Frannie Collin and Alex Flisher take caretaker charge of Hythe Town as chairman Gary Johnson searches for an ambitious manager to replace Steven Watt

HYTHE TOWN chairman Gary Johnson has confirmed that manager Steven Watt has departed Reachfields Stadium.

Watt, 38, announced following last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat away to Sheppey United that he will step down from the hot-seat at the end of the season as he seeks a new challenge.

However, the Cannons suffered a 5-2 capitulation away to bottom-of-the-table Beckenham Town yesterday, which prompted the Scotsman to depart earlier than planned.

Hythe Town are in a disappointing 12^th-place in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having picked up 43 points (12 wins, seven draws and 13 defeats) from their 32 league outings.

Mr Johnson has confirmed that player-coach Frannie Collin and Watt’s assistant manager Alex Flisher will be in caretaker charge, starting with a trip to fifth-placed side Three Bridges on Tuesday night.

The Cannons make the trip to Crawley on a six-match losing streak, after Beckenham Town claimed their first win in four games to complete the double over Hythe Town.

Darren Anslow’s side clawed themselves off the foot of the table (Erith & Belvedere are now at the foot following their 6-1 defeat at fourth-placed side Chichester City) and are seven points adrift of safety with 12 points to play for.

“Following yesterday’s capitulation at basement side Beckenham Town, Steve Watt spoke with myself at Eden Park Avenue, then again later last night and finally this morning, Steve has decided that it’s in everyone’s best interest if he leaves with immediate effect, expressing his disappointment in the majority of (but not all) the players yesterday and that coupled with some family issues back home in Scotland has brought his plans forward,” said Mr Johnson in a club statement.

“All at Hythe Town FC were saddened to learn that Steve was to relinquish his role as first-team manager after a tenure spanning five years and a difficult tenure throughout the pandemic with this only his second full season.

“Steve has brought together and built a talented team, that last season went oh so close and this season reached the Last 32 of The FA Trophy.

“He challenges the status quo in his desire for success but sadly this season (given a number of factors) the team has fallen short of those desires and expectations to go one better.

“Overall, he, like us, are rightly proud of the achievements of his management team and players.  All have given so much entertainment and created many memories along the way.

“The club has backed Steve throughout and he has become a firm favourite with the supporters and all associated at the club.

“His family have also supported the club tirelessly and we especially thank Steve’s wife (Caroline) and children for their unwavering support and attendance at nearly all our home games.

“Steve had, prior to yesterday, respectfully offered his services until the end of the season or until such time (if earlier) that we appointed a new manager.

“I have now asked Frannie Collin and Alex Flisher to lead the team over the next few games, which they have both agreed to do.

“The chairman, board, staff and volunteers at Hythe Town wish Steve the very best in his future football endeavours, wherever they may be.”

Applications should be addressed to Chairman@hythetownfc.co.uk.

“We are looking for an ambitious head coach/first team manager that can lead us to future success,” added Mr Johnson.

“With a sound knowledge of the non-league game, especially in Kent, able to attract, coach and develop the squad with appropriate coaching qualifications and with a cohesive and ambitious approach.”

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