Hythe Town midfielder Frannie Collin ready to play on next season

Frannie Collin intends to play on next season after Hythe’s promotion near-miss.

Collin, 35, experienced Isthmian South East play-off final defeat for the second year running when the Cannons lost 1-0 to Whitehawk on Friday.

Last season, he was part of the Ashford side who missed out to Herne Bay.

The former Maidstone and Tonbridge striker has thrived in a deeper midfield role at Reachfields, playing a key part in the Cannons’ run to the play-offs.

He scored nine goals, including a long-range stunner in the win at Sevenoaks, and equalised from the penalty spot as Hythe upset Ramsgate in the semi-finals.

His decision to carry on is good news for Cannons boss Steve Watt.

“I’m going to play again next year,” said Collin.

“I’ve already spoken to Watty about it.

“I’m not ready to retire yet. If I’d had injuries and been in and out the team, or I’d not been able to hold down a place or not do 90 minutes, then maybe I’d feel different.

“But since February I’ve played nigh-on every minute of every game, so I think that’s telling me I should carry on.

“That midfield role suits me.

“We missed Marv (Marvin Hamilton) in the final but we play well together.

“We’ve got about 150 years between us and then we’ve got boys like Ethan Smith and Shad Ngandu around us with plenty of legs and energy.

“It definitely suits me a lot more in midfield now. It’s a young man’s game, playing up top.”

Collin, like his manager, felt the play-off final was a game too far as Hythe were pipped to a place in the Isthmian Premier.

But what a season it’s been as the Cannons upset big-spending rivals to reach the play-offs and finish with the best defensive record in the league.

Collin said: “It’s a horrible cliche but it felt like it was a game too many for