We are pleased to confirm that defender Emmanuel Oke who can also feature in midfield will be returning to Hartsdown Park for the 2025/26 season.
Oke originally joined the Blues in November 2021, making his debut in a 5-0 win over Cray Valley in the Kent Senior Cup. After suffering a hamstring injury, he returned for the 2022/23 season, where he made 26 appearances for the Blues, including being part of the squad that lifted the Kent Senior Cup at Priestfield.
The youngster then signed for King’s Lynn in the National League North before returning to Hartsdown Park in October 2024, joining on dual registration with National League South side Hemel Hempstead.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh was delighted to secure the services of Oke for another season. “It’s great to have a player like Emana stature return for another season, last season he stepped in after having a spell with Hemel and even though it was slightly stop start with him having a few knocks he was a big part in finishing the season as strong as we did”.
“I know he’s a player that is wanting to push on like many of our current squad but he’s found a bit of stability with Margate so it will be good to see him back out at Hartsdown in pre-season!!
Departures Confirmed
In other news, the club can confirm that two players have departed ahead of the new season.
Firstly, we would like to thank Fyn Rutherford, who leaves the club to pursue a new challenge. Rutherford joined Margate in 2021 and made 84 appearances in blue, with a standout moment being his effort to get the ‘Gate back into their thrilling FA Cup win away at Hendon in September 2023.
Greenhalgh added: “Fyn has been a credit to himself and this football club. He has shown great maturity beyond his years and we wish him all the best for his next challenge”.
Also departing is attacking midfielder Ben Allen who leaves after making 27 appearances and scoring nine goals in blue.
Everyone at Margate FC would like to wish Fyn and Ben all the very best in their future endeavours.
