Stimson departs the Gate

Following defeat at Billericay Town on Saturday, relegated Margate announced the departure of manager Mark Stimson.

The club released a short statement, which explained:

Margate Football Club can confirm that following relegation from the Isthmian Premier Division, it will be opting to part ways with manager, Mark Stimson.

The search for a new manager will start immediately, as we aim to bounce straight back up, and we will update supporters with more information when possible.

The club wish Mark all the best for the future.

Stimson took over at Hartsdown Park in December, a few weeks after ending a short stint at Grays Athletic.

He had only been with Grays since the summer, when he had departed Hornchurch after two Pitching In Isthmian Premier Play Off Finals and an FA Trophy win. That was his fourth triumph in the Trophy, as he also won it twice during an earlier spell with Athletic and a third time at Stevenage.

He also spent time in charge at Gillingham, Barnet, Kettering Town, Thurrock and Waltham Abbey.

As a player, Stimson played at the highest level with Tottenham Hotspur, then moved on to Newcastle United, Portsmouth and Southend United. He dropped into Non League and helped Canvey Island to FA Trophy glory- so he has five winners medals (although as we recall, he gave one to Canvey to auction a few years ago, so perhaps only four!).

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