It’s good to be back at Hythe Town, a club close to my heart and one that deserves success, says joint-boss Clive Cook

HYTHE TOWN have moved swiftly to fill the managerial vacancy after parting company with Tim Dixon on Sunday by appointing joint-managers.

 

Clive Cook, who was assistant manager under Scott Porter and previously the manager of Kent County League side Bromley Green, joins Tony Beckingham, who has left his job as the manager of league rivals East Grinstead Town.

Chairman Paul Markland told www.hythetownfc.co.uk: “The board is pleased to appoint Clive and Tony, who bring experience and contacts.

“We’ve moved quickly as we need to settle things down and start to rack up the points to avoid the club being involved in a relegation scrap.

“I’ve recently stepped back into the chairmanship as John Dowsett is abroad for a few months.

“In my previous 12 year tenure the club went from the bottom of the Kent League to the Ryman play-offs, so I’m not used to failure.

“I expect Clive and Tony to quickly build up momentum.”

Cook said: “It’s good to be back at Hythe Town, a club close to my heart and one that deserves success.

“We have a week to prepare for the Tooting & Mitcham away league game (on 3 October), followed by two cup games, so we are going to be busy.

“Hythe don’t have a league game this coming Saturday but we hope to arrange a friendly at Reachfields instead so we can get a good look at the squad.”

Beckingham, who was with Phoenix Sports before he was appointed manager at struggling league rivals East Grinstead Town, added: “I’m excited about the challenge at Hythe Town and look forward to working with everyone involved.

“There are some good players here already and we expect to add a couple more soon.”

Goalkeeper coach Mark Lane, who was in charge of last night’s 2-1 home win over Whitstable Town, has been promoted to assistant manager, although he will also retain his current role.

There are several candidates being considered for the post of coach and Hythe expect to fill this position soon.

The club will be holding a meet the managers session for fans shortly.

The new management team have already unveiled their new signings, as striker Frankie Sawyer scored on his debut last night, while wingers Taser Hassan and Louis Sprosen have returned to Reachfields, having started the season with Faversham Town and Ashford United respectively.

Last night’s win - their first of the season - over fellow strugglers Whitstable Town has seen The Cannons climb out of the Ryman League Division One South relegation zone into 21^st place with seven points from 11 games.

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