Margate’s new striker Emmanuel Oluwasemo didn’t need much convincing to sign.

The forward agreed terms with the Isthmian Premier side last week after a successful season at Faversham Town, where he scored 15 goals for a side in the division below.

“I like the project at Margate,” said the 24-year-old. “They have always been one of the teams that I have liked, the fans, the pitch, they are going in the right direction.

“I know 100% what to expect at Margate, I just want to cement my starting place and be scoring some goals. I want to make the fans happy, I want us to push and do as best we can.

“When I went up there the gaffer said he was building a good young squad that can do good things, he sold the project to me, sold it very well and I was very interested.”

Oluwasemo played against Margate boss Andy Drury last season when the manager was at Whitstable.

“I was thinking, ‘this guy is actually quite good!’” said the new Gate forward.

“He looked a bit old, but was good. He can help me 100%, I am always up for learning new things, he has experience at the pro game, any advice he can give me I will definitely take onboard to improve my game.”

Oluwasemo admits he was a slow starter in the game and that’s given him the hunger now.

“I came from nothing,” he said. “I was never in an academy, I was in the district squad for Gravesham, but then I was on and off with my football, concentrating on other things, but when I was at Bearsted I really kicked on, Faversham as well.

“I am definitely playing catch up and that is what motivates me even more. I have to work even harder behind the scenes, it is about how bad you want it.

“I am 24, I’ve not hit my prime yet and have still got a lot of time. I am working hard, I want to start pre-season in top fitness, I am running 5ks now every week. I’m out playing football, seven-a-side, just to keep that match sharpness, I am just so motivated.

“Football is my priority now, nothing will get in the way of my football, my family know that and I am happy for this move.”

Faversham finished 12th in Isthmian South East last season. Oluwasemo had targeted 20 goals for the season but 15 was a good tally in the end.

“It was a very interesting season,” he said. “We had a few ups and downs, on a personal level I set myself a goal to finish as top scorer and I was happy to do that.

“From a team point of view it wasn’t the best of seasons and at one point we got dragged into the relegation battle but we got a couple of good results and ended the season on a high after beating some big teams.

“I was very happy with 15 goals bearing in mind what happened and that I played in different positions a few times, I did very well with what was put infront of me.”

Margate, meanwhile, have named attacking midfielder Ben Greenhalgh as club captain, replacing departed Ben Swift.

Greenhalgh said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season and built an incredible relationship with the supporters, which I now look forward to expanding upon as club captain.

“I have had several positive conversations with Andy (the manager) and I am looking forward to helping the club move forward to a new chapter.”

Drury added: “I am delighted he will not only be with us next season, but he will be our club captain.”

Margate, meanwhile, have also added experienced midfielder Kieron McCann to their squad after he left Isthmian Premier Division rivals Folkestone Invicta.