We have built a young, hungry, exciting squad with massive potential, says Margate youth manager Jay Stubberfield

MARGATE under 21 manager Jay Stubberfield says he has built a hungry and exciting squad that he hopes will fulfil their massive potential.

The former Tonbridge Angels youth coach takes charge of the club for the very first time on Saturday when they play newly-promoted Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Rusthall.

The Rustics sealed promotion from the First Division along with champions Glebe and Stubberfield’s young side will have trained on three occasions ahead of their opening pre-season friendly, in Paddock Wood.

“Our aim is to get everyone up to speed for when our season kicks off in mid-August, so primarily the game will be used to increase fitness levels and match practice,” said Stubberfield.

“We also have one or two trailists to look at.  Naturally, being an under 21 side we have many players with the first team squad who start their pre-season this Saturday.

“Also this has allowed players from our under 18 squad to be called up.

“We have been a very successful youth side and now we look to bridge the gap between youth and senior football.

“Having worked with our (first team) manager Steve Watt in the past, I know the players will get an opportunity to progress at Margate and the main aim this season is to get as many players in our around the first team squad as possible.

“We are looking forward to taking on Rusthall on Saturday and seeing how the lads do against much older, physical and more experienced opposition.

“We have built a young, hungry, exciting squad with massive potential.  Not all players will be on show, as there’s some that are already training with the first team.”

Pitch improvement works at Rusthall’s Jockey Farm Stadium has forced a change in venue to Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood.

Margate's first team squad are preparing for life in the Bostik Premier after suffering a miserable campaign in the Vanarama National League South last season.

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

Rusthall  v  Margate
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 1^st July 2017
Kick Off 1:30pm
at Mascalls Academy, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6LT