Hythe boss Steve Watt has questioned why managers feel the need to criticise how other teams play.

The Cannons have grown used to digs over their perceived direct approach, using it as motivation.

It’s water off a duck’s back to them but Watt is seeing more and more of it in football - and can’t help wondering why.

“I don’t know why managers put other teams down - I just don’t understand it,” said Watt, whose side went fifth in Isthmian South East with a 4-0 home win over Sevenoaks last night.

“We had it all last year and it looks like it’s the same again this year.

“It doesn’t bother me what anyone says about me or my team but I would never comment on another team like that.

“We’re all managers, trying to do the best we can, trying to win games of football.

“I’m very much of the opinion that I want to win - it doesn’t matter how it looks.

“I don’t get why managers feel the need to comment on other teams.

“I don’t know if it’s arrogance or insecurities that make a manager come out and criticise the way a team plays.

“Last week, we’ve scored a goal against Ashford (2-2 draw) where we’ve had five or six passes and then Aaron Barnes has dribbled 60 yards with the ball, cut inside and hit the top corner, so I don’t know where this stuff about us just being direct comes from.

“We don’t care as a football club, it’s more the fact I see it so often in football and it just makes me question why managers feel the need to do it?

“You don’t have to like the way people play - that’s fine - but why come out and say things?

“What is the right way to play? I keep hearing that phrase.

“If you play and you win, is that not the right way?

“I’d love these managers who claim to play the right way and disrespect other teams to explain what the right way is.

“I’ve always been brought up that the right way is winning.

“If that means you’ve got to make 700 passes, make 700 passes - not a problem.

“If that means you’ve got to be a bit more direct and a bit more solid, then do that. Do what’s needed to win.”

Hythe found a way to win in upsetting Isthmian Premier hosts Concord in the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Frannie Collin’s last-minute penalty secured a 3-2 victory after goals from Johan Caney-Bryan and Ethan Smith were cancelled out.

They’ve been drawn at home to Ramsgate in the First Round on October 28 - the first time they’ve reached that stage for seven years.

Watt said: “It’s never easy beating a team in the league above.

“We’ve shown great character to win the game and if you want anyone to take a last-minute penalty, it’s Fran.

“He has missed penalties before but very rarely.

“When you get a penalty like that, you have full confidence that he’s going to step up and take you through.”

Hythe followed their Trophy win by thumping Sevenoaks in the league.

Jake Embery scored twice, adding to Barnes' first-half opener, while Collin converted another late penalty.

The Cannons are without a game this weekend as scheduled league opponents Ramsgate are in FA Cup action.