Margate sack Mark Stimson as their manager after Isthmian Premier relegation is confirmed with 5-3 defeat at Billericay Town

Relegated Margate have sacked manager Mark Stimson.

The news was confirmed on Saturday night, hours after a season-ending 5-3 Isthmian Premier defeat at Billericay ended their incredibly remote survival prospects.

A statement from Gate read: “Margate Football Club can confirm that, following relegation from the Isthmian Premier Division, it will be opting to part ways with manager Mark Stimson.

“The search for a new manager will start immediately, as we aim to bounce straight back up and we will update supporters with more information when possible.

“The club wishes Mark all the best for the future.”

It appeared the writing was on the wall for ex-Gillingham boss Stimson before the weekend as the club released a statement earlier this week.

Stimson, who replaced Reece Prestedge as manager at Hartsdown Park in December, recently cited a lack of training opportunities as a key factor behind their struggles - something Margate’s hierarchy denied.

The 56-year-old ended a near 10-month wait for a competitive win in February before Gate won four of their last seven matches as they desperately battled against the drop.

But the damage had already been done, with the club having played at the level since the 2017/18 season and not been at Step 4 in more than 20 years.