I'm searching for firepower up front, says O'Connell

Wednesday 19th May 2010

MARGATE manager Iain O’Connell has moved to complete his first two summer signings, bringing in two defenders from a higher level of football, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Hartsdown Park outfit received official confirmation this week that they are to be reprieved from relegation for the second successive year, despite finishing fourth-from-bottom in the Ryman Premier League on both occasions.

But things are looking up in what will be O’Connell’s first full season in charge and the signings of Craig Cloke and Laurence Ball prove that the club are moving in the right direction.

Cloke, who was offered a pay-as-you-play deal by Dover Athletic, has opted to sign for Margate instead.

Cloke is comfortably in midfield as well as defence and was a fans’ favourite during his six-years at Crabble, although his appearances over the last two years have been restricted through injury.

Ball, meanwhile, first played for Dover Athletic in 2003 and had a spell on loan at Ramsgate before becoming a regular for the Whites.

He left Dover Athletic last summer to concentrate on his university degree, which he has just completed and has opted to sign for Margate.

“The two former Dover lads will add strength and depth to the squad for next season,” O’Connell told www.margate-fc.com.

“I’ve made no secret of my search for additional firepower up front, but we also needed to strengthen at the back and the four central defenders I’ll now have in my squad will prove their worth across the season, I’m sure.”

Quotes courtesy of Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com