Margate boss Steve Watt has agreed deals with four of his current squad for next season.

The Gate finished a dreadful National League South season bottom of the table following a final day home defeat to champions Maidenhead.

Watt has already started the rebuilding process by retaining defender Ben Swift, midfielders Jack Evans and James Rogers, along with striker Michael Thalassitis.

“We’ve agreed with Michael Thalassitis, he has signed for next season, Ben Swift has signed for next season, Jack Evans has agreed to stay and James Rogers,” said Watt.

“There’s four there that are good players to build a side with. If you look down I’m starting to build a spine which I think you need at this level. Those guys have stayed.

“I’ll have a chat with Steve Brown about the other players in the next week or so and then I’ll be in touch with them.

“There’s a direction I want to take the club. We will look at who we think is the right fit for us for what we want to do here.”

Watt will instantly be linked with former team-mates at Hastings and Maidstone as he looks to reshape his squad during the close season.

With the season now at a close, he is free to approach players at other clubs.

“I’ve got good connections in this level,” he said. “There’s players that I’ve played with and against.

“I’ve got a way I want to take the club and a style I want to take it. What’s important is we have a clear vision of where we want to take this club and the players need to mirror that so we can bring success.

“Hopefully within the next two or three weeks we will see people from outside come in.

“We can start officially talking to people now so players will do what they have to do, talk to clubs and iron out the best deal for themselves.

“I believe Margate is going to be a great club to be at going forward and if we can get it right then we can put some good performances and results together. We’ve got a good base here, and talking to the new owners and the direction they want to go I can see great times for this club moving forward.”