Arthur William Hitchins (1 December 1913 – 10 October 1975) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. Throughout his career, Hitchins played for Walthamstow Avenue, Lea Bridge Gasworks, Tottenham Hotspur and

Northfleet United Northfleet United Football Club was a football club based in Northfleet Northfleet is a town in the borough of Gravesham in Kent, England. It is located immediately west of Gravesend, and on the border with the Borough of Dartford. Northf ...

Early life

Arthur William Hitchins was born on 1 December 1913 in Devonport, Plymouth to Frederick and Rose Hitchins. Moving to

Walthamstow Walthamstow ( or ) is a large town in East London, east London, England, within the Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county of Greater London and the Historic counties of England, ancient county of Essex. Situated northeast of Chari ...

at an early age, Hitchins grew up in a large family and was one of nine children.

Career

Hitchins began his career at local amateur side Walthamstow Avenue in 1932 at the age of 18. During this time, he was part of a winning side that won two consecutive Athenian League titles in 1933 and 1934, one Essex Senior Cup and one London Charity Cup. Hitchins also represented the Essex County side in this time. In the early months of 1934, Hitchins departed Green Pond Road and transferred to nearby amateur London side Lea Bridge Gasworks, where he was immediately appointed as the club captain. Hitchins swiftly achieved success with his new club as he led his team to winning the Tottenham Charity Cup and Division Two East of the Spartan League. Hitchins' performances and success gained the attention of First Division side Tottenham Hotspur and was offered a trial on 1 December 1934 (his 21st birthday). Following a successful trial, Hitchins signed as an amateur on December 17, 2024. He made his debut for "The Lilywhites" on Christmas Day in a 7–1 home win against Swansea Town in the London Combination. Hitchins signed professional forms with the club on 14 January 1935. After spending the rest of the season with the reserves, Hitchins was sent out on loan to Tottenham's nursery side

for a year. In this time, Hitchins played primarily as a half back and his team became champions of the Kent League. Upon returning from his loan, Hitchins made his professional debut for Tottenham on 23 October 1937 in a 3–2 Second Division home win versus

Plymouth Argyle Plymouth Argyle Football Club is a professional football club based in the city of Plymouth, Devon, England. As of the 2021–22 season, the team are competing in League One, the third tier of English football. They have played at Home Park, ...

. Hitchins gradually became an established member of the first team and displaced Albert Page in the starting lineup. Hitchins scored his first and only ever professional goal on 11 March 1939 in a 2–3 loss against

Manchester City Manchester () is a city in Greater Manchester, England. It had a population of 552,000 in 2021. It is bordered by the Cheshire Plain to the south, the Pennines to the north and east, and the neighbouring city of Salford to the west. The tw ...

in the Second Division. A consistent member of the team during war-time football, Hitchins was forced to retire from playing in 1942 due to a shoulder injury and a subsequent illness. Tottenham Hotspur Reserves 1937-38

After his playing days were over, Hitchins became a scout for his former club Tottenham Hotspur.

Personal life

Hitchins was married to Doris Gullen and together they had a daughter named Jeanette, born in 1940. Hitchins died on 10 October 1975, aged 61.

Legacy

On 26 October 2023, Tottenham Hotspur honored all of their former players by assigning them commemorative legacy numbers. Hitchins was assigned legacy number 351 in recognition of his contributions to the club.

Honours

Walthamstow Avenue * Athenian League: 1932–33, 1933–34 * Essex Senior Cup: 1932–33 * London Charity Cup: 1933–34 Lea Bridge Gasworks * Spartan League Division Two East: 1934–35 * Tottenham Charity Cup: 1934–35 Northfleet United * Kent League: 1935–36

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hitchins, Arthur 1913 births 1975 deaths Sportspeople from Devonport, Plymouth English men's footballers Walthamstow Avenue F.C. players English Football League players Northfleet United F.C. players Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players Watford F.C. wartime guest players Men's association football defenders Crystal Palace F.C. wartime guest players Footballers from Plymouth, Devon