Hythe Town are hoping to start next season on a 3G pitch.

Chairman Paul Markland met local officials this week to discuss the planned switch from grass at Reachfields.

He believes it’s an investment which will help not only the club but the local community.

Markland confirmed: “We’re still working towards trying to get an artificial surface.

“It’s the way to go, partly for the commercial side but more for the fact we can get the youth on there.

“In Hythe, there’s demand for about twice the number of teams that we can accommodate on the grass pitches that are available. If we can get an artificial surface at Reachfields, we can meet that demand which I think would be a good thing for the future.

“We’ve got funding lined up, it’s just reliant on getting a deal done with the local authority who own about two-thirds of the site – we own about a third of it – to get the security of tenure we need.”

Private sponsorship will help the club cover the cost of around £600,000 to lay the artificial surface next summer.

Markland said: “In about 10 years’ time you need to renew the surface so you put money aside for that but, already, our youth arm are spending about £30,000 a year on hiring external pitches.

“By keeping a proportion of that in-house, it gives us a basis to cover the running costs and renewal costs and off we go from there.

“Our aim, if everything falls into place, is to do it next summer. Sevenoaks Town (who now play on 3G) have been very helpful.”

Markland expects Hythe to challenge for the title this season having again backed manager Sam Denly in the transfer market.

The Cannons have finished seventh in each of the last three seasons and Denly will be need to deliver a play-off place at the very least.

Markland said: “Sam did a good job in the first season.

“He didn’t quite get there last season, one or two things conspired against him, but he’s very bullish about this season. I think he’s learned as he’s gone along and he’s doing a good job.

“I’m quite excited. We’ve put together a good squad and we’re certainly
going to challenge for the promotion place.

“The squad were in for their first pre-season session on Saturday and everybody was very buoyant.”

Hythe’s first pre-season friendly is at Snodland Town on Tuesday night.

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