Hythe Town name Gary Johnson as their new chairman

One of the most eventful weeks in Hythe Town’s recent history has ended with the appointment of a new chairman.

Gary Johnson, the former Whitstable chairman, has ended his seven-year absence from football by taking the reins at Reachfields.

The ex-referee and Isthmian League director replaces temporary chairman Andy Short who in turn succeeds long-serving Martin Giles as secretary.

A week ago manager Steve Watt was preparing to quit the Isthmian South East play-off finalists, feeling he was being forced out by four new board members.

When they subsequently left, Watt made a quick return to the Cannons and set about putting his squad back together.

He now has a new chairman to work with.

“I am thrilled to join an ambitious club who want to progress and have a first-class manager in Steve Watt,” said Johnson, who runs two small businesses.

“The board have asked me to provide strategic leadership to galvanise the club as they move forward.

“I am also excited to be back in football that has given me so much over the years. I believe Hythe Town has an exciting future.”

Giles has stepped down after 35 years as secretary but continues as a director and will support Short in his new role.

A Cannons statement said: “Martin has given so many years to the club and will remain on the board.

“He will still be responsible for the bar and will continue to be very active within the club supporting Andy as assistant secretary.

“All at the club are very grateful for all the hours Martin has put in over 35 years. Without his time and effort, Hythe Town would have really struggled.”

There’s more good news on the squad front with top scorer Johan Caney-Bryan and wing-back Marcus Goldsmith the latest names to confirm they are staying at the