Nolan hailed after stepping up to Stones

Hythe Town manager Tim Dixon has paid tribute to first team coach Steve Nolan after he left the Ryman South club to join Maidstone United in time for their FA Cup clash at Wrexham on Saturday.

Nolan, pictured, was approached by Stones boss Jay Saunders to leave Reachfields on Wednesday and join his management team at the Gallagher Stadium alongside assistant Nicky Southall.

Cannons manager Dixon, who also worked with Nolan at Ramsgate, said: "Jay Saunders rang to ask permission to speak to Steve earlier this week, as a first team coaching position became available at the Gallagher Stadium, which I fully appreciated."

"Steve has made the decision to join a club that is not only on his doorstep, but a club with a very bright future ahead. He has worked with assistant manager Nicky Southall before and Jay is fully aware of his coaching abilities as well.

"Steve will be sorely missed around the place and I would like to thank him for all his time and effort in his short time with the Cannons.

"He has been a very popular figure during his time at Reachfields and all at the club would like to thank him for his time with us and wish him all the best with this exciting opportunity."

He added: "He will always be welcome here at Hythe and we look forward to the first time he comes up against us in the opposite dug-out."

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