MARGATE boss Chris Kinnear admitted he was "stunned and humbled" by the ovation he received before his side's 2-1 Nationweide South win over Basingstoke at Homelands on Saturday.

About 60 fans cheered him to the dug-out, on a day dubbed "CK DAY" by the supporters of the struggling Thanet club.

He admitted: "It brought a tear to my eye, and I must admit the boys were winding me up, saying that somebody was waiting for me. I could not believe it, and it was a wonderful gesture, but they didn't have to do it.

"I know people care about me and I care desperately about them. I was very humbled by the reception."

The supporters are desperate for Kinnear to stay, after he was strongly linked with the vacant manager's post at Gravesend and Northfleet.

Speaking after the game Kinnear said: "At this moment in time I have not been approached. They will have to speak to Margate if they want to talk to me. I wasn't touting myself for the job on the radio last week, and I have been misquoted about the situation. The headlines were not exactly what I said."

Margate won for the fourth game in a row on Saturday, coming from behind for the second week running to claim the points.

Kinnear added: "I seem to be linked with a job every few months. It's nice and flattering for me, and just shows you how well Margate have done over tyhe years, and people think I have done a good job.

"It's been an horrendous year, and I think we decided in the dressing rooom to forget all about the problems and go out an try to win some matches. It's lovely to see the closeness of the players."

The Margate faithful saluted "Chris Kinnear's Blue and White Army" at the end. They are fans who are desperate not to see their club die.