Fisk leaves Hythe Town are seven years service

Monday 05th October 2009

HYTHE TOWN stalwart Paul Fisk says this is the perfect opportunity to resign from his duties at Reachfields Stadium, writes Stephen McCartney.

Fisk stepped down from his role as first team manager at the end of last season, having guided the club to their highest position of second place, as his wife was seriously ill – but was invited by chairman Paul Markland to stay as a director of the Kent League club, which he accepted.

But after seven years loyal service to the club, now managed by Scott Porter, who was Fisk’s assistant, he has decided to take a break from football to concentrate on family matters.

In a statement, issued to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime, Fisk said, “I have decided to resign from my position as a director at Hythe Town.

“I resigned as manager due to my wife's serious illness, and accepted the invitation from chairman Paul Markland to become a director.

“I had hoped that I may be able to help out and have some input on the football side of things at the club.

“The new management team are doing very well and with the new sponsorship and finances look set for a very good season and possibly go one better than last season.

“I would like to thank chairman Paul Markland and the board for their support and help in my 7 years at the club.

“I feel I did a good job in helping them get to their present level. I am disappointed to leave but still feel I have something to offer a club on the football side of things and as I can't do this at Hythe I have decided to leave and look elsewhere. I wish them all the best.”

Club secretary/director, Martin Giles, speaking on behalf of the board, later issued the following statement.

"Since his original appointment as manager, Paul's position has never been questioned or challenged by anyone at the club," said Mr Giles.

"When he stepped down from the job, the overwhelming view was that he should continue to be a part of the club whilst the future evolved and whilst we all hoped for better news about Pam Fisk's illness.

"Unfortunately though, although he initially accepted his appointment as Director, it has become clear that Paul was uncomfortable in his new role and we must reluctantly accept that this is the case.

"I know that the board will once again wish to put on record their thanks for the fantastic job he has done for Hythe Town FC.

"The unofficial response from most of us, however, will be to look forward to the time when once again he will join us for a beer and a joke after a game. Even after a rare home defeat we found ways of looking on the bright side, but after a victory there were some very good times indeed, and not times you want to end."

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