Kentish Football 
Trott: I'm building a team of winners - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Margate player-manager Robin Trott insists he wants to instil a winning mentality at Hartsdown Park next season, writes Stephen McCartney.
The 31-year-old, Orpington based builder, is currently building his own squad to bring success back to the Thanet club.
Having replaced Chris Kinnear at the helm at the beginning of April, Margate remained unbeaten in their last five games of last season, bagging eleven points, but Trott demands better than their fourteenth place Ryman Premier League finish.
Trott initially retained eleven players from last season’s squad but has since slapped midfielder Bertie Brayley on the transfer list and John Keister has been snapped up by neighbours Dover Athletic.
And loyal servant Bill Edwards, amongst others, was released after ten years at the club.
But stars Jimmy Jackson, Justin Skinner, Steve McKimm and Lee Protheroe have all been signed from Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet, striker James Pinnock arrives from Nationwide South outfit Welling United and former Margate and Erith & Belvedere winger, Paul Abbott has been snapped up from league rivals Heybridge Swifts.
Speaking in his first ever interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk Trott said: “I decided who I wanted to keep and the players I have brought in have been beneficial.”
With eleven players released by Fleet boss Liam Daish, Trott was quick to snap up four of them.
He said; “I’m not picking up the crumbs but they are a couple of league’s above. It’s unfortunate for Liam Daish but fortunate for me.
”I think they can bring a winning mentality and make it a habit,” he said. “Also the presence of such players lifting the other players up, hopefully pick the crowd up and generally the ability to play will enhance the team further.”
With a current squad of fifteen, Trott revealed his dealings in the transfer market will die down until the right players become available.
“I’m done and dusted at the moment,” he said. “I’m pleased with the players I’ve got. I’ve worked hard for it but if there’s a chance to get a player I want, I’ll get him as quick as I can.”
Signing such quality players should make Margate one of the favourites to land honours next season, but when asked how many players he can sign, Trott replied: “Well, it all depends on what there on. If there on £100 a week I can get a few but we don’t want to be sitting in the middle of the table.
“It was horrendous and embarrassing where we finished. With the type of players I’ve brought in, I want to stay top three at least.
“I don’t want a bad vibe to set in. I won’t accept it if we go on a bad run and things go bad.”
Trott insists he will instil his winning mentality into the rest of his players as the club bid for a return to the Nationwide South.
When asked how he will combine his playing and managing duties, he replied: “I just find it quite natural – I like it.
“I’m a major influence in the game and for me to play and manage at the same time is an added bonus.
“I’m a type of player who doesn’t switch off. I can adapt and will be single minded.”
Trott will be assisted by Mike Flanagan, whose son Adam plays in the Ryman Premier League for Folkestone Invicta.
“It’s nice to have someone with his knowledge,” said Trott. “He’ll be taking decisions as well but I will still make decisions on the pitch.”
Trott admitted he wouldn’t take losing well. But he hopes he won’t be suffering defeat too many times next season.
“I learnt last season that I liked winning even more,” said the former Stevenage Borough defender.
“I will probably learn that losing will hurt even more. I was talking to Brian Statham, the Heybridge Swifts manager, whose wished me all the best. I was saying I haven’t lost yet – but how do you take it?
“You have to be strong and not show that emotion. I haven’t lost as a manager but it will be difficult and I don’t want to get used to it – or accept it.”
Speaking about his personnel, Trott said: “When I took over this club as manager I wanted to get winners in. That’s why I’ve been choosey getting winners in and don’t accept defeat.
“The players are absolutely looking forward to it 100%, giving total commitment for themselves, me and the club. That’s what I demand and we don’t want anything less than promotion.”
The club have already confirmed three pre-season friendlies, when they tackle Millwall at Hartsdown Park on Saturday, 8th July – the eve of the World Cup Final.
Fisher Athletic visit on Saturday, 22nd July and Margate travel to Dover Athletic on Saturday 12th August - seven days before the Ryman League season gets underway.
Trott revealed the club are currently in negotiations with Great Wakering Rovers (managed by former Margate star Iain O’Connell), Stevenage Borough, Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and Portsmouth about filling in the gaps.
Margate return to pre-season training on Saturday, 1st July, and Trott revealed what he’s looking for during this period.
“We are going to instil a balance with a winning mentality as well as the belief,” he said.
“The heavy training will be short and sharp and it’s really a chance for the players to bond as a unit and bond as friends. If you’re friends it helps on the pitch and we want to do well together.”
Trott, who expects to start the new campaign with an 18 or 19 man squad, hopes to draft in players into his squad from their re-born reserve side.
“I was just talking to a few managers for the reserve side,” he said. “I’ll go to a few games and Mike will as well.
"We want youngsters coming though. It's cheaper for the club to get some homebred players on cheaper wages - it's good for the town."
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