Steve Watt resigns as manager of Isthmian South East Hythe Town just weeks after reaching play-off final

Steve Watt says he’s been left with no choice but to resign as manager of Hythe Town.

He believes the club’s new board members have effectively forced him out after two weeks of “radio silence” since initial discussions over next season.

Watt asked for a small budget increase to help the Cannons build on their run to the Isthmian South East play-off final, along with a 12-month deal.

He stressed these were requests and not demands.

However, bar a cryptic text message, he’s been left in limbo, leading him to the conclusion that he’s not their man.

Watt continues to enjoy an excellent relationship with the existing board but with the balance of power seemingly shifting to the new members, he leaves Reachfields three weeks on from the play-off final.

He said: “I asked for two things: the budget to be increased slightly to give us a better chance next season and a 12-month deal because I’d already turned that down elsewhere.

“It’s important to stress these weren’t deal-breakers and they certainly weren’t demands.

“The club’s always been the most important thing. If those two things aren’t possible, no problem, just let me know, but I’ve heard nothing in two weeks.

“The only thing I’ve had in that time was a text message last Friday from one of the new board members, saying they were no longer involved in the appointment of the first-team manager, which I found strange because I didn’t realise the job was available. I thought I was the manager.

“That’s when alarm bells started to ring. Clearly there’s something going on.

“Since then, no one’s got back to me with any budget or anything about next season.

“I’ve been in contact with the old board to try and find out what’s happening, so we can resolve things and move forward.

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