Management Duo Excited For Season Start

By Ryan Day

Margate FC Joint Manager, Mike Sandmann, says he is excited to kick start the season on Saturday afternoon as The Gate welcome Corinthian Casuals to Hartsdown Park.  

Sandmann took charge this summer with Steve Brown and says he can’t wait to get started after pre-season was completed with a 1-1 draw against fierce rivals Ramsgate last week.

“We can’t wait to get going now. Nothing is won or lost during pre-season and we feel we’ve managed to get players minutes, taking on a variety of different opponents who have all asked something a little bit different of us a group.”

“We’ve tried to avoid picking up any injuries along the way and with the exception of Flish, who will be a big loss during the opening few months, we’ve managed to do that relatively well.”

“Unlike last season, when the new pitch was being laid, we have been able to introduce players to Hartsdown Park and the fans turn out for pre-season games at home has been really encouraging.”

“I’m hopeful fans will come out in their numbers on Saturday, as we know the atmosphere that can be created. It would be great to build upon how loud and vocal the crowd was at our last competitive game against Billericay”

Sandmann is optimistic to starting strongly against newly promoted Corinthian Casuals but warned that Margate will have to be at their very best from minute one.

“Corinthian have just been promoted so they are somewhat of an unknown quantity. We will have to be professional to ensure we get the season off to a flyer but we are positive that we can start well and will do our best to get three points on the board as quickly as possible.”

“We’ve said during pre-season, our squad is a lot younger this campaign but we have experience in important areas. We will need to work hard to make our mark but we have the personnel to do so.”

Despite missing out on the play offs last season, Sandmann says the Blues supporters have been supportive of his and Brown’s appointment and hope to repay that with positive performances.

“The fans here are excellent. They get behind us wherever we go and they deserve success. It has been hard to juggle the budget and get the recruitment right, but we are all looking forward to getting going now. 

Sandmann added;

“There are lots of passionate and hardworking staff and volunteers pushing the club forward and the fact we’ve been able to attract and retain new sponsors and partners, shows that.”

“The news about The Libertines coming on board as shirt sponsors is great. I’ve seen the new kits, they look great and I know every player in our squad will be working hard to put it on as part of the starting eleven come 3pm on Saturday afternoon”

Season Tickets are still available to purchase ahead of the season opener by clicking here.

You can also pre-pay for your match ticket on our online shop here.

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