Hythe Town have moved swiftly to replace Tim Dixon by appointing an experienced joint management team.

The Ryman League Division 1 South club have turned to former Town assistant manager Clive Cook, and Tony Beckingham, who has quit as manager of East Grinstead Town to move to Reachfields.

Chairman Paul Markland explained: “The Board is pleased to appoint Clive and Tony who bring experience and contacts. We’ve moved quickly as we need to settle things down and start to rack up the points to avoid the club being involved in a relegation scrap.

"I’ve recently stepped back into the chairmanship as John Dowsett is abroad for a few months. In my previous 12-year tenure the club went from the bottom of the Kent League to the Ryman play-offs, so I’m not used to failure. I expect Clive and Tony to quickly build up momentum.”

Cook, who has also previously managed at Bromley Green, said: “It’s good to be back at Hythe Town, a club close to my heart and one that deserves success.

"We have a week to prepare for the Tooting & Mitcham away league game, followed by two cup games, so are going to be busy. Hythe don’t have a league game this coming Saturday but we hope to arrange a friendly at Reachfields instead so we can get a good look at the squad.”

Beckingham added: “I’m excited about the challenge at Hythe Town and look forward to working with everyone involved. There are some good players here already and we expect to add a couple more soon.”

Town goalkeeping coach Mark Lane has been appointed assistant manager and will combine the two roles.