A former Gillingham boss has become Margate’s new manager.

Mark Stimson, in charge at Priestfield between 2007 and 2010, replaces Reece Prestedge, who left at the weekend with Gate on a seven-match winless league run and a point above the Isthmian Premier relegation zone.

Stimson took charge of Isthmian North Grays Athletic this summer but the 55-year-old left last month with the club now just above the relegation zone.

In a Gate statement on Wednesday night, chairman Ricky Owen revealed Stimson, who has agreed an 18-month deal, had always been their No.1 target.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to the club. He was our main target from day one.

“With the exception of the Kent Cup victory, the last 15 months on the pitch have been frustrating - we have never found the consistency needed to push up the table. When things are disappointing on the pitch, progress in other areas can be ignored.

“But the club has transformed in the last six years, the installation of the 3G pitch, fantastic new changing rooms, and let’s not forget the purchase of the freehold to secure our home.

“Off the pitch, the club has gone from strength to strength - commercially improved, established an Academy, the community trust is active once again and we have a thriving youth set-up.

“With the appointment of an experienced manager, with an impressive CV, we hope our fortunes on the pitch will now change.

“Of course, Mark needs some time but our supporters should see his arrival as a clear indication of our ambition.”

Vastly experienced Stimson steered the Gills to League 1 promotion in 2009, beating Shrewsbury 1-0 in the play-off final at Wembley, but left in May 2010 with the club relegated back to League 2. He also had been in charge of Hornchurch for five years between 2018 and 2023, and won the 2021 FA Trophy with them.

The club say his coaching team will be confirmed in due course.

He will be in the dugout for the first time as Margate, knocked out of the Velocity Cup courtesy of Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Whitehawk with Ben Greenhalgh and Elliot Leveson in temporary charge, host Carshalton in the league this Saturday.