Margate joint-manager Mike Sandmann: We are keen to blend youth and experienced players into the team

MARGATE have signed right-back Ollie Boulding from Vanarama National League side Ebbsfleet United.

Boulding joins The Gate after making the switch from Fleet where he climbed through the ranks of the club’s academy into the first team.

The 20-year-old is an exciting prospect with experience of two seasons at Ebbsfleet as a first-team player.

Margate joint manager Mike Sandmann was pleased to secure the youngster’s signature and bolster defensive options for the campaign ahead.  

“Ollie is a great signing for us, he’s an energetic, athletic and quick right-back who I think will slot well into our defensive line-up,” Sandmann told www.margate-fc.co.uk

“Steve (Brown) and I are keen to blend youth and experienced players into the team and we’re pleased Ollie decided to sign with us. It’s been another good week in terms of shaping our squad and hopefully fans are pleased with the progress being made.” 

Sandmann has also signed goalkeeper Henry Newcombe, who left Wycombe Wanderers yesterday.

The young shot-stopper is local to Kent having come through the ranks at Gillingham Football Club who he joined at the age of nine. 

Newcombe represented Kent Schools in 2008 and 2009 and was awarded his first professional contract at Priestfield in 2016.

After his first year with Gillingham as a professional, Newcombe joined Wycombe Wanderers and enjoyed a successful loan spell at Canvey Island last year.

Sandmann said: “Henry is a great young player who Browny and I are really looking forward to working with. I think he will thrive alongside our experienced defensive line up. He's a big presence who is commanding and has a bright future ahead of him. I'm confident he will be another strong addition to our squad."

Gate's latest signing admitted the club's vision for the future was a big draw to his move.

Newcombe added: “I am excited that I have agreed terms to join Margate. I had a number of options for the upcoming season but as soon as I knew of Margate's interest, they were the club I wanted to join. The club are putting together a good side, I am looking forward to being part of it, and cannot wait to get started!"

Margate have also confirmed that midfielder Lee Prescott has signed a new contract to keep him at Hartsdown Park next season.

Prescott enjoyed a good first year with the club and becomes the sixth player from the previous campaign to sign up for the upcoming season.

After impressive performances in the middle of the park, Sandmann admitted the former Cray Wanderers player was a man in demand and is pleased to secure the midfielder’s signature.

He said: “Steve and I are pleased that Lee has agreed to stay with us at Margate. He had plenty of offers to move elsewhere but wants to be a part of what we have built for the upcoming season.

“Lee played a key part last season and will continue to do the same. He’s another fantastic character to have in the dressing room and I know fans will be delighted to have him confirmed for another year at Hartsdown Park.”

Prescott expressed his ambition to be part of a Margate squad aiming to push up the Bostik League, having finished in seventh-place in the Premier Division under Steven Watt last season.

"I’m very pleased to be signing for Margate for a second season. The team is looking strong, so I’m excited for the challenge of pushing for promotion.”

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.co.uk