Hythe Town appoint Sam Denly as their new manager: We feel that the time is now right for a change in direction and a fresh look at things

HYTHE TOWN have appointed Sam Denly as their new manager after underperforming this season under Clive Cook.

The Cannons are positioned in eighth-place in the Bostik South league table, having won 13, drawn eight and lost nine of their 30 games.

Lewes rose to the top of the table following their 2-1 win at Hayes Lane over Cray Wanderers, who are in second-place and a point behind on 65 points from 31 games.

The four play-off places are currently occupied by Carshalton Athletic (61 points from 30 games), Walton Casuals (59 points from 41 games), Greenwich Borough (58 points from 30 games) and Corinthian-Casuals (57 points from 31 games).

Phoenix Sports are seven points behind and Hythe Town are three points adrift of Paul Bryon’s side so Hythe chairman Paul Markland has axed Cook to offer him a position in the boardroom, while appointing former Herne Bay manager Denly.

“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,” Mr Markland told www.hythetownfc.co.uk.

“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 added: “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.”

Following the news, the managers son, Dave Cook, issued the following statement on his Twitter account to announce that he is looking for a new club.

“I’ve dedicated 10 years of my football career to Hythe Town and I feel let down as a player by the club as how this has been dealt with.  Good luck to the club and will always have a place in my heart.

“Anyone want an old warrior who knows how to win and wears his heart on his sleeve?”

The club have also announced that midfielder Jordan Johnson-Palmer has also left.

He Tweeted: “Would like to thank Hythe Town for allowing me to express myself at the club up until this part of the season. Unfortunately, my time has come to an end and I have chosen to depart the club.”

Hythe, with one win in their last six league outings, welcome eleventh-placed South Park to Reachfields Stadium on Saturday in Denly’s first game in charge.

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk