Steve Watt has quit as Hythe’s manager - except with immediate effect this time!

It was revealed Watt was to step down at the helm of the Isthmian South East Cannons at the end of the season last week.

But the Scot has now opted to move on immediately after Hythe’s thumping weekend 5-2 defeat at relegation-threatened Beckenham - which was a sixth straight loss.

Assistant Alex Flisher and player-coach Frannie Collin will now take charge at Reachfields for their final six games of the campaign.

In a club statement on Sunday, the Cannons wrote: “Following yesterday’s capitulation at basement side Beckenham Town, Steve Watt spoke with myself at Eden Park Road, then again later last night and, finally, this morning.

“Steve has decided that it’s in everyone’s best interest if he leaves with immediate effect, expressing his disappointment in the majority of - but not all - the players yesterday and that, coupled with some family issues back home in Scotland, has brought his plans forward.

“All at Hythe Town FC were saddened to learn that Steve was to relinquish his role as first-team manager after a tenure spanning five years and a difficult tenure throughout the pandemic, with this only his second full season.

“Steve has brought together and built a talented team that last season went oh so close (to promotion) and this season reached the last 32 of the FA Trophy. He challenges the status quo in his desire for success but, sadly, this season (given a number of factors) the team has fallen short of those desires and expectations to go one better.

“Overall, he - like us - is rightly proud of the achievements of his management team and players. All have given so much entertainment and created many memories along the way.

“The club has backed Steve throughout and he has become a firm favourite with the supporters, and all associated at the club.

“‘Family’ Watt have also supported the club tirelessly and we especially thank Steve’s wife and children for their unwavering support and attendance at nearly all our home games.

“Steve had, prior to yesterday, respectfully offered his services until the end of the season or until such time - if earlier - that we appointed a new manager.

“I have now asked Frannie Collin and Alex Flisher to lead the team over the next few games which they have both agreed to do.

“The chairman (Gary Johnson), board, staff and volunteers at Hythe Town wish Steve the very best in his future football endeavours.”

Email chairman@HytheTownFC.co.uk if interested in applying for the manager’s role.

Hythe are at Three Bridges tomorrow (Tuesday) before a home game against Phoenix Sports this Saturday.