Ashby plays the waiting game

WHILE most Kent clubs have been busy recruiting new players, recently installed Margate boss Barry Ashby admitted it’s been very quiet at Hartsdown Park so far this summer.

Just a few weeks into his first management job, Ashby, who replaced Robin Trott at the helm at Hartsdown Park, told www.margate-fc.com:  “It is tough at this time of year.

“We’re competing with other clubs for players. We’ve lost a few, we’re in the hat for a few and have had some positive feedback on what we’re trying to do at Margate from others.”

Ashby reported he was, “Chuffed to bits” with the turn out for the recent trial game at Canterbury. “We had lots of players there and they showed great effort,” he said. “Under 18’s, Reserves and trailists all took part.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Margate’s new manager believes there is a, “Good feeling about the place. It has been and will continue to be a massive team effort. Terry Yorath and me are spending a lot of time on the phone, right now. Paul, Neville, Mark and Luigi are all working their socks off.”

Ashby would not be drawn on a specific timescale for new signings. “I’m not going to be rushed,” he said. “We’re two to three weeks behind some other clubs but there are still plenty of players out there. And there is still plenty of time (before the new season kicks off in August).”

The fact that Margate has such an experienced and well known management team in place and have a commitment to giving local – and particularly young players - a chance is certainly generating interest.

“When I signed for Watford, Graham Taylor wanted to give younger players a chance,” said Ashby. “Players like John Barnes and me.” So a focus on youth is close to Barry Ashby’s heart.

Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com