Alistair Bayliss admits he has been overwhelmed by the goodwill he has been shown since agreeing to become Margate chairman.

Mr Bayliss took on the mantle following former owner/chairman John Webb's resignation last Wednesday and says he has been inundated with messages of support from people within the football community.

Among those to have been in touch are Dover Athletic assistant manager Jake Leberl, Maidstone United keeper Lee Worgan, Hastings United defender Steve Watt and Chris Wilder, manager of League 1 Sheffield United.

Mr Bayliss, whose company Bayliss Executive Travel Ltd are United's official travel partners, explained: "I've been overwhelmed by the response of people in and out of football.

"I even had a lovely message from Chris Wilder the Sheffield United manager the other night.

"He texted me 'If you need anything let me know' and I immediately went back and said a pre-season friendly would be lovely thank you very much!

"I've had Jake Leberl phone me up, Steve Watt, Lee Worgan, and people from Ebbsfleet all wishing me luck which has been lovely."

Mr Bayliss says he will do everything in his power to steer the Gate though their current difficult financial predicament and he gave short shrift to those people who claim he can't care as much about the club as they do because he's not from the town.

He added: "While I've said I can't promise anything I think a lot of people appreciate seeing somebody being a little more honest and up front, kind of telling it how it is and they know I'll work as hard as I can to turn it around.

"However, I know some people have said I've not got connections with Margate and I'm not from Margate.

"Well my son Josh was born in Margate and he's the most important thing in my life so don't say I don't have any affinity with Margate because you're talking out your you know what."