Hythe Town chairman Matt Smith says manager Nick Davis is going nowhere this season amid rumours over his future.

The Cannons are second-bottom of Isthmian South, seven points from safety, after losing their past five matches.

That’s led to speculation over Davis’ position but he retains the full support of his chairman, who has even had other managers offering their services.

Smith appointed Davis in August as successor to Sammy Moore, who resigned after the opening-day win over Phoenix Sports.

The former Sittingbourne boss continues to give everything and is very much still the man for the job this season.

“It’s become clear over the past few days/weeks that there are a number of people intent on trying to upset things further here at Reachfields,” said Smith.

“I have heard from varying players how this manager has been lined up to make a return to Hythe Town FC etc.

“I would like to take this opportunity to advise all Hythe Town FC supporters and others that Nick Davis is my first-team manager and Nick will remain in charge until the end of this playing season.

“As a successful football club I have had a few people contact me about results and the possibility of replacing Nick and I will say here and now what I said to each of them – as long as I am chairman of Hythe Town FC, Nick will remain in charge of my first team until the end of this playing season.

“I am only compelled to write this as the rumour mill is rife within Kent and I will not have my manager disrupted ahead of our mammoth home game against Margate FC this coming Saturday.

“Nick and I speak regularly and we have a weekly call (throughout the season) with Gary Johnson (CEO) where we discuss all things playing-related.

“This past couple of weeks has been tough having no games but I know how tirelessly Nick has been working to bring in another three new quality signings that will be involved this week with one in particular I cannot wait for you all to meet and see here at Hythe Town FC.

“I totally accept that results are not what I, the board or any supporter wants but we all have to be fully aware of the factors that have contributed to where we currently find ourselves as a football club.

“From manager uncertainty, rundown facilities with no investment through to the playing surface last season, these all have played a massive part in the slow demise of our great club.”

Smith, the ex-Sheppey chairman, arrived at Hythe over the summer and immediately set about upgrading the facilities at Reachfields.

He invested heavily on pitch works, with the club having been hit by a string of postponements last season, derailing their play-off push.

The clubhouse has also been transformed.

It’s a long-term project for Smith, who has stressed that change takes time.

He said: “As anyone will have seen who has been to Reachfields this season the ground and pitch have been improved vastly and the playing surface is now maintained diligently by experienced contractor Jordan Sports who look after a number of semi and professional football pitches.

“So slowly we are changing people’s view of Reachfields but a football club in the state Hythe Town FC were in when I took over can take a while to turn around.

“I personally totally underestimated the negativity the football club has both within and its perception by others, it feels like trying to turn a massive cruise liner in a different direction and as I have learned to date that takes a long time!

“Do I sometimes question why I give up hours of my time to read the negativity?

“I do, yes, of course, and taking a break from Facebook has helped me switch off, but when I speak with Gary and the team I am reminded that there are some great people at the club (thanks Gary, Phil, Andy, Neil, Tristan, Tony, Garbs and Shelley).”

Supporters are invited to attend a meeting at Reachfields on January 27 (7pm).

It will be a chance to hear from Smith and his fellow directors as they explain the state of play at the club.

The Cannons are doing everything they can to stay up.

Smith said: “As anyone that knows me will testify, I give everything and the same can be said about my CEO and first-team manager and both have extremely important roles to play in the coming 14 weeks as we complete this season and ensure our survival as a Step 4 football club.

“As chairman I am working closely with Gary to change hearts and minds but unfortunately it’s not just as simple as changing the manager at Hythe Town FC.

“The club has major issues which we are working our way through to get this great football club back to where it was two seasons ago in the play-off final.

“When people say in football they can write a book about what happens behind the scenes, well, let me tell you, this past six-seven months I think I could write a trilogy.

“Anyhow, we now look forward to Saturday where I ask supporters to pack Reachfields and everyone get behind Nick his team and the players as they give their all for the football club.”