We want competition for places, says new Margate coach Smith

"It had to be the right club and we see Margate as a sleeping giant," Smith told www.margate-fc.com.

"It’s got a great name in non-league football. Everyone you speak to about Margate speaks highly of the club."

Smith was a player with AFC Sudbury in the Ryman League Division One North last season and despite missing out on the title to Dartford, the Suffolk side reached the Ryman League Cup Final on penalties to Ramsgate – at Princes Park Stadium.

He said: "With Sudbury we got through to the final of the League Cup. On the way we beat (Premier division sides) Chelmsford, Heybridge, Billericay and obviously got beat by Ramsgate in the final on penalties.

"I’ve got to say I was surprised by the standard of football. Apart from Ramsgate who were quiet direct, the likes of Chelmsford, Billericay all tried to play football and they had some good players.

"And obviously there’s one or two at Sudbury that I was very impressed with in my time there. So the standard of football is very good, I think, at Ryman level."

With a dual role of playing and coaching in the new set up, which part will he look forward to most?

"I always look forward to playing – I’ve still got that hunger and desire – obviously if selected I’ll be playing. If not, the coaching side; working with the younger players and hopefully bringing players through from the Margate youth system – the under 18’s, the reserves and seeing players progress," the former Gillingham skipper said.

As a manager and a coach I think that’s a big plus point."

Whilst the team will be made up of predominantly young players experience will also be an important ingredient in Gate’s squad for the coming season.

"I think you need that blend of youth and experience so I don’t think I will be the only experienced player in there. There are one or two (more experienced players) we are talking to at present, to try and bring them in.

Describing his role within next season’s Margate team, Smith said: "I’m more of a sitter. We have spoken to attacking midfielders; we’ve got a few on our list of targets.

"I think it’s a squad thing as well; I’m obviously not going to be the only holding midfielder. We want a squad where you’ve got competition for places all over the pitch."

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