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 and top of my priorities is to explore the alliance and get some concrete plans in place where the youth are an integral part of this great football club.

“I like others have watched on from afar and seen the great teams that have played at Hythe over the past 10 years but unfortunately Reachfields has been neglected over these years and this is something I intend to put right.

“I want a club the whole town of Hythe can be proud of.

“With this in mind we shall be completing lots of projects over the coming summer months, from a full removal of the pitch surface to updating the entire ground to meet ground grading, and I will not rest until Reachfields is a family-friendly environment that the entire town can be proud to call home.

“The works planned start tomorrow (Thursday) with the pitch removal and we shall keep you up to date with regular social media updates.

“I have brought with me a new social media officer, commercial manager (and) creative team along with my own website man.

“I will not release names yet as I feel each one needs their own introduction to you given the vital work they will complete over this summer and throughout the season.

“I am looking forward to working with the entire executive committee and have had varying conversations with Sammy and Darren about next season and my aspirations for the playing side.

“Rome was not built in a day so whilst I hope you see changes when you return in late July please know I see this as a long-term project to bring Reachfields back to its former glory and continue the success you have seen on the pitch over the past few years.

“I want you all to know that I believe in our mantra: our town - stronger together.”

Johnson became Hythe chairman a year ago, bringing stability after the chaos of four new members joining the board before swiftly resigning.

The former Whitstable chief is confident Smith is the man to take the club forward.

“On a personal level, I’m sad to step aside but feel for the greater benefit of Hythe Town FC this is the right thing to do,” said Johnson.

“Whilst I may have the ability to lead a non-league club I do not have the necessary financial backing in order to make the difference that this club requires.

“The infrastructure of the club needs much improvement and funding, something I could not stretch to.

“I am of course delighted to have been asked by Matt to stay on in this newly created role and continue to lead the club forward with him, hopefully to better times both on and off the field.

“Of course with change comes uncertainty but I do believe this is a great opportunity for all at the club, the staff, volunteers, management and players, and with the recent appointment of Sammy Moore and his backroom team I do truly think that we’ll be exciting fans both new and old and whom we will look forward to seeing at Reachfields very soon.

“To those that I have worked closely with at the club, the board and the supporters who welcomed me and my approach, thank you.”