We're hungry to reach the play-off's this season, says Trott - EXCLUSIVE

This time last year, the Orpington-based manager, was very busy in the transfer market, bringing in a whole host of players to the club, but this summer has been a lot quieter.

So far, only three players have arrived at the club; midfielder, Michael Yianni from Thanet rivals, Ramsgate, striker Charlie Side from Carshalton Athletic, and right wing-back from Metropolitan Police.

Danny Hockton (Bromley), Lee Protheroe (Chelmsford City), Paul Abbott (Billericay Town), Charlie Mitten (Folkestone Invicta), Danny Wisker and Scott Holden (Ramsgate), James Donovan (Tonbridge Angels) and Greg Oates (unattached) have all departed.

“I didn’t want it hectic as last year, I didn’t want it like that,” Trott, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, explained why he’s been so quiet in the transfer market this summer.

“I’m glad it’s not hectic as last year. If it was, I’ll be getting a whole (new) squad. I’ve kept most of the squad, and I’m just pleased it’s been quieter.”

But despite only bringing in three new players, so far, Trott is pleased with their work ethic.

He said: “They’re not really young, there’s some experience there and they’ve got legs and they’re hungry.

“They feel privileged to sign for us, which is really good.”

Trott’s pre-season preparations continue on Tuesday night, with a trip to Bourne Park to play Ryman League Division One South outfit, Sittingbourne.

“We’ve got two games left, we’re taking it very seriously,” he said.

But he will be without injured trio, Yianni, Jimmy Jackson and Dean Standen, whilst Side is on holiday.

Trott, who featured during Margate’s 1-1 draw against Dover Athletic at Hartsdown Park on Saturday, said that he’ll be spending most of his time in the technical area this season, as planned.

“I don’t intend to play at the moment, but we’ll have to see,” he said.

“I had to get 45 (minutes) in Saturday, because if you have to play, I’ve got to be fair to myself and the team. You can’t come in and play without any fitness inside me.

“I’ve had a couple of training sessions, nothing major.”

Essex giants, Chelmsford City, are the first visitors to Hartsdown Park when Margate open their Ryman Premier League campaign.

And Trott is relishing the mouth-watering, August 18^th showdown.

“A big game, a big crowd, good for both teams,” he said. “They’ve got a good team, I would say we’ve got a good team.”

Predicting the outcome, he said: “I don’t think it’s going to be a lot of goals in it, it’s going to be tight - but we beat them twice last year.”

Despite missing out on the play-off’s last term, Trott is even hungrier to succeed this term - and he wants his players to continue having that same hunger.

He said: “Obviously I’d like to make the play-off’s this year. To win the league would be lovely, (but) I’d like to make the play-off’s.

“We won’t want to be in the middle - or at the bottom - of the table. Every team are looking for the play-off’s.

“Margate is a big club and I want to get into the play-off’s - and so do my players.

“Whatever players I bring in have to be hungry, and they’re hungry.”

Club websites:

www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

www.margate-fc.com

Sittingbourne v Margate
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 7^th August 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB