I see no reason why we can't achieve promotion this season, says new Hythe Town chairman

HYTHE TOWN have today unveiled a new chairman and commercial manager.


John Dowsett has taken over the chairmanship at Reachfields Stadium from Paul Markland, who stepped down from the role in May after twelve years, having overseen the most successful years in the club’s history.

“I have been a supporter for many years and have been to most home games in the last three years,” Mr Dowsett said in a statement, which was issued on the club’s website www.hythetownfc.co.uk.

“We have a bright young manager, if not the best in the league, a talented group of young players and I see no reason why we can’t achieve promotion this season.

“If you look at the club twelve years ago, and now, it speaks for itself. Paul has brought stability and confidence into the club and I am very much looking to do the same thing in bringing the club forward.

Paul Cuffe, meanwhile, has also joined the board of directors as the Ryman League Division One South club’s new commercial manager.

Mr Cuffe added: “I just see it as a fantastic opportunity.  We want to work with local businesses as a partnership.

“If we replicate the Cup run from a couple of years ago, we want local businesses to share into that.

“Hopefully, what I can bring, is not just enthusiasm for football, but business acumen as well.”

Scott Porter’s side open their pre-season campaign when Margate visit Reachfields Stadium on Saturday 13 July (3pm).

Porter guided the club to fourth-place in the table last season, but they suffered a 3-0 defeat to third-placed Faversham Town in the semi-finals of the play-offs, which saw runners-up Maidstone United clinch promotion along with champions Dulwich Hamlet.

There will be a Happy Hour after the Margate game from 6pm where supporters and volunteers can meet the new chairman.

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