Ryan Palmer leaves Ashford United for Hythe Town: I decided to take up another opportunity as I felt that it was time for another chapter and story in my playing career

RYAN PALMER feels it is time for another chapter and story in his playing career.

The 26-year-old winger has made a shock move from Southern Counties East Football League champions Ashford United to sign for their Isthmian League Division One South rivals Hythe Town.


MOVING ON: Ryan Palmer celebrates winning the
Kent Reliance Senior Trophy after helping Ashford
United beat Cray Valley 2-1 on 9 April.
Photo: Ashford United FC

Hythe Town suffered a disappointing campaign last time out after finishing in seventh-place with 78 points in the bag from their 46 games.  The Cannons finished four points adrift of the play-offs and 27 points adrift of champions Tooting & Mitcham United, who will be joined in the Isthmian Premier with play-off winners Dorking Wanderers, who finished in second-place for the second successive season.

“My time as an Ashford United player was special.” Reflected Palmer.

“We had a fantastic first season, where we were close to clinching the title before we had 10 points taken away (because the club were put into administration).

“One of the special moments in that season was making the FA Vase Quarter-Finals against Salisbury, where we lost to a very good team.

“We then aimed to win the title last season and ended up doing the double, winning both the Cup and the title.

“In both the seasons, I have played 80 plus games, scored 30 and assisted 40 plus. I feel that’s a good return from a winger and it’s all down to management and my team mates.

“I must give a big shout out to goalkeeper George Kamurasi and winger Rory Hill, who kept my spirit level high.

“It will be sad to leave those boys but they understand, sometimes we need to move on.  From a personal point of view and it helps that they also understand and understand my decision. I wish them the best.

“The management at Ashford allowed me to express my ability on the pitch and players brought the best out of me.

“I must give a very special mention of the fans, who were fantastic and made my whole experience even more special.   They made me feel welcome and boosted my morale when I was low. They loved singing my song, which made me feel like they appreciated me as a player.  Without them and the amazing board members, volunteers and helpers that would not be the same.”

Hythe Town manager Clive Cook issued a 17 word statement on bringing Palmer to Reachfields Stadium.

“Ryan is an exciting addition to the squad who will bring a new dynamic to the club,” he told the club website.

Palmer revealed his reasons behind his shock move.

“I decided to take up another opportunity as I felt that it was time for another chapter and story in my playing career,” said Palmer.

“I met the manager and I was attracted to the ambition of the club and the backing of the board with what they want to achieve.

“When a manager makes you feel like you’re one of the missing pieces to a winning formula, explains how he will implement you into the team  and how the team can benefit from my service, it’s a great feeling to feel wanted.

“My plan now is to hit the gym hard and start to bulk and gain muscle mass.  My cardio and fitness it naturally good, so I’m building my strength and explosive power.

“I’m looking forward to playing for Hythe Town.  They are a big club with big ambition and it matches my expectations and professionalism as a player.

“I hope to have another great season scoring at least 15-20 goals and creating double that number.

“My game is based on being direct and not letting defenders think or breath. I call this Palmfidence, as the Ashford fans know.  I can’t wait to bring the Palm to the Cannons with the same attitude and the same commitment.

“The last three seasons is my bench mark.  I have scored around 15 goals in the last three seasons and assisted around 20 goals.  My target now rises and I continue to work hard for my team and give 100% on and off the pitch.

“I have a winning mentality and I know Hythe have the same mentality.  That in itself can only be a winning formula but I understand that success don’t come easy and we have to go to war.”

Greenhithe based Palmer is a full-time PE and geography teacher.  He also runs his own business Kickup Sports, who run several sports services around south London, north London and Kent.

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