Margate admit they overspent as they tried to reclaim Conference place

MARGATE unveiled their new management team this afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.

Former Gillingham defender Barry Ashby has been appointed as Robin Trott’s successor as first team manager and he’s bringing Paul Smith with him as player-coach.

Deal based, Welsh goalkeeping legend Neville Southall, meanwhile, has been appointed the club’s football development officer and Mark Weatherley will be the football community officer at the Ryman Premier League club.

After a month of boardroom battles, the Hartsdown Park outfit issued the following statement this afternoon on it’s website www.margate-fc.com.

“The club has wasted two years spending money it does not have, attempting to return to the Football Conference and must now restructure it’s foundations.

“With the delivery of the new stadium close, we must build a team who will remain with us and be good enough to progress through the leagues.

“This process will take time and in order to achieve success we must seek to invest in a strong management team who are committed to the long term future of our club.”

The club says that Generation Sports will continue their management of the reserves and the under 18s as well as running the Ursuline Academy and the Hartsdown Football 5s 3^rd generation 5-a-side centre.

Luigi Scott remains in the role of chairman of the club’s youth section.

Meanwhile, supporters can voice their concerns at an open evening to be held in The Hartsdown at Hartsdown Road next Tuesday, 27^th May from 7:30pm and the new management team will be introduced and available to answer questions.

The statement added: The club has also been seeking to appoint a director of football but negotiations over this position are on going.”

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