Sittingbourne joint-boss Jim Ward admits he is interested in taking over at Margate.

Blues are looking for a new manager after Chris Kinnear joined Dover at the weekend – and Thanet-based Ward, who has vowed he will not apply for the post, will be among the contenders after impressing at Sittingbourne this season.

Ward, in partnership with brother Danny, has led unfancied Brickies to fourth place in Ryman League, Division 1 South. While the former Ramsgate boss has been overlooked before, he believes he could be the right man to lead Margate to promotion from the Ryman League, Premier Division.

He said: "We’ve started a job at Sittingbourne and I wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardise that by throwing my hat in the ring for another job.

"But Margate is a massive job and whoever gets it would be a lucky man because it’s a sleeping giant.

"If Margate went through the right channels, I’d talk to them. I’m 61 and the chairman here (Andy Spice) knows I want another go at the big time.

"Margate should be in Conference South and I don’t think it would take a lot to get them there.

Weather permitting the Brickies are due to visit Corinthian Casuals this Saturday.