going to need more points this year to survive and so our focus is firmly fixed on getting the results that will see us to safety.
“Obviously with this being my testimonial season, I want it to end on a high. To spend ten years at a club is becoming increasing rare in the modern game, so I am proud of my achievement.
“This club has been brilliant with me and everyone around the place are top people who just want what’s best for Barwell FC. There are so many unsung heroes here who deserve recognition too because without them, the club would not be able to function.”
Hickey’s testimonial will see a team made up of Barwell FC past and present players take on a Brady Hickey XI, made up of players he has played alongside over the years.
“It should be a great day,” he added. “It will be a nice occasion to celebrate my ten years at the club and hopefully it will be a double celebration too with the team having achieved its objective to secure Step 3 status for another year.
“To have fans, current and ex-players, former team-mates, family and friends all in one place will be really special for me and it will be a chance to reflect on the past decade as well as looking forward to what the future holds in store.
“My passion for the game hasn’t changed since I was a kid. I am still as hungry as ever to achieve things both personally and collectively.”
The testimonial will take place on Sunday, April 27th with a 2pm kick-off at the Crown Skip Hire Stadium, home of Barwell FC. There will be free admission and entertainment from DJ Peps. All are welcome to attend.
Meanwhile before that, Hickey and his team-mates head to high-flying Halesowen Town on Saturday before an Easter double-header at home to Stourbridge and away at Harborough Town. The campaign comes to an end at home to Spalding United.
IMAGE: @69_simo
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