Hythe Town appoint Darren Beale as their new manager after sacking Ira Jackson

Hythe Town have named their new manager following Ira Jackson’s departure.

Darren Beale returns to his hometown club to succeed Jackson, who was sacked last weekend after six months in charge.

Beale is well known at Reachfields, having served as assistant manager under Tim Dixon and, a decade later, Sammy Moore.

His most recent spell ended when Moore unexpectedly resigned after the first league game of last season.

Beale went on to join Ramsgate as assistant manager under Ben Smith and played a vital role in their Isthmian South East title triumph.

Smith stood down as Rams manager a fortnight ago, with Lee Martin named caretaker boss, and Beale has now left Southwood to take on the task of reviving Hythe’s fortunes.

Jackson on Cannons exit

The Cannons are outside the Southern Counties East Premier Division relegation zone on goal difference after 11 defeats in their past 12 matches - a run that cost Jackson his job.

Beale’s first game in charge sees Hythe visit sixth-placed Sutton Athletic on Saturday.

A Cannons statement said: “Hythe Town Football Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Beale as their new manager.

“Darren understands the philosophy of the club and is keen to work with the club’s project.”

Beale has been joined at Reachfields by Roarie Deacon, who takes on a player/assistant manager role.

Deacon, who worked with Beale at Ramsgate last season, left Ashford on Thursday.

The former Arsenal man won a National League South title medal at Maidstone in 2022 and has also played for the likes of Stevenage and Sutton.