Hythe Town forward Jake Embery says Steve Watt is the best man-manager he’s ever had and wishes he hadn’t ‘messed him about’ in the past

Jake Embery says Steve Watt is the best man-manager he’s ever played for - and regrets not joining Hythe earlier.

Embery twice rejected moves to Reachfields before finally linking up with the club last summer.

The move has worked out a treat, with Embery’s fine form helping the Cannons make FA Trophy history while once again fighting for an Isthmian South East play-off place.

Embery’s had plenty of clubs - probably more than he’d like at 24 - having turned out for Sittingbourne, Herne Bay, Maidstone, Margate, Tonbridge, Carshalton, Faversham and Sheppey.

But he’s found a home at Hythe, scoring eight goals and laying on plenty more. Watt has been particularly impressed with his work rate - something he’s not always been associated with.

“I’ve always worked hard, I believe that in myself,” said Embery.

“But I think in recent years managers have not used that and not thought that of me.

“It’s been ‘Jake scores goals, get him up the pitch and do that’.

“But buying into Watty’s philosophy, it’s definitely helped and I think he’s got the best out of me.

“I’m working hard and just showing how much I want to be involved in the team.

“He’s the best man-manager I’ve ever worked with.

“He understands me and I understand the way he works and what he wants.

“I messed Watty around a little bit in the past.

“I’d be the first to admit that and I wish I hadn’t.

“Twice I could have come here and I turned it down and went elsewhere.

“Looking back now, I should have just come here in the first place.

“When I was initially coming down, they were a lot lower side.

“This season made sense. I’ve got a lot of my friends here and it was a no-brainer.

“Coming here pre-season, I enjoyed it. I was playing with a smile on my face.”

Watt was a big,