Hawkinge Town have not fulfilled my ambitions to move the club to the next level, says Scott Porter

SCOTT PORTER has stepped down as the manager of Hawkinge Town last night following a meeting with his chairman.

The former Hythe Town and Whitstable Town manager took charge of his home-town club on 24 October 2019 with the club rooted to the foot of the Kent County League Premier Division.

“Following my meeting with the chairman last night, I’ve left Hawkinge Town by mutual consent with immediate effect, as they have not fulfilled my ambitions to move the club to the next level,” said Porter.

Porter’s shock resignation came on the same day that the Pavilion Road club announced that a new 30 year lease has been agreed with the local council.

A club statement said: “Following a huge amount of hard work, we are thrilled to announce that the lease for the ground has been extended for 30 years for the full 10 acres of land.  Thanks to the collaboration between HCFST and Hawkinge Town Council.”

The club added: “Hawkinge Town FC and first-team manager Scott Porter have decided to part company by mutual consent with immediate effect.

“First team assistant manager Mike Sheridan will take charge of the team for this coming Saturday’s Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield fixture with Greenways Aces.

“The club would like to thank Scott for all his hard work over the past three years and wish him all the very best in the future.”

Porter leaves the club sitting in second-place in the Kent County League Premier Division table after collecting six wins and two defeats from their opening eight league games.

Hawkinge Town are three points adrift of New Eltham based leaders Red Velvet, who have played a game fewer.