Trott contemplates "stepping down" from playing

Margate’s player/manager Robin Trott, 33, has hinted that he may spend less time on the pitch next season.

Margate missed out on qualifying for the Ryman Premier League play-offs by finishing in sixth place in the table - four points adrift of AFC Wimbledon.

But central defender Trott, whose played 40 games for the Hartsdown Park outfit this season, scoring two goals, hinted yesterday that he may join his assistant, Mike Flanagan in the technical area to lead the club towards promotion.

“I don’t know if I’m going to play next year, but managing, I will be,” Trott revealed in an audio interview with Steve Wells on Margate’s website www.margate-fc.com following their 1-0 defeat at Hendon.

“It’ll be a different aspect as well if I’m just a manager and not a player, so I’ll be looking forward to that as well.”

Despite missing out on clinching promotion into next season’s Blue Square Southern (the league previously known as the Nationwide Conference South), Trott is more than happy to stay.

“As player/manager, I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve embraced it and I think I’ve done a good job,” he said.

“I think I could have done a better job in some aspects, but it’s my first season, full season, as being a player/manager.

“But I’m pleased with the way it’s gone. I really am.”

Speaking about his future, he said: “We’ve had a few meetings and everyone seems happy.

“I just don’t want to put the weight on and start having blood pressure problems.

“I like to keep myself as fit as possible. Obviously I’ve got to do things that’s right for the club and if I do step down and just be manager, then that’s what I have to do.”

To listen to the audio interview in full, please visit www.margate-fc.com