Salisbury’s long-serving forward, Dan Fitchett, has decided to leave the Ray Mac.
Fitchett played ten seasons for Salisbury FC and its predecessor, Salisbury City FC, and scored crucial goals while at the Ray Mac.
Fitch scored the first goal as Salisbury City knocked Grimsby Town out of the FA Cup, setting up the huge game away at Sheffield United in the third round.
He first arrived at the Ray Mac on loan from Wycombe Wanderers in 2010 before joining the club permanently for the 2011/12 season.
His most prolific season in white came during the 2013/14 season when he hit 16 goals, earning him a move to Aldershot as Salisbury City went into administration and folded.
Fitchett returned to the Ray Mac for the 2018*19 season, signing from Wealdstone FC.
He proved to be an influential player in last season’s promotion push, ‘winning’ the penalty that saw Salisbury past Gosport in the semi-final and being a thorough nuisance to defenders up and down the Southern League.
Salisbury’s manager, Brian Dutton, who, along with his assistant Callum Hart, played alongside Fitchett in that Salisbury City side, said, “I’m really sad that Dan has potentially played his final game for Salisbury but really happy that his final game was befitting of what he deserves.
“A playoff final winner and another promotion to add to his collection.
“I remember Dan chased a long ball over the top at the Ray Mac, which resulted in Dovers Daryl McMahon hacking Fitch down and receiving a red card, leaving Dover FC with just 10 players on the pitch for extra time of our Conference South Play-Off Final.
“Fast-forward another 11 years, and he is still doing it with the same intensity and tenaciousness we witnessed over a decade ago. This time, it was a Gosport defender who received the early bath.
“It’s really easy to underestimate Dan’s contribution within a team because he’s not a natural finisher or an eye-catching technician, but as his trophy cabinet suggests, he’s a natural winner and a selfless teammate. He takes centre backs into deep waters, and they either pass the gut check or wilt.
“Last season, you witnessed centre back after centre back fail the gut check, which allowed our flair players to wreak havoc. Last season’s triumph wouldn’t have been possible without Dan Fitchett.
“Thank you, Dan, a Salisbury Legend.”
Callum added, “I would just like to thank Fitch for my playing days with him and working with him on a coaching side.
“His performances last season were like the player we first signed on loan from Wycombe all them years ago; I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and, more importantly, as a person. He will always be welcome back to the Ray Mac with open arms.
“Thank you, Fitch.”
