Margate 2021/22 Squad and fixture news
Jay Saunders has began to reveal the make up of his 2021/22 Isthmian Premier Division Squad.
First up, completing his management team once again, is Jamie Coyle, Craig Holloway and Reece Prestedge.
And of the playing team…
Jake Embery joins Hartsdown Park from his hometown club, Maidstone United.
The 21-year-old began his career in senior football at Herne Bay where he quickly earned a reputation as a natural scorer, grabbing more than 50 goals for Bay in the Isthmian League before moving to Maidstone just ahead of the Covid pandemic.
“Jake ticks a lot of boxes for the type of player I look for, said Saunders. “He is young, hungry and keen to learn and improve his game. He has lots of natural talent and with more games under his belt, I think that he can prove to be a real handful at this level.”
“Jake has a good goal-scoring record and I am confident he will settle in really quickly at the club and I’m looking forward to welcoming him.”
Margate have also announced the signing of midfielder, Montel Agyemang.
The 24 year-old joins The Gate having played most recently for National League South side, Welling United.
Agyemang begun his career at Leyton Orient and made his senior debut before going on a work experience loan to Royston Town. Agyemang has also enjoyed spells at Grays Athletic, Maldon & Tiptree, Wealdstone and East Thurrock United.
He’s a player with tonnes of potential and one Manager Jay Saunders looks forward to introducing to Margate supporters.
“I am really pleased to secure Montel’s services. He’s another player who joins us from a higher level, he has a good level of experience and I’m excited to help him improve and push on.”
“Montel is a technically gifted central midfielder who enhances the squad we’re building a great deal. He is another good addition and one that supporters can look forward to seeing in action at Hartsdown Park.”
Next in is Ryan Palmer.
Palmer who, like Montel, plays on Sundays for YouTube stars SE Dons is a versatile midfielder who can play in several positions.
Alongside the SE Dons, Palmer’s career includes spells at many Kent clubs including Ashford United, Hythe Town and VCD Athletic.
Manager Jay Saunders was delighted to secure Palmer’s services for the upcoming campaign.
“Ryan is a great, experienced player who understands the game well and offers lots to our squad. He is a versatie midfielder and is really good in forward areas. Like other new faces we’ve brought to the club, Ryan’s character and leadership skills offer us a lot and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Announced earlier in the summer was the signing of Lewis Knight.
The 28-year-old centre back joins Hartsdown Park having played most recently at National League South side, Billericay Town.
The 6’4” defender counts East Thurrock United, Maidstone United Concord Rangers and Welling United among his previous clubs and brings with him plenty of experience which Manager Jay Saunders is keen to tap into.
Speaking about his latest recruit, Saunders said:
“I’m really pleased to welcome Lewis to the club. Lewis is well-rounded, experienced centre back who has played a lot of games at a higher level and can bring lots to our team and squad”
“Lewis is a character who will bring a lot both on and off the pitch, I think he’s someone our younger players can learn a lot from, and he is a player I expect to become a real leader and favourite in a Gate shirt.”
Margate FC have also revealed the signing of striker, Dan Thompson.
The 27-year-old joins Hartsdown Park having most recently played for East Grinstead Town.
Manager Jay Saunders was pleased to add Thompson’s to his 2021/22 squad.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dan to the club. He’s a great addition and fits the mould of the kind of striker I want in our team. Dan’s a player I feel we can get the best out of and can enjoy a really successful career at Hartsdown Park.
“Dan has plenty of experience winning promotion, not just at our level but the level above and that will be vital for us.”
Back in May, Margate Manager Jay Saunders added James Bessey-Saldanha to his squad for the upcoming season.
Winger, Bessey-Saldanha signs for The Gate having played most recently at fellow Kent side, Sevenoaks Town.
Bessey-Saldanha has impressed in behind-closed-doors friendlies, so much so, Saunders was quick to secure his services for the 2021/22 campaign.
“James is a player I’ve known about for a while. I noticed him when he played against us for Bearsted and quickly identified him as a player with tonnes of potential. He made the step up to join Sevenoaks Town and Micky Collins and joining us is the next step forward.”
“He’s played in every one of our run-outs in recent weeks and his potential and ability is something I’m really excited by and think supporters will be too.”
“James is a quick, tricky player who will cause opposition problems and I think our fans will really take to him at Hartsdown Park.”
Margate FC can confirm the signing of centre-back, Mo Kamara.
Kamara joins The Gate having enjoyed spells with Ashford United, and most recently, Herne Bay.
Kamara is a player familiar to Manager Jay Saunders, who upon sealing the defender’s services for the 2021/22 campaign, revealed this is the second time Margate have signed him!
“I’m delighted to have Mo on board. He’s a strong, physical, right-sided centre back who I think will add good balance to our squad.”
“We actually signed Mo last season but almost as soon as we did, the season was curtailed so we were never able to welcome him properly to the club, but I’m really pleased we will do so this season.”
“He’s a player with great potential, one I think fans will really warm to and I’m pleased to have another strong squad addition confirmed.”
In April, Margate also revealed the signings of Tommy Cooney and Ben Greenhalgh.
The current 2021/22 squad includes this line-up.
Owen Kallmeier
Ben Swift
Mo Kamara
Tommy Cooney
Chris Sessegnon
George Lamb
Lewis Knight
Jack Richards
George Wilkinson
Montel Agyemang
Ryan Palmer
Ben Greenhalgh
Sam Blackman
James Bessey-Saldanha
Dan Thompson
Jake Embery
Pre-Season Fixture Schedule.
• Tuesday 6th July versus Bearsted (A) 0-2
• Saturday 10th July versus Sheppey United (H) 2-1
• Wednesday 14th July versus Corinthian (H) 2-3
• Saturday 17th July versus Guildford City (H) 2-1
• Tuesday 20th July versus Ashford United (A) 0-1
• Saturday 24th July versus Erith Town (H) 3pm
• Tuesday 27th July versus Whitstable Town (A) 7:45pm
• Saturday 31st July versus Ramsgate (A) 3pm – Thanet Cup
• Tuesday 3rd August versus Faversham Town (A) 7:45pm
• Saturday 7th August versus Hythe Town (H) 3pm
Margate get their League Campaign under way on 14th August at Wingate & Finchley.