We missed out last season so will be looking to go one better this season, says Margate joint-manager Mike Sandmann

MARGATE joint-manager Mike Sandmann says he is targeting the Bostik Premier Division play-offs this season.

Sandmann and Steve Brown have taken joint-charge of the Hartsdown Park club and look to improve on Steve Watt’s seventh-place finish last time out.

Watt was appointed Jay Saunders’ assistant manager at Vanarama National League side Maidstone United after leaving the Kent coast club.

Margate make the short trip to play Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Deal Town tomorrow.

Derek Hares’ side were defeated 5-1 by National League side Dover Athletic in their opening pre-season warm-up on Monday night.

“We are Looking forward to getting started tomorrow away at Deal,” said Sandmann.

“It's been a tough first week back for the players and it's good to mix in some of the new players we have signed for the upcoming season with the existing ones.

“Pre-season is all about implementing ideas and principles on the team and Browny and myself will be concentrating on that throughout. It's a perfect opportunity for us to have a look at some trialist and younger players whilst getting some minutes in for the squad.

“Nothing is won or lost during pre-season but the preparations have more than begun for the start of the season.

“It's been well documented that the budget has been reduced from last season but we are still more than competitive and believe we have a good group that will challenge for the play offs.

“We missed out last season so will be looking to go one better this season.

“We need to add to the current group and pre-season gives us a perfect opportunity to have a look at some players to do just that.

“We have a good group of young players coming through the u23s with Paul Robinson which have already been involved in training and will feature throughout pre-season.”

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

Deal Town  v  Margate
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 7 July 2018
Kick Off 12:00pm
at The Charles Sports Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent CT19 9AU