Manager Ben Greenhalgh says Margate’s pre-season schedule will be a “good test” for his side as they prepare to launch another promotion bid in the Isthmian South East Division.
Play-off heartbreak against Burgess Hill in April denied the ‘Gate an immediate return to the Isthmian Premier Division, but Greenhalgh says the Blues are ready to go again.
“Missing out on promotion was really frustrating, as otherwise we had a really strong season. We managed a good points tally and were competitive in every game, so the players deserve a lot of credit for that — but we want to finish the job this season.”
Greenhalgh, along with his management team, is among a group of 14 players and staff who will remain at Hartsdown Park for the 2025/26 season. Preparations begin in just under three weeks, with National League South side Tonbridge Angels visiting on Saturday, 5th July.
A busy pre-season schedule will also include fixtures against Newmarket Town (A), Whitstable Town (A), Concord Rangers (H), Corinthian (A), Dulwich Hamlet (H), Sutton Athletic (H), and Dover Athletic (A).
Greenhalgh is pleased with the variety of opponents lined up.
“We worked hard to get teams from leagues above and below — and obviously a couple at our own level, which can be really difficult to arrange. The schedule has everything we wanted and will be a good test for us ahead of another exciting season.”
A trip to Newmarket Town on Saturday, 12th July will also include a post-match team bonding trip to the races — something Greenhalgh sees as key to their success.
“I think something that helped us last year was real togetherness. It’s vital at all levels, but for us, it was a particularly important factor. We feel that unity helped us put more points on the board. When the opportunity came up, we saw it as a way to get minutes into the boys — and also spend time together after the game.”
While the racing is a bonus, Greenhalgh is clear that the football comes first.
“It’s an important one for us. Newmarket play at a similar level to us, so it’ll be a good marker of where we are. Obviously, it’s a midday kick-off and still early in the schedule, which can affect things, but ultimately, I’ll be expecting the boys to take the game seriously as we build towards the season.”
Last week, Greenhalgh hinted that new faces could arrive before the first pre-season fixture — and fans can also expect to see exciting youth players given a chance.
“We’ve already identified four or five U23 players we want involved. There are some 17- and 18-year-olds in that setup who we want with us to give them experience around the first team.”
Pre-season often sees trialists involved, but Greenhalgh says any such players will be in the mould of last season’s success story, Kai Garande.
“Kai was down as a trialist last summer, but in all honesty, it was never really like that. It’ll be the same this season — anyone down as a trialist will be players with the ability, and we’ve already had conversations with them. We just all need to be sure it’s the right fit for both parties.”
