[2] 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.
[3] 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).
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.
[5] 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.