Hythe Town FC are still reeling from the loss of a major sponsor for the current football season.
Hythe secretary Martin Giles tells us that: “due to COVID related issues the sponsorship funding stopped understandably when football ceased in the Spring of 2020 There followed a temporary restart when we received promises that all was well, but of course along came the second stoppage.
“Last summer we were advised that funding would be such that we could embark on a two-year plan for the immediate future and there were also plans being made to install an artificial pitch that we could hire out to others in the town. We went ahead with planning a competitive playing budget but as time went on, we were receiving nothing but promises and were getting worried.
“However, after many calls backwards and forwards we went along with renewed promises now being made that it was merely a question of time and we decided that it would be foolish to turn away from what was being offered. We therefore started the season hoping that all would be well, but knowing that we would be facing big decisions if no funding arrived.
“Then came the time we were all dreading and we had to inform our manager Steve Watt that with still only empty promises on the table the budget would have to be greatly reduced. Steve at first agreed to continue but then pulled out as he felt it would be best for the club.
“We lost a number of key players but promoted James Rogers up to player manager with him being assisted by the popular Tom Wynter and Will Graham and we now have a younger side that has been producing some fine football in recent weeks.
“The Cannons, however, still need to be climbing away from the Isthmian League relegation zone and have been helped by a kind personal donation from a gentleman who has recently moved into the town, and they continue to be supported by our patrons group and other anonymous locals who have been with us for years. A new ground-sharing agreement with amateur club Ashford FC has also started to bear fruit.
“However, it is a fact that unless the club can attract some support from commercial sources it will be an upward struggle to maintain the decent level of football that has been enjoyed for over ten years.”
Mr Giles said “We are open to anyone who can help in any way at all. We can offer anything from a seat on the Board to the naming rights for the stadium. Without that, my personal feeling is that our time at this level is limited, especially as many clubs in bigger surrounding towns have managed to both get financial assistance and increased attendance figures.”
Martin Giles, Football Secretary, Hythe Town FC.