Reds duo look to future

Hythe Town's new Chairman John Dowsett is looking forward to building on the most successful period in the Ryman League's club history.

Dowsett stepped into the shoes of Paul Markland at the Reachfields Stadium this week following his predecessor's resignation back in May.

Markland was at the helm for 12 years and his successor is pictured with Peter Cuffe, who was unveiled alongside him as the new commercial manager at the Ryman South's Reds.

Long-time supporter Dowsett reckons Hythe have one of the best young managers in the league in Scott Porter and a squad to match after their fourth place finish last season.

With the arrival of Cuffe to drive their commercial activities and Markland's legacy, Dowsett believes Hythe are in great shape to take forward with the new campaign less than a month away.

He said: "I have been a supporter for many years and have been to most home games in the last three years. We have a bright young manager, if not the best in the league, a talented group of young players and I see no reason why we can’t achieve promotion this season."

"If you look at the club twelve years ago, and now, it speaks for itself. Paul has brought stability and confidence into the club, and I am very much looking to do the same thing in bringing the club forward."

Cuffe, who has also joined the club's Board of Directors, said: "I just see it as a fantastic opportunity. We want to work with local businesses as a partnership. If we replicate the cup run from a couple of years ago, we want local businesses to share into that. Hopefully, what I can bring, is not just enthusiasm for football, but business acumen as well."

Image courtesy of Hythe Herald