'Hitchy is always with us' - the keeper who died after one-punch attack

Barton Town goalkeeper James Hitchcock died in December 2024 after being punched unprovoked at York Railway Station; his family and club continue to honour his memory.

James Hitchcock, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town and former Leeds United academy player, died in December 2024 after suffering a single punch to the head in an unprovoked attack at York Railway Station. He left behind his widow April and two-year-old son Freddie, born six months before his death. His manager Anthony Bowsley and teammates remember him as a popular figure known as 'Hitchy'. The club will honour his memory at Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round home tie against Chorley, one of the biggest matches in Barton Town's history, with his family in attendance.