Fisk has driving ambition to improve Hythe Town's fortunes - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Hythe Town manager Paul Fisk may have led his side to the fourth round of the FA Vase last season, but it was their league form that was disappointing  -  finishing their Kentish Observer League campaign in a lowly 12^th place, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisk, 42, whose a driver from New Romney, has a driving ambition to lead the Reachfields Stadium outfit up the table.

“I’ve spoken to a number of players about next season,” he revealed. “We are looking to improve on last season and be positive.

“The players have done well for us last season and are looking to stay.

“However, what we are hoping is to add to that and have a much better league season.”

One player who impressed during last season was blonde haired striker Damien Abel, and Fisk is currently in discussions with the player to keep him at the club.

“We are looking at a couple of defenders and a creative midfielder,” revealed Fisk.

“I am quite happy with Damien Abel and Roy Godden. We will be looking for a third striker but I’ve spoken to a striker already and a couple of wide players as well.”

Fisk heaped praise on his players that picked up awards at the club’s presentation night recently.

Centre back Roy Guilver stole the show, collecting the Managers’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.

Striker Roy Godden picked up the Supporters’ vote with midfielders Dan Fisk and Ian Hayes both picked up an award from the Herald Newspaper for consistent displays.

“Over the season Roy Guiver was the most consistent,” said Fisk. “He has consistently improved over the last two years and has gone from centre forward to centre back. He looks like he’s got a good future at centre back.”

Striker Godden, meanwhile, saw his season curtailed by a calf injury, but he still managed to bang in 19 goals.

Speaking about his 23-year-old son, Dan, the manager added: “He’s been pretty consistent and in the second part of the season he’s come on and matured in his attitude, which has seen him play better in games.”

Every side needs an experienced head and the manager expressed his delight with former Folkestone Invicta star Ian Hayes picking up his award.

“Ian is club captain because he leads by example, which he’s done for most of the season,” said Fisk.  “The lads look to Ian for inspiration and that’s why he’s the captain.”

Hythe Town, who host Ryman Premier League neighbours Folkestone Invicta on 22^nd July, are also in discussions with Kent League double winners Maidstone United about the newly promoted side coming to Reachfields for a pre-season friendly.

Fisk also revealed he is close to tying up a new first team coach (replacing Mike Robbins) and a new reserve team coach.

He does, however, insist his side will improve on last season’s disappointing league showing, adding: “We need a good start to the season. It took quite a while to get our first win last season and we want to finish in the top six next season.

“Having a good run in the FA Vase was our highlight of the season and we would like another good run next season.”

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