A series of disappointing results have led to the Board of Directors making a number of managerial changes which will take immediate effect.
Chairman Paul Markland said “Whilst it is true that we are currently holding a respectable position in the league table we had hoped for so much more than this and indeed our playing budget was set to deliver that greater success. We feel that the time is now right for a change in direction and a fresh look at things and we believe that will be best done under a new manager and coaching set-up.
At the same time, we are loath to lose the services of Clive Cook who has made so many friends at Reachfields and who has a tremendous passion for the club. We are therefore delighted to announce that Clive will be moving “upstairs” to the Boardroom and into a role that will be fully confirmed in due course.
We have appointed Sam Denly to be our new manager and he will be assisted by Gavin Theze and experienced coach Steve Nolan. Sam is 33 years old and was at Herne Bay until he resigned last season and Gavin was his assistant. Steve will be fondly remembered by Cannons fans as he was at Hythe with Tim Dixon before he moved on to Maidstone United. Sam has proved himself as a capable and strong young manager and we are very pleased that he will be joining us. He will together with Gavin and Steve provide fresh impetus to our ambitions.”
Denly, who works in Canterbury as a mortgage advisor commented “I am excited to start working again in management with Hythe Town. Whilst I have enjoyed a short break from football, the opportunity to return and work at a club like Hythe is one that I am extremely excited about. Hythe have a talented squad with great supporters and I look forward to working with everyone associated with the club.”
The club expects to be making a further statement in due course once all arrangements have been completely finalised but is expecting that all current players will be remaining at the club although midfielder Jordan Johnson-Palmer had departed at the weekend.