Kentish Football 
Hythe will continue to build for the future during this period of transition, says Paul Markland
HYTHE TOWN president and former chairman Paul Markland has spoken following the news that manager Scott Porter resigned last night after failing to agree a budget with the club for next season.
Mr Markland, who stepped down as chairman after the club finished in fourth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table at the end of the 2012-13 season, said: “The Hythe Town directors have acted responsibly in setting a budget for next season, as requested by the then manager, at a level they know the club can guarantee. I understand this figure is less than last season but is still higher than that of many Ryman South clubs.
“The club, under my chairmanship, took a gamble in appointing Scott as manager five seasons ago, as he often acknowledges, and he has repaid this by achieved good results since, albeit with higher than average playing budgets during my tenure.
“Scott clearly felt he could not operate with a lesser sum and has exercised his prerogative to look elsewhere. I wish him well.
“It is unfortunate that Scott may not have chosen to bow out as gracefully as I would have expected and has talked with the current players who potentially may leave en-bloc.
“I suspect a number would have liked to be with the club next season. If true, this will not endear Scott to other chairmen, which would be unfortunate as he has a lot to offer any new club.
“Now another manager will come in and rebuild the Hythe Town side. Personally I would like to see a number of the current players make their own decision to play at Hythe Town next season, but if they don’t then others will take their place.
“Hythe Town Football Club moves on and is in a position that must be the envy of many other Ryman clubs. Importantly, the playing budget is already fully covered by known income and sponsorship for the whole of next season, so there will be none of the mid-season wage cuts typical at other clubs and forced, for the first time ever, on Hythe Town along with many others, last winter.
“The appointment of a new chairman is imminent and there is always the potential for new sponsorship when there is a change of chairman or manager.
“The club is debt free, has a good, well maintained facility with a long lease, is again investing in improving the playing surface this summer and has a committed group off the pitch, although like any club, more help is always welcome.
“There are some interesting medium term plans and discussions regarding broadening the governance of the club by splitting the board functions between operational and business groups, with some additional directors.
The club expect a lot of interest in the vacancy. Applications can be made by email: apply@hythetownfc.co.uk or by calling the club secretary (Mr Giles) on 01303 265 962 up to and including the 11th May.
The club hope to interview and appoint within 10 days of that date.
Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd