Hythe manager Scott Porter has paid tribute to goalkeeper Kieron Mann after the former player-of-the-year joined Canterbury this week.

A couple of clubs went in for Mann after Porter decided Dean Ruddy would be his No.1 keeper next season, with Canterbury winning the race to sign him.

Porter (pictured) said: "I couldn’t afford to have two No.1 keepers, so I had a chat with Kieron.

"Dean came in and did well last season. There’s not a lot between them but I’ve decided to go for Dean’s experience and he was brilliant in the Kent Senior Cup.

"Kieron’s been at the club all the time I’ve been manager – three years – so it wasn’t an easy decision. He’s been a great servant and we part on good terms.

"I’d like to thank him for his service and wish him all the best for the future. I’ve no doubt he’ll play Ryman League football again."

Hythe are a club on the up after last season’s Kent Senior Cup glory and in a strong position to attract new players but Porter won’t upset the side’s team spirit.

He said: "It’s important to add a couple of new faces but they’ll need to fit in with the ones I’ve got. We’ve got a great changing room and we do a lot of things together off the field. I don’t want any bad eggs."