I'm gutted to lose Kiernan Hughes-Mason but as a friend I can’t expect him to turn down the offer he has received from Hythe Town, says Barking boss Justin Gardner

BARKING manager Justin Gardner says he is sorry to see striker Kiernan Hughes-Mason leave the club to sign for struggling Hythe Town.
 

The 27-year-old striker or winger has become Steve Watt’s first signing for the Cannons, having taken over from Sam Denly at Reachfields Stadium 10 days ago.

Gardner said on his Twitter account: “Gutted to lose Kiernan Hughes-Mason but as a friend I can’t expect him to turn down the offer he has received so I say see you rather than goodbye, but I’ve still got love for the boy and we will reunite soon.

“He played for me for free for a whole season so I can never be upset.  I have real mad respect for him but not losing a player but a friend.”

Watt added on his Twitter account: “Delighted that Kiernan has decided to come on board at Hythe Town.  He’s a player that I’m looking forward to working with again.”

Since leaving Barking where he scored 10 goals in 33 games during the 2017-18 season, former Welling United and Maidstone United striker Hughes-Mason has played in New Zealand for North Wellington and Tasman United.

Barking are currently in the bototm-three in the Isthmian League South Central Division, havin collected two points from five games.  Hughes-Mason scored once in three games before Hythe Town made an offer to bring him to the Kent coast.

Hythe Town sit in the bottom two in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having collected just three points from their opening five games.

The Cannons, who have also announced the departure of Elliott Capel, host fourth-placed Sevenoaks Town at Reachfields Stadium tonight (19:45), searching for their first league win in Watt’s tenure.

Seven days ago, Hythe Town drew Whitstable Town 2-2 at home in the Velocity Trophy, with Hythe winning 6-5 on penalties and Hythe Town lost 2-0 at then bottom-of-the-table side Phoenix Sports at the weekend.

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