Matt Smith is the new chairman of Hythe Town with predecessor Gary Johnson appointed chief executive

There’s a new man in charge at Isthmian South East club Hythe Town.

Matthew Smith has succeeded Gary Johnson as chairman and says he wants a club “the whole town can be proud of”.

The former Sheppey chairman is back in football after a 10-month break, while Johnson has been appointed chief executive.

Smith has a wealth of experience in non-league, having overseen Sheppey’s rise from Step 7 to Step 4, and he takes on the chairmanship at Hythe after joining the board on Saturday.

He’s planning major improvements at their “neglected” Reachfields ground, including replacing the troublesome pitch, and has already held talks with new boss Sammy Moore and assistant manager Darren Beale regarding plans for next season.

“I am delighted at becoming the custodian of Hythe Town FC Limited and (taking on) the many challenges we have ahead of us over these coming weeks and months,” said Smith.

“Firstly I would like to thank the outgoing chairman, Gary Johnson, whose fantastic diligence and work ethic are a main part of the reason I find myself back at the helm of a football club after my 10-month break.

“Gary will not be leaving us but instead take up the newly created role of CEO and will be around Reachfields for a long time to come.

“The team Gary has built since his appointment last year are testament to the man himself and I am now delighted to lead them.

“I spoke to them at a recent board meeting where I also detailed I would need to bring in a few key men whom I have worked with previously.

“The new structure will see the continued great work Gary has done with building an alliance with Hythe Town Youth FC which will be formalised in the coming months.

“As anyone who knows me, I am all about building a club from its community