New boss Ira Jackson was quick to inform Hythe players there would be big changes to the squad this summer.

Jackson is starting virtually from scratch as he gets his teeth into management at Reachfields.

There’s a major rebuild in progress following relegation to the Southern Counties East Premier Division.

Jackson wants local players, to fit in with his training plans, as well as ensuring he gets value for money.

He said: “Before I spoke to any players about coming in, I spoke to the whole squad from last season within the first work of knowing I had the job.

“I was honest with them about the direction we’re going in and one of the big keys is making sure people come from not too far a distance away because we’re going to train twice a week and we want to make sure people are able to and available to do that.

“But, also, looking at the budget, it’s making sure that for what you deliver on a football pitch, are you worth the finances that you’re being paid?

“Me, having been a player, I can say with more clarity than most whether someone is worth what they’re being paid or not, especially because I know the climate and what people are getting paid at different levels.

“I’m under no illusions that we’re going to be doing things differently and it’s going to be a shock to most, but it was very important for me in terms of the players who were there previously to be honest and open with them.

“The same honesty and integrity applies with the players we’re looking to sign in terms of this is where we’re going, this is what we want to do and do you buy into the vision or do you not?

“If you don’t, no problem at all, but I’m looking to sign good people and good players rather than just good players.

“That’s going to be key when times get tough, and when times are good, and so that’s the key recruitment-wise.

“It will be tough, there’ll be a lot of clubs that are throwing money at it because they’ve seen that’s worked for other clubs before.

“What we’re going to have to draw on is our experience as a management staff, the project we’re presenting and giving players an opportunity.

“The coaching element is going to be massive because we’re not just getting ready-made players, we’re getting players who are already good that we can make way better.

“Also, there’s players who might be looking for a new challenge who think helping us to get promoted or achieve our goals is a good challenge.”