With the transfer window now open it is confirmed that Hythe Town FC’s prolific striker, Alfie May, has be sold to League Two promotion contenders Doncaster Rovers Football Club for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract at the Keepmoat Stadium.

His final Ryman South game for Hythe was on New Year’s Eve when the Cannons were at home to Faversham Town in a 1-1 draw.  Fans gave Alfie a rousing ovation when he came off at 60 minutes and bid him bon voyage after the game.

Hythe Town chairman, Paul Markland, said: “Alfie has been scoring plenty of goals and has been noticed by several football league clubs.  Doncaster were keenest and, after a bit of negotiation, we settled on a deal that we are happy with, including a sell-on percentage.  They were astute, but fair and professional, and didn’t play the big club-little club card.  I am glad we have helped Alfie into a career as a professional footballer; I’m sure he will do well”.

Hythe have already signed former Maidstone striker Jay May, a cousin of Alfie’s, and Dean Grant from Faversham to lead their strike force as they continue to push for a Ryman South play-off place.

Clive Cook, Manager of Hythe Town added, “Alfie now has the opportunity to realise his dream to be a professional footballer and I know he will take it with both hands.  He is a smashing lad, easy to manage, easy to get on with and thoroughly deserves to go into full time football.  That’s what he wanted and that’s what he has got through hard work, talent, dedication and honesty.”

“Alfie came to Hythe Town 16 months ago after I became manager and the first thing that came to mind was what an incredible talent he has. He made 67 appearances for us scoring 49 goals, a fantastic return at any level of football.”

 “I would like to thank Doncaster for giving Alfie the opportunity to realise his ambition.  Also, I was pleased to have it confirmed that Football League sides do look at non-League players.  My challenge now is to find the next Alfie May, a big ask but I know they are out there!”

Darren Ferguson, Manager of Doncaster Rovers, comment, “Alfie’s got good potential.  There are a lot of things I like about him, mostly his attitude.  He’s got an absolute desire to be player and that was the real thing for me.  The level he’s been getting goals at is obviously nowhere near what he is coming into but he is a natural goal scorer.”

“He had a week with us in November which gave us a chance to look at him and him a chance to look at us.  Hythe have been excellent in terms of managing his situation, and his manager has too, in terms of letting us do that“.

May was impressed by the players, staff and facilities at Doncaster and added, “From the minute I met the players, they came out their way to ask where I was from and introduce themselves.  It made it so much easier and took a lot of weight off my shoulders.  It is a big step, but I feel confident I can play in League Two and training every day will only improve me.  I’ve done really well in non-league with Hythe Town, I’ve felt they’ve really got the best out of me, but working with Darren Ferguson as manager is different; I reckon he can get goals out of me too”.