Budget cuts make life difficult for new Margate boss Ashby

MARGATE manager Barry Ashby has admitted he’s finding it difficult to sign new players, ahead of the club’s Ryman Premier League campaign, writes Steve Wells.

The search for the "right players" to add to the Blues' squad goes on with the former Gillingham player expressing surprise at the willingness of some clubs to put themselves under financial pressure through their pay structures.

"We know we have a different budget this year at Margate but it's frightening what some clubs are willing to pay out,” Ashby told www.margate-fc.com.

“I don't know where they get the money from but sooner or later it puts clubs under pressure.

"Sadly, even some of the younger players look at the money first, before finding out what the club can do for them and their career in football.

"We're still working hard to bring the right players into the club. I know it's frustrating to the fans but it's very competitive at the moment.

"We do need to get some bodies on board but I do ask for your patience. Don't forget, there is still a month to go before the start of the season.”

On the subject of training, the Margate boss, added: "I’m very pleased with the application of the lads. We've done some work with a fitness coach who was surprised at the effort the lads put in across the whole session.

“But there is still more work to do. We want to see the lads with the eye of the tiger we they step out for their first league game of the season."

With next Saturday's pre-season friendly against Iain O'Connell's Great Wakering Rovers on the horizon, which kick’s off at 12 noon, Ashby, added: "We'll be switching the emphasis of the training from mostly fitness work to more football."

Ashby revealed what his approach will be for the Hartsdown Park warm-up.

"Mix and match,“ he said. “Some players we'll ear-mark for say 70 minutes, and others for a half. But if we need to change it around we'll do it as we see it.

"We''ll probably try a couple of different formations and give a run out to a number of trialists. In any case, once the friendly games start there seem to be a lot more players around."

Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com