Margate manager Andy Drury reveals he used to play alongside the father of first summer signing Taylor Fisher as winger Troy Howard and striker Emmanuel Oluwasemo also join from Deal Town and Faversham Town

Margate manager Andy Drury has revealed he used to play alongside the father of first summer signing Taylor Fisher.

Drury went back to the club where he started his playing career to sign the left-back, 22, from Isthmian South East Sittingbourne.

Fisher arrives at Hartsdown Park having been named Bourne’s supporters’ player-of-the-year, manager’s player-of-the-year and players’ player-of-the-year at the end of the 2021/22 season, while striker Emmanuel Oluwasemo has also signed, having been Faversham's top scorer.

When asked if he had received good references about Taylor - son of Brickies legend Dave - from those he knows at Sittingbourne, former Football League midfielder Drury replied: “Yes, but I had seen Taylor play myself anyway.

“I used to play football with his dad many years ago so I had a chat with him and it went from there.

“It’s a no-brainer for Taylor. He is stepping up a league but I think he will slot straight in.”

Another player joining Margate is winger Troy Howard, who impressed in the Southern Counties East Premier Division last term at Deal.

Drury reckons both are capable of performing in the Isthmian Premier Division.

He said: “Hopefully they can do well and really kick on. I think they did well before in either one league or two leagues below in Troy’s case.

“I’m confident they can step up and make a real impact for us.”

Howard is a product of Margate’s academy and Drury added: “Troy is highly rated by the staff at the club.

“Everyone understands he has the attributes to be a good player at this level.

“He is a good lad and is willing to work hard.

“It fits in what I’m trying to do in terms of getting some good, young players and, hopefully, some experience in the next couple of weeks with it.”

Gat