Hythe Town make Manager decision

Hythe Town have parted company with manager Darren Beale after just eight league games in charge.

The Cannons made the decision following Saturday’s 7–2 defeat away at Snodland Town, a result that left Hythe rooted to the bottom of the Southern Counties East Premier Division, eight points adrift of safety with 13 matches remaining as they fight to avoid back-to-back relegations.

Beale, a Hythe native, was appointed in November following the departure of Ira Jackson, taking on his first managerial role after a long and successful career in coaching. He inherited a side already in difficulty after losing 11 of their previous 12 league fixtures.

Despite efforts to reshape the squad, including the appointment of Roarie Deacon as player-assistant manager, a league victory proved elusive. Beale leaves Reachfields having taken three draws and five defeats from his eight league matches in charge.

Hythe’s only win during Beale’s spell came in cup competition, when they defeated Snodland Town on penalties in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday night following a goalless draw — the same opponents who would bring his tenure to an end four days later.

In a club statement, Hythe Town confirmed the departure of Beale and his management team, stating that the decision had not been taken lightly but that league performances and results had fallen short of the club’s expectations.

The club added that the board had fully supported the management team both operationally and financially, but felt a change was necessary in the best interests of the club’s long-term stability and future direction.

Hythe also reiterated their commitment to becoming a self-sustainable club, noting that any future managerial appointment must align with that wider vision.

Further updates on the managerial position will be communicated in due course.