Former Margate player-boss Craig Holloway is back at Hartsdown Park as the club's new goalkeeping coach.

Holloway, who had a spell in charge in 2013, will also provide back-up to summer signing Jon Miles.

Blues boss Jay Saunders said: "I played with Craig at Ebbsfleet and he's someone I've kept in contact with.

"He's a good coach, he's been at the top level with Arsenal and I wanted to bring him in to work with Jon Miles.

"He'll be a good addition. I know I never had a goalkeeping coach at Maidstone but it's such an important position to fill.

"I spoke to Craig at the end of last season and said I would be in touch about it.

"I'm pleased to get it done and he can also cover as No.2 keeper."

Margate started pre-season training at the weekend and host Welling in their first friendly on Saturday.

Saunders is hoping to add experience to a young squad, while five players who impressed in a trial match are also in his thoughts.

He said: "I was really impressed with them and they fitted in well at the first session.

"I'm not saying we'll take them all but I think they've got something.

"We're a young squad and we're looking to get one or two older heads around it if we can.

"It takes time but I've been a manager for a long time now and you don't panic.

"You just go, 'OK, this is where we're at' but we know what's needed and I'm really pleased with the signings we've made.

"If we can add a bit of experience in the next few signings I think we'll have a good blend."

Saunders believes new signing Dan Johnson has an opportunity to push on at Margate.

Defender Johnson worked with Saunders at Maidstone before spells at Herne Bay, Bromley and Dartford.

• Blues sign defender
• No more silly money
• Gate name captain

The 23-year-old can play left-back but sees himself as a centre-half - and that's where Gate intend to use him.

Saunders said: "He feels more comfortable at centre-half.

"He's a good size and a good age but he's also got experience.

"He had other options but he's known me a long time.

"He wants to kick on at centre-half and to do that he needs a good season playing there, which I think was a big pull for him.

"I'm not saying he'll never play full-back - he might have to if we're short - but I want him alongside Ben Swift at centre-half."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent