Hythe managerless after Drury departs

Andy Drury has stepped down as manager of Hythe Town after just eight games in charge, bringing a swift end to his short spell at the club.

The Cannons sit 12 points adrift of safety in the Premier Division with only six matches left to play, following Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Kennington.

It marks a dramatic fall for a side now staring at back-to-back relegations, just three years on from reaching the Isthmian South East play-off final. The club are now set to appoint their fourth manager of the season.

Ira Jackson and Darren Beale had already departed earlier in the campaign, and Drury—who took over at the end of January—has now also exited in a move that caught the club off guard.

“Following today’s heavy defeat away at Kennington, Andy Drury has stepped down from his role as first-team manager with immediate effect,” read a club statement.

“Andy came in during a very difficult period for the club and was fully backed by the board, who gave him the freedom to build the squad he felt was needed to keep us up.”

“Unfortunately, results haven’t gone our way and this decision has come as a surprise to everyone.”

“We respect Andy’s decision and thank him for his efforts during his time with us.”

“This leaves the club in a tough position with only a short time left in the season, but the board will continue to work hard to do what’s best for Hythe Town and fight until the very end.”

Drury oversaw two wins from his seven league games in charge, alongside one draw and four defeats. During his tenure, the club also exited the Challenge Cup at the hands of finalists Bearsted.

Hythe visit Tunbridge Wells in a must-win game on Tuesday night.