Margate boss O'Connell targets Sigere

Friday 25th June 2010

MARGATE manager Iain O’Connell has given his latest update on progress with the squad for the coming season, arrangements for pre-season training and his view on the launch of the Margate Academy.

Having already gained the commitment of a number of players for the coming season, the Gate gaffer has spoken to other players, intends to speak to others and looks set to invite around 40 players to pre-season training, which gets under way next week.

In addition to the players previously announced as committing their immediate futures to the club, the former Great Wakering Rovers manager expects Dean Grant and Sam Cliff to complete the formality of signing shortly.

There is no change in the status of Sam Jones - who has yet to return to the UK from the United States - and Nick Barnes who has been offered a new deal for the new season, but has yet to accept it. The likelihood is that the midfielder will move on.

In a similar situation, defender Dan Young has also been offered a deal, however, he has yet to make a decision. But Young’s former central defensive partner, Louis Smith, has though been invited to pre-season training by the manager.

Also being asked back to the club in pre-season is Samson King who featured for the Blues last season; making two substitute appearances, scoring in the FA Trophy defeat at Wealdstone.

And O’Connell has been speaking to Jean-Michel Sigere about a return to Margate, following spells at Tonbridge Angels and Lewes last season.

“I played with and against Siggy in the Conference,” O’Connell told www.margate-fc.com. “He was one of the most skilful players I’ve played with and I think he’s still got a lot to offer the club.

“Nothing has been signed a sealed at this stage, so it’s a case of watch this space for the time being.”

As far as training is concerned, the first two sessions are scheduled for Tuesday 29th June and Thursday 1st July at Mote Park in Maidstone, with a third session taking place at Hartsdown on Saturday 3rd July.

“I’m expecting quite a few trialists for training so we’ll probably have around 40 players first off,” said O‘Connell. “As far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier because it gives me more choice.”

But he also said: “The players we have – particularly the more experienced ones - are winners and that’s what I’m looking for.”

The manager revealed that he thinks the squad is approaching the right size to start the new season, but that there may be room for one or two additions yet.

He points out that good players often become available later in the summer as higher ranked clubs release their trialists and they start to cascade through to lower division clubs. So he may be looking to complete the squad with one or two more signings closer to the opening game of the new season but within the constraints of a sustainable budget.

Speaking about the recent launch of the Margate Academy, the Blues boss was unequivocal about his support. “I think it’s a brilliant idea,” he said. “It’s a massive plus for the club. It would be great for us if players from the academy made the grade and played for the first team.

“In any case, I’m sure we’ll be able to give a number of the Academy players first team squad experience during the season,” he added.

Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com