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Sport

Scott Porter explains why he quit as Hythe Town manager

By: Steve Tervet

Published: 15:00, 07 May 2014

Former Hythe Town manager Scott Porter Picture: Gary Browne

Scott Porter has revealed why he quit as Hythe Town manager.

Porter, who left the club on Tuesday night, released a statement on Wednesday afternoon detailing his reasons for walking away from Reachfields after five seasons in charge.

He said: "During my five-year reign, the club has enjoyed great success and I have ensured that continuous progress has been made. My ambition was to build a foundation for many years to come, ultimately gaining promotion to the highest possible level.

"I was under the distinct impression from the board that I was able to proceed next season on the same budget. But the club endorsed further wage cuts for the 2014/15 season and this left me with no choice but to resign on pure principle alone.

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"I informed the players accordingly of my intentions and the revised budget, which ultimately was the same as I had when gaining promotion from the Kent League.

"Sadly, I don’t believe the board share the same enthusiasm and belief as I do for the football club. They are going backwards rather than moving forward!

"The club has published that there has been a reduction in sponsorship, that has forced the cuts and my hand - but they have had increased backing from local businesses.

"Words cannot describe the disappointment I feel right now. I would like to thank Hythe Town FC for giving me the opportunity to manage the club, also I’d like to thank the players for all their hard work and effort this season. But mostly my coaching staff, Clive Cook, Mark Lane, Lloyd Blackman and when another position comes available we will move on as one.

"It is such a shame that our working relationship has come to an end. I’ve given my all, but as one door closes another door will open. I’m a young, ambitious manager, ready for a new challenge.

"I would like to thank the fans for the loyal support they have shown me and the players as my time as manager of the football club."

Shaun Welford scores against Walton Casuals in Scott Porter's final game in charge of Hythe Town

Hythe president Paul Markland, who was the chairman when Porter took on the manager's job in 2009, also released a statement on Wednesday.

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He said: "The Hythe Town directors have acted responsibly in setting a budget for next season, as requested by the then manager, at a level they know the club can guarantee. I understand this figure is less than last season but is still higher than that of many Ryman South clubs.

"The club, under my chairmanship, took a gamble in appointing Scott as manager five seasons ago, as he often acknowledges, and he has repaid this by achieving good results since, albeit with higher-than-average playing budgets during my tenure. Scott clearly felt he could not operate with a lesser sum and has exercised his prerogative to look elsewhere. I wish him well.

"It is unfortunate that Scott may not have chosen to bow out as gracefully as I would have expected and has talked with the current players who potentially may leave en-bloc. I suspect a number would have liked to be with the club next season. If true, this will not endear Scott to other chairmen, which would be unfortunate as he has a lot to offer any new club.

"Now another manager will come in and rebuild the Hythe Town side. Personally I would like to see a number of the current players make their own decision to play at Hythe Town next season, but if they don’t then others will take their place.

"Hythe Town Football Club moves on and is in a position that must be the envy of many other Ryman clubs. Importantly, the playing budget is already fully covered by known income and sponsorship for the whole of next season, so there will be none of the mid-season wage cuts typical at other clubs and forced, for the first time ever, on Hythe Town along with many others, last winter.

"The appointment of a new chairman is imminent and there is always the potential for new sponsorship when there is a change of chairman or manager.

"The club is debt-free, has a good, well-maintained facility with a long lease, is again investing in improving the playing surface this summer and has a committed group off the pitch - although like any club, more help is always welcome. There are some interesting medium-term plans and discussions regarding broadening the governance of the club by splitting the board functions between operational and business groups, with some additional directors.

"I am optimistic that the club will continue to build for the future during this period of managerial transition."

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