Nikki Bull has revealed he has spoken to Bob Laslett for the first time since the 70-year-old businessman stepped down as Margate owner/chairman.

Gate manager Bull explained that he received an email from Laslett last weekend and that the pair had subsequently spoken at length.

Laslett walked away from Hartsdown Park on March 23 after weeks of speculation that he was planning to do so, but Bull says he now believes his decision to quit was made a lot more recently than had been originally believed.

The 34-year-old said much of what he and Laslett discussed would remain confidential, but he claimed he did now have a better understanding of the reasons. Laslett's successor at the club, John Webb, last week said his predecessor had called it a day due to health reasons.

Bull explained: "I had a nice email from Bob over the weekend and I then spoke to him fully.

He thanked me for what I'd done for the club and explained why he did what he did.

"I totally understand the reasons (why he stepped down) but I did tell him the timing was poor, and I think he accepted that things maybe could have been handled a bit better. But it is what it is now and we have to move on."

Bull - whose deal as boss runs only until the end of the season - has been enjoying a few days off with his family this week after a period he described as one of the most difficult of his career.

But he says his focus remains on keeping the Blues in Vanarama National League South and he is also hopeful that his contract situation can be amicably resolved.

After the 1-0 home defeat to Concord Rangers on Easter Monday Bull revealed he had signed a two-and-a-year contract to stay on as boss earlier that month, but two days later new chairman/owner Mr Webb said that Gate could not afford to offer him any deal.

Bull says he and Mr Webb have spoken 'in depth' since and he is optimistic of coming to an agreement which suits both parties.

He added: "Whatever happens at the end of the season I really think the club is in a good place moving football. I've had various discussions with John and he comes across as someone who cares deeply about the club."