Porter, 30, takes the reigns at Reachfields

Thursday 30th April 2009

LONG-SERVING manager Paul Fisk has stepped down from his post at Kent League side Hythe Town in order to focus his time on his ill wife, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Reachfields Stadium club have moved quickly to promoted assistant manager Scott Porter, 30, to the top role, an appointment that will surprise many.

Hythe's number three, former Bromley Green manager Clive Cook, moves up to assistant manager and former Wimbledon, Ashford Town and Hythe Town player Ian Ross rejoins the club as coach.

Club chairman Paul Markland issued the following statement on www.hythetownfc.co.uk.

"Everyone at the club fully sympathises with Paul and understands that football cannot be his priority at the moment," he admitted.

"Our thoughts are with Pam and Paul. I would like to thank him, both personally and on behalf of the club, for everything he has done to move Hythe Town Football Club forward to the strong position we are in today.

"It is quite remarkable that despite his wife's illness, and our top striker, Buster Smissen being out with injury most of the season, Paul has led the club to its highest finishing position since 1988.

"Until recently, Pam has been a key member of our match day support team. Paul, Pam and their family will always be welcome at Reachfields."

Mr Markland has full confidence in Porter, as the club bid to go one better, having finished their 32-match Bulmers Cider Kent League campaign as runners-up, having finished just three points behind VCD Athletic.

"Scott Porter has asked for the opportunity to prove to himself and us that he is up to the challenge," he said.

"I believe in giving people a chance and the board have backed me.

"Scott is a young manager and has impressed us with his plans, and he has promised to tone down his well known touchline enthusiasm. Clive adds the experience."

Looking ahead to next season, the chairman added, "Clearly we want to go one better than Kent League runners-up, itself our highest finish for many years.

"The new management team will use the close season to build on the excellent foundations we already have in place to move the club up yet another notch."

Quotes courtesy of www.hythetownfc.co.uk