Margate boss Chris Kinnear unveils Dean Pooley as his first summer signing

MARGATE manager Chris Kinnear has this evening signed defender Dean Pooley from Ebbsfleet United on a two-year deal, writes Steve Wells – www.margate-fc.com.


Pooley, 24, signed for Ebbsfleet United in 2008 and went on to make 78 appearances.  Injury restricted his season last term but he still played in 23 league games in the club’s promotion campaign, including a substitute appearance in the Blue Square Bet South play-off final win over Farnborough, but was released by manager Liam Daish.

The Sidcup born defender was previously with Millwall, Beckenham Town (loan), Bohemians and Ballymena United.

Kinnear told www.margate-fc.com: “I told him about the plans for Margate and he was keen to sign.  He wanted to join a club with ambition.

“Having made contact, I met him earlier today and offered him the chance to think about it, but he said he’d sign now!

“He’ll be a great asset because he can apply anywhere across the back.

“I saw him a few times last season when he was playing for Ebbsfleet.  He’s a Conference South quality player at least and I’m pleased we’ve got him.

Following the news that James Pinnock has signed for Maidstone United, Kinnear confirmed that he has made contact with the remainder of last season’s squad to invite them back for pre-season training, although defender Aaron Lacy has signed for Ryman League Division One South newcomers Hythe Town.

Kinnear said: “It’s hard to make an decision on them after just three games, so I’m pleased they have all indicated they want to come back for pre-season.

“Obviously, I’ll be looking at the players together with others I have been speaking to and then we’ll need to juggle the budget to make the pieces fit.”

Article courtesy of Steve Wells – www.margate-fc.com