New Margate manager Nikki Bull believes his playing experience with the team will help him in succeeding during his time in charge.

The ex-Aldershot, Brentford and Wycombe goalkeeper took control of the team after Terry Brown left the Thanet club on the fifth of December with the club in the relegation places of the National League South.

Bull believes he can take his experience and relationship with the team and use it to his advantage “I know the players, as their captain I’ve had a relationship with the players. At all the clubs I’ve been at I’ve tried to be a player’s captain”.

“What gave me the confidence and belief to do this job is the fact that I knew these players would be behind me. If you’ve got that you’ve got a chance”.

This is the goalkeeper’s third season at Margate and his wealth of experience at higher levels was a large factor in their promotion last year, but since then only four league wins before the weekend’s game against Gosport has meant that his side are in the middle of a relegation battle; but the experienced ‘keeper knows how they can succeed.

“We decide that we need to focus on percentages a lot more, and that’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve given away too many goals this season by trying to play pretty football in our own third and we’ve been punished.”

Speaking after his first victory in his new role against an in form Gosport side, Bull explained how he was looking to adjust the team’s mentality. “The aim today was to get the ball forward earlier, squeeze space, get into good shape and try to deny them too many opportunities”.

“When they did get through, my goalie made some impressive saves and I’m delighted with him”.

The ‘keeper in question was new signing Chris Lewington, one of three players making their home debuts against Gosport. Sean Shields, on loan from Ebbsfleet United was another and Bull may be looking to extend that loan in the New Year “I believe we’ve got him for the next four games, then after the Christmas period I’ll sit down with the club and see where we’re at with loans”.

“Today I had five defenders to choose from, ten midfielders and two strikers so the balance of the squad isn’t quite right but if they give me everything like they’ve done today, then there’s no need to bring anyone else in.”

Margate and their new manager now need to prepare for the visit of promotion challenging Maidstone United on Boxing Day, a fixture Bull is looking forward to. “I went and saw them against Bognor. They’ve adapted very well to the league, they have a good young manager and a good group of players.”

“It’s going to be a tough test but with the players I’ve got and the performance they’ve put in today I expect the same commitment. We’ll be looking to give them a good game”