I want to stay at Margate, says Trott

At Margate’s presentation night on Saturday, the Ryman Premier League club's  top two strikers took the honours.

Forty-goal Danny Hockton scooped the Supporters’ Player of the Year in a close contest, and 17-goal James Pinnock picked up the Players’ Player of the Year.

Steve Wells spoke to Hockton, Pinnock, player-manager Robin Trott and chairman Mr Malcolm Rowlett and these interviews can be listened in full on www.margate-fc.com.

Hockton said: “(It feels) really good. I’d like to thank the supporters for voting for me. I’m really grateful and glad I won it.”

Hockton went on to say that this has been his best goal-scoring season ever. “This year I’ve managed to keep myself as fit as possible and I haven’t missed many games which is why I’ve scored so many goals.”

Player’s Player of the Year, Pinnock said of his award, “It’s an honour. To be voted for by your fellow team mates. I’ve never won it before so I’m over the moon.”

On his goal scoring record this year Pinnock said, “I’ve never been known for my goal scoring, but this season it’s gone quite well for me. And I’ve enjoyed it down here and I think that’s showed in my football.”

Trott paid tribute to his two key strikers – 57 goals between them. He described Hockton as a “goal machine” and said how Pinnock “works his socks off”.

Trott spoke about his hope of remaining as manager at Hartsdown Park next season and thanked the fans for their support through both good and bad spells of form.

Speaking about next season, Trott said: I’ve had nothing mentioned to me. We haven’t sat down and discussed anything yet because I think they’re just waiting to see where we end up in the league with budgets and what-not.

“I was hoping I can have more budget or same so we can, for the next league above but it is going down to the last game now.

“Hopefully we can sort things out quickly and move on because I’m not one to sit back and let everything pass me.

“I try to grab everything as I can quickly and try and do it as professionally as I can and I think they want that as well.

“I want to stay as manager, preferably Margate. I do like it down here and it’s always a bonus when you’re liked and loved, especially by the board.

“When you lose faith in the board, you know your times up.

“There’s a few things that have disappointed myself this year, but next year I won’t make them same mistakes again.”

The chairman Mr Rowlett Malcolm Rowlett reiterated his thanks on behalf of the directors for the work put in to support the club by a significant number of volunteers.

He went on to confirm that things were progressing on the five-a-side pitches and the re-laying of the Hartsdown Park pitch, including the installation of new drainage.

Margate travel to Hendon to play their last Ryman Premier League game of the season on Saturday - hoping to extend their campaign for another week.

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com