Paxman Flourishing At Margate

After impressing on trial for the club this summer, right-back Jack Paxman has continued to catch the eye with a series of promising performances in his opening month as a Margate player.

Having signed from Deal Town, Paxman has slotted into an experienced back four, flourishing with every 90 minutes he has played, thus cementing his place in The Gate’s starting eleven.

Looking back on a busy August for the team, the youngster feels he has settled in nicely to his new home at Hartsdown Park.

“I think settling in at Margate has been made easy by all the players and staff because they are welcoming and treated me with lots of respect. This meant I was extremely comfortable when stepping out on to the pitch with them or training.” 

And ‘comfortable’ is certainly a word associated with Paxman’s performances of late. Stepping up a level to compete in the Bostik League, the defender’s displays have shown maturity beyond their years merited but his selection for the side week in, week out.

“It’s been great to start regularly for Margate. I think the performances we have put into each game as a team has been great.”

“There is lots of energy and desire from everyone. Some results haven’t gone as we would have wanted them to go, however it is early days and we’ve got a lot more games to play.”

Paxman was a stand-out performer when Margate hosted Lewes at the weekend, demonstrating his defensive qualities whilst showcasing plenty of threat going forward. Reflecting on the loss, Paxman admitted it was a difficult result to take.

“It was tough because I felt we were the better team for a large majority of the game. We had so many chances, however it was one of those days when the ball just wouldn’t go in the net.”

Paxman added, “You have to credit the Lewes goalkeeper for pulling off some great saves, including the penalty.”

Speaking about his move over the summer, it is clear Paxman’s ambition matches that of the club and a management duo keen to develop younger players of his mould, in their developing squad. 

“I made the move from Deal to Margate when we played each other in a pre-season friendly. I felt I played really well, and I guess that is when Mike and Steve showed an interest in me.” 

“I then began pre-season with Margate against Sevenoaks and from then on I tried my best to perform well and cement my place in the team.”

“What encouraged me to sign for Margate? I wanted the challenge! Moving from Deal to Margate was always going to be a challenge for me because I’d be up against tougher opposition however I have confidence in myself that I could take this challenge on and do well.”

Paxman added, “I aim to be successful at the club. I want to help Margate win games and do well in all competitions.”

One such competition comes around this Saturday as Margate prepare for the Emirates FA Cup. It’s another game in what’s proving a gruelling schedule but for Paxman, it’s another opportunity to put on a positive display in front of a home crowd.

“The atmosphere in the changing is great and this Saturday we are going to do everything we can to get the win and progress to the next round.”

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