Paul Smith is urging Margate fans to be patient as he and new boss Barry Ashby prepare for the new Ryman League Premier Division season at Hartsdown Park.

The former Gillingham skipper has teamed up with his ex-Priestfield team-mate as player-coach in their first venture into management, and understands fans may be a little sceptical about their appointment.

He said: "I coached at Torquay, Swindon and AFC Sudbury, neither of us has had experience as a manager though, but I think Barry has taken to it like a duck to water.

"I would ask the supporters to stick with us, and back the boys, especially if we have got a young team because critiscm will affect them much more than an experienced player like me. Hopefully we can doing something this season, and I can assure them it won't be through a lack of trying."

He added: "We are very good friends, and will support each other. We are in it together, aim to give it a real good go, and him if we do it our way then we can't have any complaints. We don't want to be swayed by outside influences telling us to do it this way and that."