Steve Watt has been boosted by Hythe players’ loyalty on the eve of the new season.

Two members of his squad - a midfielder and a striker - were offered big money by Isthmian South East rivals.

But the duo have stayed put and that tells Watt everything he needs to know about the togetherness at Reachfields.

He said: “In the last couple of weeks a team in our league have offered to double two of my players’ wages.

“They’ve turned it down to stay with us which gives you that sense of loyalty.

“They could have moved on and doubled their wages but they’re here for the right reasons.

“That sets a good example to the younger boys that if you find a club where you’re happy and surrounded by good players and good people, it’s worth more than money sometimes.”

Hythe start the campaign at home to league new boys Corinthian this Saturday (3pm).

The Hoops, FA Vase semi-finalists two seasons ago, have been promoted from Southern Counties East.

“They’ve been a really consistent team over the last few years,” said Watt. “It’s one of the most difficult games you could get as an opener.

“They’re not a team who’s scraped up, they’ve done well in the league for a few seasons, and the FA Vase.

“Any points we get will have to be earned. We’ve got to be right from the start. We can’t take Corinthian lightly - I certainly won’t be.

“There’s not much difference between the top of Southern Counties East and our league. The top teams in there would comfortably be in the top half of this league.

“It’s time two teams came up - the standard is good enough. I’d like two up automatically from our league as well.

“I’d like to see more teams rewarded and it keeps the leagues fresh. That’s one way you could improve the game.”

Hythe lost their final friendly 2-0 at Margate on Saturday.

They suffered a couple of knocks but nothing serious.

Watt said: “I was really keen on getting the players off the pitch in one piece, so they’re OK for the weekend.

“Last season we started with a good few injuries - that’s the last thing I wanted to happen again.

“Will Godmon suffered a bad injury in the last game of pre-season last year - I was mindful of that.”

One player definitely missing is forward Alex Flisher, who’s been out since injuring his knee at work. The sooner he’s back, the better, for Watt.

“He’s not played since the Folkestone friendly,” said the Cannons boss. “We’re not quite sure what he’s done but hopefully he’s back soon.

“We want to play him through the middle but he’s one you can play anywhere.

“Some games you spot a team’s weakness and move him out wide.

“You find a chink in their armour and he chips away long enough to break whatever it is.

“That’s not just down to his quality, it’s his mentality and his hunger and desire to wear people down.”

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