New Hythe Town manager Nick Davis makes his first signings with more set to follow
Published: 05:48, 04 September 2024
Updated: 05:49, 04 September 2024
New Hythe manager Nick Davis has set about strengthening his squad.
Utility man Stefan Wright and right-back Finlay Whitton have signed for the Cannons, while midfielder Sam Blackman is on a one-month loan from Folkestone.
Davis is working on further additions as he settles into life at Reachfields following the resignation of Sammy Moore.
Wright played under Davis at Sittingbourne and was in the Whitehawk team who beat Hythe in the Isthmian South East play-off final two seasons ago.
Davis, whose side lost 2-0 at Ramsgate last night, said: “I gave Stef his debut at this level when he was about 20 and we’ve stayed in touch.
“He’s a good lad and a winner and he can play in a few positions.
“He played on the right wing for Whitehawk when they got promoted and he played 30 games in the Prem at left-back last season before he got injured.
“He can play left-back, right-back, centre-mid, right-wing, so his versatility is beneficial.
“He’d probably say differently - I think he just wants to stay in one position - but it helps when you’ve got a player who can play in a few positions.”
Whitton, the son of Hythe coach Steve, gained Isthmian South East experience at Herne Bay last season.
“I think he started 21 games so he’s cut his teeth at this level,” said Davis.
“He wants to learn and he wants to stay at this level. He had a couple of offers lower down but you can’t blame him for wanting to play as high as he can.”
Former Margate captain Blackman brings quality to the Hythe midfield while he works on his sharpness after missing the start of the season through suspension.
“I spoke to Andy Drury (Folkestone manager) and we thought it would be good for him to come and get some game time with us,” said Davis.
“He brings good experience and hopefully the loan will benefit us both.
“Hopefully we can get a couple more signings over the line.
“It’s just that time of the season. It takes time.
“We’re in September now and a lot of people are still testing the water where they are. The ones who aren’t playing, they probably want to give it a few more weeks.
“It’s unfortunate I didn’t get a pre-season but I knew the hand I was dealt and you’ve just got to go from there and try and improve week in, week out.”
Hythe host Three Bridges in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm) and entertain Herne Bay in the league on Tuesday (7.45pm).
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Craig Tucker