Steven Watt announces his shock departure from Hythe Town - but returns four days later

HYTHE TOWN begin the search for a new management team after Steven Watt has announced his shock departure from Reachfields Stadium.

The 38-year-old guided the club to a fifth-placed finish in the Isthmian League South East Division table last season, picking up 67 points from their 38 games.

The Cannons beat runners-up Ramsgate (4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time) in the play-offs before losing 1-0 at Whitehawk in the play-off final, which denied the club a fairy tale promotion on limited financial resources.

“It is with great regret that I have made the difficult decision to step down as manager of Hythe Town FC,” said Aberdeen-born Watt, who has previously managed Margate and Maidstone United.

“After such an amazing season I was hoping to be planning and building a squad for the upcoming season but without any answers and minimal contact from the new board in the last two weeks, I still don’t know what is happening with the budget or even if the new board members want to move forward with me as manager.

“Due to the uncertainty and lack of communication from the new board, all of the players are still waiting for answers and turning down other potential clubs out of loyalty to myself and Hythe Town.

“It’s not fair for the players to be hanging around and missing out because I can’t give them the answers they need.

“I’d like to thank Martin Giles, Andy Short, Tony Zapp and Paul Markland for their continued support throughout my time at Hythe. It was an absolute pleasure working for you.  I wish the club nothing but success.”

Frannie Collin has also confirmed his departure from the club.

“Fully support the decision and it’s such a shame to have come to an end in this way but what a ride it was last season.

“There are so many good people at the club last season and I will miss you all.  Best of luck to the club moving forwards.”

This is the second time that Watt has stepped down as Hythe Town’s manager, the first time was 15 November 2021, due to financial pressures that the club were experiencing.

Watt returned to Reachfields Stadium last summer, replacing player-manager James Rogers, who was in charge for 31 games, and the Cannons’ remarkable season came to a painful end in Brighton as Whitehawk celebrated promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division at Hythe’s expense.

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

STORY UPDATE – Tuesday 23 May 2023

Hythe Town have confirmed that Steve Watt “is back in the manager’s chair.”

The club has confirmed that Lex Allan, Jack Steventon, Liam Smith, Josh Stirman, Frannie Collin, Ethan Smith, Morgan Williamson, Sam Itauma, Harry Miller, Shad Ngandu and Jarred Trespaderne have been retained.

Marvin Hamilton, meanwhile, has left Reachfields Stadium, while former Erith & Belvedere goalkeeper Adam Molloy, 31, has signed for the club.

The club state that “discussions continue with some of the other players.”