Hythe Town manager Darren Beale says he has been backed “100 per cent” in his efforts to sign new players as Cannons bid to climb table

Hythe Town manager Darren Beale says the club’s board have backed him “100 per cent” in the transfer market.

The Cannons released a statement this week amid criticism on social media as they battle to avoid back-to-back relegations.

They highlighted nine signings made since Beale took charge - the latest being experienced forward Taurean Roberts - as evidence of the board’s commitment and ambition.

The statement confirmed Hythe, who are bottom of the Southern Counties East Premier Division, were in the market for further additions but stressed new faces need time to settle.

Beale, who succeeded Ira Jackson in November, said: “I think there were a few comments aimed at the board saying we need x, y and z, but it’s not for the want of trying.

“The board are backing me 100 per cent.

“Everyone that I can get in or have got in, they’ve backed me, there’s never been any issues.

“If I’ve said I can get this player or want to approach a certain player, they’ve been behind me all the way.

“Sometimes comments can be a little naive, not knowing the full process behind it.

“I think that’s why the statement went out, just to say as a unit we’re all trying to improve, we’re all trying to get these players in, but not only that, now these players are in, it’s not going to happen overnight.

“We’d all like to wave a magic wand and get three points every game but football isn’t like that. It takes a while.”

Much-travelled Roberts is a welcome addition and the Cannons are looking to strengthen further in attacking areas.

“Taurean is a good signing, an experienced player and a proven goalscorer, and we’re still trying to get one or two more forward players to complement the ones we’ve got,” said Beale.

“Defensively, we’re a lot better than