Relegated Hythe Town appoint Ira Jackson while Steve O'Boyle swaps dug-out for the boardroom as he becomes Erith Town chairman

HYTHE TOWN chairman Vishal Nanda has appointed Ira Jackson as manager of the relegated Isthmian League club.

A board meeting was held at Reachfields Stadium last night and the relegated Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club turned to Jackson to become their new manager after the club suffered its first relegation of their history last month.

The 28-year-old striker was born in Ashford and played for Faversham Town, Ashford United, Ramsgate, Canterbury City (loan), Lordswood, Whitstable Town, Worthing, Dover Athletic,  Margate (loan), Leatherhead, Ashford United, Sittingbourne, Folkestone Invicta, Grimsby Town, Wealdstone and Folkestone Invicta.

Jackson retired from playing in January 2024 and transitioned into coaching, taking roles with Corinthian’s under 23s and most recently was first-team coach at Sheppey United.

The club have appointed Josh Algar (assistant manager) and coach Stephane Ollier.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of manager at Hythe Town,” said Jackson in a statement.

“This club has a rich history and a passionate fan base. I’m excited to build a team that reflects the community’s spirt and ambition. Together, we’ll work towards a future filled with pride and success.”

Chairman Nanda added: “Ira’s energy, vision and dedication to player development align perfectly with our goals.

“We believe their knowledge, combined with our commitments to youth development and the integration of our under 23s, will forge a clear pathway for talent to shine.

“We’re confident that under his leadership, the club will embark on an exciting new chapter.  The dug-out is theirs, the future is bright.”

The miss-firing Cannons were relegated from the South East Division, having finished second-from-bottom in the table with 22 points (six wins, four draws and 32 defeats) from their 42 league outings.

Nick Davis parted company with the club on 16 April and caretaker manager Martin Chandler – the club’s under 23 manager – stood in for their last three games, as Hythe Town completed their campaign on a miserable run of nine straight defeats.

Darren Anslow’s Phoenix Sports (36), Steyning Town Community (26) and Lancing (22) were also relegated from the eighth-tier of English football..

Meanwhile, Herne Bay, who finished the campaign in the bottom seven (16^th) in the Isthmian League South East Division table with 45 points (12 wins, nine draws and 21 points) have appointed centre-half Liam Friend as their new manager last night.

Adam Woodward, who guided Erith Town to a 14^th place finish with 53 points (14 wins, 11 draws and 17 defeats) in their maiden campaign at this level will be working with a new chairman next season.

Steve O’Boyle – who guided Phoenix Sports out of the Southern Counties East Premier Division via the play-offs in April 2023, relegating their next-door neighbours courtesy of a last-gasp Ryan Hayes penalty – has swapped the dug-out to the boardroom, at Bayliss Avenue.

“Steve knows the club very well having managed The Dockers from 2008-09 for three seasons and also joined the backroom staff in 2018,” said a club statement.

“Steve will bring his vast experience in the game to supporting the football side of the club but will also drive all other aspects of the club.

“From this appointment, Mark Deveney will take up the role of president and remain as club owner.  Kay Deveney will revert (from chairwoman) to being a director of the club.”

O’Boyle was James Collins’ assistant manager at Isthmian Premier Division side Bowers & Pitsea, before Erith-resident Collins took charge of Herne Bay for only 12 games before his departure on 25 April.