Margate have completed the signing of former Welling United keeper Craig Holloway, and re-signed defender John Beales for the 2012/13 season.
Craig is a Pro-1 Goalkeeping Academy coach and a former Arsenal professional who worked with David Seaman and Bob Wilson while making a number of first team appearances for the Gunners.
The 27 year old – regarded as one of the best keepers in the Blue Square Bet South – was also previously with Bromley, Braintree Town, Chelmsford City, Ebbsfleet United, Southend United and Farnborough. He was in the Welling side that lost out to Dartford in the play-off final.
The club have also confirmed that defender John Beales has re-signed for the club for another season. John originally signed for the Blues after leaving Tonbridge Angels, in October 2011.
After making his debut in the 2-1 Kent Senior Cup win over Cray Wanderers, he went on to make 36 appearances scoring once with a series of consistently good performances at the heart of the Margate defence.
Craig and John join Matt Bodkin, Dean Pooley and Curtis Robinson who are already under contract for the 2012/13 season.
Manager Chris Kinnear is pleased with the progress he is making in putting together a competitive squad for the coming season. “It’s a bit easier (this season), there are more players about,” he said.
“I think people know that Jake and I are here to do well and based on the conversations I’ve had (with players) I think we’ll be able to attract good quality players to the club.”
The Gate boss also said he expects to make further signings over the next few weeks and is ear-marking the first week of July to start training. “I am planning for the right balance of training and pre-season games so we start the new season in the right shape,” he said.
Meanwhile, Margate’s Aussie midfielder Wayne Wilson has left the club, and looks set to be announced as a new signing at a Ryman league Division 1 South club in the coming days.
Wayne signed for Gate from Bromley in 2008 and went on to make 128 appearances, including 18 as substitute, scoring 20 goals. He also took temporary co-charge of the first team following the departures of Mark Butler and Iain O’Connell.
Despite his move away from Hartsdown Park, Wayne will continue his important role as Head of Margate FC’s Football in the Community programme.
Photo by Don Walker. In photo (left to right): CEO Cliff Egan, Craig Holloway; Football Secretary Ken Tomlinson.