STEVE McKimm has been appointed player-coach at Margate in an eve-of-season reshuffle at Hartsdown Park.

McKimm, 32 later this month, steps up to assist Robin Trott, but assistant manager Mike Flanagan has left the club, although he could return later in the season.

Trott said: "Macca has taken the chance with both hands and embraced it. He will help me on and off the pitch, has got the respect of the lads and a lot of knowledge about players and the non-league scene in general."

On Flanagan's exit, he added: "It's a decision I had to make for budgetary reasons, but with me not playing this season and having a more hands-on role, it releases a bit more on the playing side.

"Mike and I remain close friends and it's unfortunate to lose him, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility of him coming back later in the season. Never say never."

Flanagan was drafted in to help Trott when Chris Kinnear left, and stayed on last season to become a permanent figure in the Margate dug-out.

Trott has confirmed that goalkeeper Scott Chalmers-Stevens has signed a new two-year contract, while James Pinnock and Justin Skinner have agreed new one-year deals with the Thanet club.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Hartsdown Park every week in the Isle of Thanet Extra.