Hythe Town sack manager Ira Jackson after six months in charge of the Southern Counties East Premier Division club

Hythe Town have sacked manager Ira Jackson after only six months in charge.

Jackson became the youngest boss in the Southern Counties East Premier Division when he was appointed in May at the age of 28.

New chairman Andy Nanda was keen to go in a different direction following relegation from the Isthmian League, rebuilding the club with younger players.

Jackson, the former Folkestone and Grimsby Town forward, made a bright start as seven points from the opening three games saw Hythe top the table.

But 11 defeats in the next 12 league matches saw them drop into the bottom two and on Saturday they were knocked out of the FA Vase, losing 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw against Burnham.

Ironically, they moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference while in Vase action after Hollands & Blair were thrashed 7-0 by Larkfield & New Hythe.

“We can confirm this evening we have parted company with Ira Jackson Jr as first-team manager after a disappointing run of results,” said a Hythe statement.

“We, as a club, wish to thank Ira for his enormous efforts over the last three months (since the season started) and wish him every success for the future.”

Jackson worked tirelessly in his first manager’s job and had said he would walk away if he didn’t believe he was the man to turn around their fortunes.

The decision was ultimately taken out of his hands but Jackson leaves Reachfields knowing he gave everything.

“Thank you to Hythe Town for the opportunity but it’s a result business and that’s something we weren’t getting enough of,” he said.

“Wish the chairman and the club nothing but the best in the future.

“Time for a needed break from the game.”

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