James Rogers has been appointed interim manager at Hythe Town following the departure of Steve Watt.

Caretaker duo Nathan Elder and Frannie Collin will take charge of this weekend’s game at Lancing before handing over the reins.

Midfielder Rogers has enjoyed a hugely successful playing career, including six promotions in nine years with Dover, Dartford and Maidstone, and is looking to move into management.

Hythe secretary Martin Giles said: “James will provide continuity with the current squad and has worked with some of Kent's top managers during his career.

“He brings experience and passion and was keen to make this step up as he starts to look towards a career in football management."

Rogers’ first game in charge will be the home Kent Senior Cup tie against Faversham next Tuesday.

Elder, who was Watt’s assistant, had ruled himself out of the running to take charge beyond a caretaker capacity.

"I’ve been really open and honest with the club and so has Frannie, in terms of what we want to do,” said Elder.

“It would be a tough role for us to take on.

“I never envisaged being a manager just yet.

“Being a No.2 was a position I could learn in, and I’ve only been doing that for a couple of years.

“I’ve learned a lot from Watty and the other managers we play against as well.

“At the moment, management is probably not the role for me to be able to take on board."

Watt left the club last week after two years in charge, with Elder and Collin overseeing a 3-0 defeat by Whitstable at the weekend.

Elder said: “I had confidence before the game and it was a real shame because it’s all our errors.

“Every single one of those goals came from our errors and, unfortunately, not for the first time this season.

“That was disappointing but I was still happy with the effort and application.”

Rogers will have to do without Darren Oldaker, who's joined Dorking Wanderers.