New Margate manager Mark Butler is targeting promotion to the Blue Square Premier in 18 months time.

Butler resigned as boss of Ashford Town (Middlesex) to take over at Hartsdown Park following Terry Yorath's resignation in September.

Butler told BBC Radio Kent: "We want to move away from the bottom half, flirt with the play-offs and maybe next year have a right go."

Margate are currently 16th in the Ryman Premier Division.

Butler added: "The board of directors convinced me they are ready to put behind their recent troubles.

"You have to have ambition, but I think at the moment Margate deserve to be in Conference South and then consolidate and try and get into Conference National but no I don't think it's beyond them.

"This year the Ryman Premier are going to lose Dartford (to promotion) but then I'd question anyone to say that Margate are not one of the biggest clubs in the division.

Margate have had much documented off-field problems which saw the club minutes from going out of business last season.

But Butler is satisfied with his playing budget.

"If you think it's unstable at Margate you should go to Ashford. It wasn't unstable, perhaps that's the wrong word, but it was shoestring wearing thin.

"I'm happy with the budget I have got [at Margate] but travelling is an issue with players.

"A player who lives in London would play for one club for half the money he would to get to Margate three times a week."

Because Ryman League clubs have cup commitments Butler will not take charge of the team until 7 November so he is hastily trying to arrange a friendly for this Saturday.

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