Hythe Town Football Club have announced the appointment of Andy Crush as First Team Manager ahead of the new season.

Andy joins the club with experience at this level, a strong work ethic and a real desire to help rebuild and move the football club forward.

After managing Deal Town Reserves, where he showed his ability to organise players, build a competitive side and create a positive team environment, Andy moved on to Hawkinge Town where he guided the club to a league title and promotion into Step 6 football.

Yes, it was at a lower level, but what stood out was the way his side played. Hawkinge were organised, hard working and scored an impressive 119 goals during their title winning season, showing the attacking and positive style Andy wants his teams to play with.

This appointment is not about bringing in a flashy name for headlines. It is about bringing in somebody the club believes is the right fit for the rebuild and the direction Hythe want to move in.

From the very first conversations, Andy showed honesty, commitment and a clear understanding of what is needed to help build a competitive side at Hythe Town. He wants hard working players, good standards around the dressing room and a team supporters can connect with and get behind.

Andy is also a young manager who is committed to improving himself and enhancing his knowledge at every opportunity. His attitude towards learning, development and pushing standards higher is something the club believes will show over time both on and off the pitch.

He is well respected amongst many players across non league football and Hythe believe supporters will start to see that as recruitment begins ahead of the new season.

Andy is keen to build the right balance within the squad by bringing in stronger senior players, including players with experience from the level above, alongside some of the younger players who made a positive impact during a difficult season for the club.

The aim is to build a hungry and competitive squad capable of fighting to win the league, while also showing supporters that Hythe Town can play good football and move forward in the right direction.

Following a difficult year for everybody connected with the club, this is about resetting properly, rebuilding with purpose and putting solid foundations back in place for the future.