Nathan Elder made a comeback in Hythe’s goalless draw with Littlehampton on Saturday.

Big striker Elder, 37, registered on the morning of the game and played the final 10 minutes, going close to a winner.

The former Brentford and Brighton forward returned to Reachfields in the summer as part of Steve Watt’s management team.

It’s a relaxed arrangement, with Elder helping out with coaching when he can, and it turns out he can still play, too.

“It’s something we spoke about,” said Watt.

“He’s been playing a lot of vets’ football, he’s in really good shape.

“If you’ve got someone like Elds, it doesn’t matter how old he is, you put him on with 10 minutes to go and I don’t think there’s a defender in the league who wants to be dealing with that.

“He came on and caused problems, like he was there to do, and he was unlucky not to get a winner.

“He’s not going to play 90 minutes but he’s a good option to have when he’s available.

“The way the game shaped up it was there for him to come on and he let the defenders know he was there.

“He’s a great person to have around.

“He lifted the whole dressing room, just by being there, let alone knowing he was there to play.

“He’s the type of person who walks into a room and lifts spirits - not that spirits were low - just because everyone’s so pleased to see him.

"That’s the type of character and personality he is, and that’s why I was so keen to have him back.

“He couldn’t commit to being my No.2 but I’m happy to have him around whenever he’s available.

“It’s good for the boys to know he’s there for any advice or guidance, even if he’s not there every week.

“He’s an important part of the management team and it was good to see him rolling back the years on the pitch.”

Hythe, who were beaten 2-0 at Corinthian in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday, visit Chichester in Isthmian South East this Saturday (3pm).

“They’re a club I’ve always been impressed with,” said Watt.

“They’re a very good side but we can only worry about ourselves.

“We’ve only played five league games but we’re in a good position where if we win these games, it sets us up for our games in hand. We just have to keep plugging away.

“So far, so good. We’re three points worse off than we should be - we deserved to beat Ramsgate - but I can’t complain about any of the other results.

“Give it another eight to 10 games and the table will start to take shape.

“Then we’ll see whether we’re going to be playing catch-up or we’re in and around it.”

Hythe host Beckenham on Tuesday (7.45pm).