FORMER Cadnam United boss Matt Froukhians is the new co-manager of Hythe & Dibden.

The Totton-based 33-year-old will partner Scott Johnston at the Watersiders’ helm heading into the new Sydenhams Division One season.

The pair know each other well having sat in opposing dugouts when Froukhians managed at Cadnam and Johnston was at Forest Town.

They will work hand in hand at Clayfields with experienced coach Phil Swainston and new goalkeeper coach Jon Page.

A former Downton and Romsey Town midfielder/defender, Froukhians saw out his playing days as player-manager at Cadnam, successfully leading them through the Southampton Junior leagues into the Southampton Premier and onwards into the Hampshire League.

He spent last season running Totton & Eling reserves, taking them to within a point of the Wyvern Combination One title.

Hythe first approached Froukhians after previous manager Gary Wheatcroft had stepped down in March, but he wanted to see the job out at T&E.

“As soon as the season finished I had a chat with Scott. I was desperate for a first-team job after a year in the Wyvern,” said Froukhians. "I spoke to Totton & Eling about it because I didn't want them hearing through the grapevine.

“Scott and I are young managers who talk on a daily basis and Phil Swainston will be a very level-headed guy in the dugout. He’s someone I’m sure we’ll take a lot of good advice from.

“Hythe’s chairman Dave Cox is a very black and white character who will look you in the eye and tell you what he thinks and that’s perfect for me and Scott. Dave’s invested a lot of time and money in the club and he deserves to have things done his way.”

Several of Froukhians’ tried and trusted players will follow him to Clayfields, including former Cadnam goalkeeper and captain Greg Snelgrove, centre-back Dan Gain, defender Matt Storer, midfielder Dean Lavelle, left-back Lewis Brown and ex-Otterbourne striker Ash Hewer who is on his way back from a knee operation.