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Hythe Town manager Sam Denly to hold talks with his new squad

New manager Sam Denly admits Hythe’s play-off chances depend on how many of Clive Cook’s squad stick around to play for him.

Denly replaced Cook on Monday with chairman Paul Markland admitting the Cannons had not delivered the success to match their playing budget.

Hythe are 10 points outside the Bostik South play-offs with 16 games to play and Denly believes they can make up the difference.

Hythe manager Sam Denly Picture: Tony Flashman
Hythe manager Sam Denly Picture: Tony Flashman

But not until the former Herne Bay boss meets his new squad for the first time tomorrow (Thursday) will he get a true sense of the task facing him.

Denly said: “I want to kick on but a lot of it will depend on who stays. I want to keep everyone but I’m sure there will be a bit of movement as there normally is when changes happen. Some I’ve spoken to already and we’ll meet on Thursday at training.

“I don’t see why we can’t make the play-offs. There’s a talented squad there at the moment and if I can keep them together, I don’t see why we can’t make the play-offs. I’ll be going in there looking to finish the season well and with one eye on next season.”

Dave Cook may have played his last game for the club where he holds the record for appearances. The defender tweeted on Monday night to say he felt let down by how Hythe had dealt with his father’s departure and offering his services to other clubs.

“Players are loyal to Clive,” Denly said. “He’s a good bloke and I rang him on Tuesday morning. We had a good conversation.

“I’ve always got on with Clive and, as a manager myself, it’s not ideal. I felt I owed him that call.

“I like Clive a lot and it’s one of those things that happens in football. I’m going to speak with Dave as well and I’ll speak with the rest of the squad.

“If they want to move on, I understand that, but I’ll be doing all I can to keep the majority of the squad together.”

Denly’s first game in charge is at home to South Park on Saturday.

Hythe drew 3-3 at Ashford in Clive Cook's final game as manager Picture: Paul Amos
Hythe drew 3-3 at Ashford in Clive Cook's final game as manager Picture: Paul Amos

He inherits a Hythe side which has drawn four of its last five games and won only twice since November.

Denly said: “I want to pick up points straight away but for me, it’s hopefully a long-term plan. I want to go in there, assess what we’ve got and hopefully we can start off well.

“We’ve got points we need to be picking up straight away but we’ll see how we go. I’ll see which players stay, see if I need to add players and hopefully we can finish the season strongly.”

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