Margate appoint goalkeeper Nikki Bull as their new boss

MARGATE have decided to appoint from within with the news that goalkeeper Nikki Bull has been appointed manager of the club until the end of the season.

Bull and Jamie Stuart were in caretaker charge of training after boss Terry Brown parted company with the club on Saturday 5 December after the side suffered a 3-0 defeat at fellow strugglers St Albans City.

Margate were without a game last weekend due to being without a game after being knocked out of The FA Trophy by Ryman Premier Leaguers Dulwich Hamlet and the pair impressed the club’s board enough to give them the vacant job.

Margate go into Saturday’s home game against Gosport Borough sitting in the bottom four in the Vanarama National League South table, having won four, drawn six and lost nine of their league games.

The Hartsdown Park outfit are level on 18 points with third-from-bottom side Havant & Waterlooville.

“Margate Football Club is delighted to announce that Nikki Bull has been confirmed as Margate manager until the end of the season,” said a statement, published on the club’s website.

“Nikki will combine both roles, player and manager and will be assisted by Jamie Stuart.”

The board considered a number of options after what CEO Chris Pope described as a very interesting week.

He said: “Nikki’s enthusiasm for the role and his positive impact on team morale over the last week was a major influence on our decision.

"The requisite skills of our manager are to galvanise and motivate the squad, something Nikki has made great strides in addressing this past week. The pressure is now on to turn his infectious enthusiasm into positive results on the pitch”

Mr Pope held a meeting with the squad over the weekend who all expressed their support and desire to see Bull in the number one position, a view ultimately shared by the board.

He said: "Everyone believes in Nikki and Jamie, they have been part of the club for the past three seasons and have full support of the board, fans, and our sponsors.

“We wish Nikki and Jamie the best of luck in their first game against Gosport on Saturday."

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