Hythe Town have announced major changes off the pitch.

Chairman Matt Smith and chief executive Gary Johnson are both leaving the club after local entrepreneur and hotelier Vishal Nanda (known as Andy) took over.

Nanda has been appointed chairman after lengthy negotiations with the current board of directors.

Part of Nanda’s plans include putting in a 4G pitch at Reachfields to allow all of the club’s youth teams to play and train at the stadium.

It’s a bittersweet moment for Smith, who has only been at Reachfields for a year. While the club is staring relegation from Isthmian South East in the face, Smith has driven impressive off-field changes at the club but will now not see the project through.

“This season has been one of massive ups and downs, and this investment by Andy is one much needed for the football club and Reachfields as a community asset,” said Smith.

“As a local man, I know how much Andy wants the club to be successful and if half of his plans come to fruition, I know, just like me, all the supporters will be very excited!

“I came into the club in April 2024 and have tried to have a positive impact on the place and whilst on the field results have not gone the way we all wanted I think everyone has to agree off the field the football club is now unrecognisable from where it was.

“From a refurbished clubhouse and stadium, pitch upgrade works that did not see one weather-related postponement, through to an operating business that clearly details the mismanagement of club funds previously, has seen an increase in matchday takings this season despite less crowds, less games and no FA Trophy run.

“Both Gary and I have performed open heart surgery on a football club whilst keeping it trading, something we are both immensely proud of. I am now, however, consigned to being part of the rich history of Hythe Town. I wish Andy and his team all the best for the remainder of this season and into next season.

“Am I disappointed to leave a project I feel that is half completed? Yes, of course, but I am not immune to criticism and need to accept that whilst I have put together the blueprint and started the process that should see Hythe Town grow from solid foundations, our impending relegation is ultimately down to me.

“Do I accept results and performances on the pitch were not what anyone wanted? Yes, of course, but unfortunately, unlike others, I believe in working with my manager, not throwing them under the bus when players let them down. A smooth sea never created a skilled sailor!”

Johnson, who was chairman prior to Smith joining the club, said: “It’s with mixed emotions I depart Reachfields, excitement at the potential the new investors bring, but sadness in that I along with others have not achieved the desired success on the field this season.

“I can, however, be content that I enabled the club to continue when at its lowest ebb (on joining the board) and rebuilt the board of directors which culminated with the appointment of Matt, who succeeded me as chairman.

“I have made many new friends, but cannot deny the criticism levied by a few through social media channels has hurt not only myself but significantly other board members. Be careful what you wish for!

“If the promises made by the new regime come to fruition, it will be exciting times ahead for all at Hythe.”

It’s been a tough campaign for Hythe boss Nick Davis, who has maintained the support of the board despite outside criticism.

But it appears there’s still a place for Davis under the new regime.

New chairman Nanda said: “I have been looking to buy a local non-league football club for a long time now, and following discussions with Gary and Matt, I could clearly see the potential that needed to be unlocked here at Reachfields.

“I will be working towards obtaining planning permission in the coming months to lay a much needed 4G playing surface at Reachfields that will enable every youth team to play and train at our home.

“I will be looking at every facet of the football club and how I can improve it both functionally and for the good of the local community. I know Matt has modernised the club as a business but I believe there is so much more left to do to give us a home we as the local community are immensely proud of.

“The team on the pitch have not been successful but having met Nick (Davis) and spoke with him at length, I am confident that once we build on the current links with the new elite youth structure, next season will be one filled with success and Nick and my team will have the players playing an attractive brand of football that all supporters will enjoy here at Reachfields.

“Winning games of football is what keeps supporters coming to watch games and, just like Matt before me, I am committed to providing our manager with a healthy budget in whichever league we find ourselves next season.

“I would like to thank Gary and Matt along with the current board who have made the transfer as seamless as possible and I, like all of you, hope they can be around the club next season and beyond. I shall be at Saturday’s game versus Merstham (3pm) where I will hopefully meet a number of you, the supporters.”

Hythe are 12 points from safety in Isthmian South East with five games remaining.