Double departures in the Premier Division

Two Southern Counties East Premier Division clubs have made managerial changes this week, with Hythe Town and Corinthian both parting company with their respective first-team managers as the season reaches a critical stage.

Hythe Town have dismissed manager Darren Beale after just eight league matches in charge. The decision followed Saturday’s damaging 7–2 defeat away at Snodland Town, a result that left the Cannons bottom of the table, eight points from safety with 13 games remaining as they attempt to avoid successive relegations.

Beale, a Hythe native, was appointed in November following the departure of Ira Jackson and was taking on his first managerial role after a long and successful coaching career. However, he inherited a side already in deep trouble, having lost 11 of their previous 12 league fixtures prior to his arrival.

Despite attempts to reshape the squad — including the appointment of Roarie Deacon as player-assistant manager — a league win proved elusive. Beale departs Reachfields having recorded three draws and five defeats from his eight league games in charge.

Hythe’s only victory during his tenure came in cup competition, beating Snodland Town on penalties in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday night after a goalless draw — ironically against the same opponents who would bring his spell to an end just four days later.

In a club statement, Hythe Town said the decision had not been taken lightly, but that league performances and results had fallen short of expectations. The board reiterated that the management team had been fully supported both operationally and financially, but felt a change was necessary in the best interests of the club’s long-term stability. The club also confirmed that any future appointment must align with their aim of becoming a self-sustainable football club.

Meanwhile, Corinthian FC have also confirmed a managerial departure, announcing that Keith McMahon has left the club with immediate effect.

In a brief statement, the club thanked McMahon for his efforts during his time at Gay Dawn Farm and wished him well for the future, adding that further updates regarding the first-team management position would be communicated in due course.

Corinthian have no fixture this weekend, with their next league match scheduled for Friday 7th February, when they travel to face Holmesdale.