MARGATE fans are rallying around the beleaguered Thanet club, keen to play their part in returning the team to Hartsdown Park.

Bernie Overton, recently appointed chairman of the newly-formed Margate Independent Supporters’ Association (MISA) says the group support the decision to drop into Conference South.

The 57-year-old sales representative with local firm Pearce Signs has supported the club since the age of 11.

He said: “It is the only sensible move - others would have cost a fortune, and there was a real chance that Margate Football Club would die.

“We want to try and offer total support to the club on all matters. We are not interested in running the club.”

MISA have already completed work on improvements to the social club, and are planning to hold more fund-raising events.

Mr Overton said: “It was a bit of a dump, and a fair amount needed to be done. We put a working party together, eight of us were there on Saturday, and we had three or four more working every night during the week.

“We are all volunteers who come from all walks of life.”

Several fund-raising events are planned in the next few weeks, including a quiz night on Thursday, June 17, a race night and a trip to Sittingbourne dogs.

Joining Mr Overton on the MISA committee are vice-chairman Tom McKenna, a supporter for 50 years, and treasurer Keith Lewis. Mervyn Ellingham will continue to run the Travel Club.