New boss Nikki Bull can’t wait to start Margate charge

TWO weeks ago, Nikki Bull hadn't given a second thought to management. He would have shuddered at the very idea of hanging up his gloves, too.

If a year's a long time in , the last fortnight has flipped the legendary goalkeeper's life on its head.

Not only has he said goodbye to standing between the sticks which he has rolled around in front of since childhood, he has begun a new career path which no-one saw coming – even himself.

Bull has unexpectedly landed his first management job after good friend and mentor Terry Brown's exit from South last week left a window of opportunity open. There was still a hurdle to jump. The Gate have money, and lots of it.

They don't need to cost save by employing someone already on the books and last week interviewed Richard Hill, who took to the title a year and a half ago, and former Aldershot manager Andy Scott among others.

But player power spoke. The squad were asked who they wanted and they came back with the same answer. Bull's first job in charge? Find himself a replacement for himself in the shape of former Dagenham stopper Chris Lewington. He also needs to find a new captain as well.

The new Hartsdown boss said: “I would be a liar if I had said I had contemplated management before Terry left. I wouldn't have applied for any other job, I certainly wouldn't have stopped playing like I will be now.

Determination

“When Terry left, chairman Bob Laslett called and asked me to take training and I agreed to step in alongside Jamie Stuart, as captain I thought I should but I enjoyed it and the players were taking my ideas on board.

“I had never considered this side of the game before that first session. I'm 34, and that's young for a keeper! I had five or six years left in me yet. But you can't always pick when opportunities come up. I believe in myself and the players clearly believe in me as well, they were asked for their feedback and they back me.

“The club has money and the level of CVs received must have been appealing but I'm proud that the board picked me. What I lack in experience I'll make up for in drive and determination to make the most of this chance.”

Bull says he'll take a lot from former boss Brown – the man who tempted him out of retirement and to find his love for football again.

“Terry and I will always be close, when I walked away from football a few years ago I only came back for him,” he added.

“Seven years together at Aldershot, there's a lot I have learned which should help me.

“Football management seems to be changing. There's a younger feel to it now but the proof of the pudding from my point of view is in the eating. Some style of management is now getting a little undated but I feel I'm ready for what will be a big challenge.”

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