Margate have named Nikki Bull as their new manager.

The 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal, having originally been appointed until the end of the season after succeeding Terry Brown in December.

Bull had been involved in a contract dispute with the club following the departure of former owner/chairman Bob Laslett on March 23, but that matter has now been resolved and he will also fill a new role as the club's head of football operations.

The announcement completes a remarkable 24 hours at Hartsdown with Bull's appointment following the news late on Thursday that the club's 25-year-old media officer Ryan Day had been named as chief executive after Chris Pope's resignation in the afternoon.

Former Aldershot and Wycombe keeper Bull said he was delighted to have been given the manager's job on a more permanent basis, and firmly believes he can help bring stability to the club, who are fighting to stay in Vanarama National League South.

Bull, who started the season as Gate's No.1, added: "It's exciting for me personally and for the fans because I feel we have a real chance to drive things forward.

"John Webb (the new owner/chairman) has already been very supportive and we want to reinvigorate the club back within the community. It's a big project but one which really excites me."

The details of Bull's contract have not been disclosed but he is almost certainly on significantly less than his predecessor Brown, and will undoubtedly have a much smaller budget to work with.

However he said: "For me it (the job) was never about the money, it was about the opportunity and, as head of football operations I have full control of all matters relating to the team which is important. It gives me the freedom to do the things I want.

"I know the budget I'll have and I'll cut our cloth accordingly. For the past few years we've been known as' Moneybags Margate' but having a smaller budget does not worry me. In fact I prefer it because it means I can attract the right sort of players, players who are here for the right reasons."

Chairman Mr Webb said: "Nikki has had to work in some difficult situations over the past few weeks and his attitude and commitment to the job have been first class.

"We know what Nikki can achieve with this football club and we look forward to enjoying a successful era under his management."

Mr Webb added that Gate supporters also had a huge role to play over the final three games.

He said: "The fans have been on a journey with us over the last few weeks and now they have been fantastic. We have a huge three games now to make sure we remain a Vanarama National League South side next season and the the fans are very important in those three games starting tomorrow away at Bishops Stortford."

Bull lost just one of his first 11 matches after succeeding Brown, but the Blues have since lost nine games on the trot, a run which has seen them drop to 18th.

They go into Saturday's trip to Bishop's Stortford just two places and two points off the relegation zone. The match is subject to a 9am pitch inspection after heavy rain fell in the area today.