Margate's new owner John Webb has revealed that his predecessor Bob Laslett did a lot of soul searching before making the decision to stand down.

Weeks of speculation about Mr Laslett's future at Hartsdown ended last Wednesday (March 23) when Margate issued a statement saying he was quitting the club.

The 70-year-old businessman had been Margate's owner/chairman since December 2013 and had reportedly invested £2.5m during that time.

Mr Webb stepped up from director to become owner/chairman with an 81% shareholding while chief executive Chris Pope - who owns 10% of the club - is now also vice-chairman.

Speaking before Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Concord Rangers - Gate's seventh in a row - Mr Webb claimed Mr Laslett had only recently decided to stand down, despite rumours to the contrary.

He explained: "The decision was made in the last two weeks. Bob hasn't been very well and four weeks ago Ivan, his brother, (and club vice-chairman) was taken into hospital.

"Bob said to me 'I've got to 70 now, it's time to ease up, my doctors are telling me it's time to ease up'.

"It was a very hard decision for him to make and I think there was a lot of soul searching before he actually made the decision."

When Mr Laslett first approached Mr Webb with a view to taking over the club, he admitted he thought his friend of 15 years was joking.

"He (Bob) said 'No I'm not, I want to pass the baton onto a younger person'," explained Mr Webb. "I actually inherited the club on my 62nd birthday (March 23) and I sent him an email saying 'Well that's a fantastic birthday present, God knows how I'm going to get over that one."

Mr Webb said the club's long term ambitions remain to get into the Football League but for now their priority is to remain in Vanarama National League South. Monday's defeat against Concord left them 15th, just six points off the relegation zone with only five games remaining. He also reassured supporters that the club's future is secure.

Mr Webb explained: "I'm not a millionaire but the club is very stable, it has no creditors. Bob has done a fantastic job and we've got enough money to go forward.

"I did hear some silly rumours going round (about a lack of money) and that's the worst thing, when there is a vacuum or a void then it's filled by the grapevine which is totally wrong.

"The Football League remains our aim. It might take eight or nine years but it can be done with the correct management, both on and off the field, and with prudence.

"Equally it's about attracting the right players, we want to give youth a chance and that's a big thing.

"We want to have players who are committed to Margate Football Club and are proud to put the shirt on. There is nothing more frustrating than watching players just go through the motions."