Sam Denly has replaced Clive Cook as manager of Hythe Town.

The club have ended Cook's two-and-a-half-year reign at Reachfields with the team 10 points adrift of the Bostik South play-offs.

Cook will stay at the club, taking on a boardroom role, while former Herne Bay boss Denly, 33, will be assisted by Gavin Theze and Steve Nolan.

Hythe chairman Paul Markland said: "Whilst it is true that we are currently holding a respectable position in the league table, we had hoped for so much more than this and indeed our playing budget was set to deliver that greater success.

"We feel that the time is now right for a change in direction and a fresh look at things and we believe that will be best done under a new manager and coaching set-up.

"At the same time, we are loath to lose the services of Clive Cook who has made so many friends at Reachfields and who has a tremendous passion for the club.

"We are therefore delighted to announce that Clive will be moving "upstairs" to the boardroom and into a role that will be fully confirmed in due course.

"Sam has proved himself as a capable and strong young manager and we are very pleased that he will be joining us. He will together with Gavin and Steve provide fresh impetus to our ambitions."

Denly left Herne Bay in April 2017 after almost four years in charge.

He said: "I am excited to start working again in management with Hythe Town.

"Whilst I have enjoyed a short break from football, the opportunity to return and work at a club like Hythe is one that I am extremely excited about. Hythe have a talented squad with great supporters and I look forward to working with everyone associated with the club.”