Margate begin search for new manager after parting company with Trott

MARGATE began the search for a new manager today after parting company with Robin Trott - with only two games of the current season remaining, writes Stephen McCartney.

Despite presently sitting in ninth place in the Ryman Premier League table, the Thanet side are four points adrift of the final play-off berth.

But the Hartsdown Park outfit have today announced that they will not be renewing the 34-year-old’s contract and that player-coach Steve McKimm, 33, takes charge of the home game against Folkestone Invicta on Saturday and the trip to Harrow Borough seven days later.

A club statement, issued on www.margate-fc.com said: “The chairman of Margate Football Club has advised Robin Trott that his contract will not be renewed for next season and that he is not required to work through to the end of his existing contract.

“Steve McKimm has agreed to care-take for the remaining two games of the season.

“The board was unanimous in their agreement that they do not have the confidence in Robin to deliver a team capable of challenging for a play-off position next season.

“The timing of this decision is designed to allow the board to receive enquiries from perspective new managers and also to speak with existing players which they wish to retain.

“We would like to thank Robin for all his hard work and commitment to the club and wish him every success for his future.”

Central defender Trott was appointed Margate’s caretaker manager in April 2006 following Chris Kinnear’s departure minutes after a home game against Windsor & Eton.

Trott was confirmed as the club’s player manager at the end of that season.

Born in St Paul’s Cray, here in Kent, Trott started his career as an apprentice at Gillingham, where he made 10 Football League appearances and later player for Mansion (Hong Kong), Welling United and Stevenage Borough.

He captained Stevenage in two FA Cup ties against Newcastle United during the 1997-98 season, whilst marking Alan Shearer and played in the 2002 FA Trophy Final as Stevenage went down 2-0 to Yeovil Town in front of 18,809 fans at Villa Park.

After making almost 200 appearances for the Hertfordshire outfit, Trott moved to Grays Athletic in March 2003 before playing for Gravesend & Northfleet, Billericay Town, Heybridge Swifts, Billericay Town (again) before signing for Margate in January 2006.

McKimm is a tough-tackling, London-born midfielder who signed for Margate in the summer of 2006 following his release from Gravesend & Northfleet. He had played for the Fleet since October 2001, making over 150 appearances and was a member of the side that won the Ryman Premier League.

During 2002-03 McKimm was struck down by tuberculosis but he recovered to become the Fleet’s new skipper for the following season.

He’s also had a spell as the Fleet’s joint-caretaker manager after Andy Ford left the club early in 2005.

Former clubs include Malden Vale, where he was their highest goalscorer during the 1993-94 campaign, Hendon, Molesey, Dulwich Hamlet, Farnborough Town, Hayes and Kingstonian.

Statement issued by www.margate-fc.com  

Margate v Folkestone Invicta
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 19^th April 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ