Player-boss Ben Greenhalgh is being backed to be a success in charge of Margate - by one of his predecessors.

Greenhalgh has replaced Mark Stimson at Hartsdown Park ahead of their 2024/25 season.

The upcoming Isthmian South East campaign will see Gate face several Kent rivals, including Sittingbourne, when Greenhalgh, 32, will come up against Reece Prestedge.

Prestedge had been out of the game since he was sacked by Margate after almost a year at the helm - until he was added to the Brickies’ backroom staff last month.

“I’m pleased for Ben,” said the former Welling and Maidstone midfielder. “We spoke a lot anyway when we were in charge together.

“You could tell there was always that element he - one day - was going to step into that role.

“It’s probably come quicker than he expected! But I cannot see him not doing well.

“Where he has his Dartford Academy, he has managed people before, not at first-team level, but I’m sure he picked up a lot from doing that.”

Greenhalgh has wasted little time in putting together Gate’s new-look squad this summer.

The talented playmaker has appointed former boss Adam Flanagan as his No.2, having worked under him at Dartford, while winger James Bessey-Saldanha has agreed to rejoin from rivals Sheppey.

Bessey-Saldanha signed for Gate in 2021 and made more than 75 appearances.

He memorably broke the deadlock in front of the television cameras with a long-range strike during his season away, as Ernie Batten’s Ites lost 4-1 at home to League 2 Walsall in November in the FA Cup.

Young goalkeeper Tom Wray and left-back Rossi Craig, as well as midfielders Harvey Brand and Brandon Davey, have also joined Margate.

They will work alongside Iraq midfielder Yaser Kasim and Grenada defender Tyrone Sterling, who have agreed to stay despite their relegation from Isthmian Premier.

Prestedge said: "From what I have seen, he has a very good squad.

"I'm just hoping they all are sharing his ambition."