Striker Ibrahim Olutade has explained why he’s relished the responsibility of being Margate’s main man up front.

Top scorer Olutade finished their 2024/25 season with 28 goals as Gate finished fourth in Isthmian South East but missed out on promotion through the play-offs.

While player-boss Ben Greenhalgh also chipped in, adding 17, Olutade was left with what some consider to be the daunting task of being the side’s main source of goals.

But he said: “I enjoy it.

“I feel like, as much as putting the ball in the back of the net is probably what people say is one of the hardest things to do in football, I kind of always had confidence in myself. I feel like, everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve always scored goals and I’m never afraid to score goals.

“That feeling of the boys relying on me to score goals, I did feel like I relished it. It wasn’t something I was scared of - the pressure to score goals.

“I just felt like, if I kept doing what I normally do over the years, I’d score goals.”

But Olutade could have plenty more support when it comes to giving the team firepower next time around, with fellow forward Tom Derry and wideman TT Walters - both signed for the season run-in - expected to stay put.

“I knew TT before we were together at Margate,” revealed 26-year-old Olutade.

“We have mutual friends so I kind of knew when he came in what kind of player he is.

“With Tom Derry, I’ve always known of him, as well. Every striker knows every striker in non-league so I already knew what Tom was about.

“Even though they came quite late in the season, we kind of got to know how each other plays and the strengths they bring to the team.

“That’s why they wanted to probably keep everyone together so that we can have them from the start of the season and try to push for promotion.

“But to add as well, Max Walsh, another player that came in late, he’s terrific, scoring goals and, obviously, Atko (youngster Louie Atkins) is another forward.

“He’s a young player that’s scored and has got huge potential so it’s good.”

Olutade knows it’s going to be another real challenge in 2025/26, with Faversham Town and FA Vase finalists AFC Whyteleafe coming up and the likes of Hastings being relegated, but is confident Margate can have another crack at promotion.

He said: “Teams like Burgess Hill and Ramsgate going up, obviously you don’t have to worry about them any more.

“That’s why we kind of thought it’s kind of our time because we finished fourth but, with a new squad, that was actually really good.

“So, we’re just going to try and do the best we can because there’s a lot of new teams coming in. AFC Whyteleafe got promoted, as well. They’re another good team.

“It’s going to be another competitive league. But I feel like we just have to trust each other, trust the squad, have a good pre-season and be ready for when the season starts.”

Margate have added a friendly against Isthmian North side Newmarket Town on Saturday, July 12, to their pre-season fixture schedule.

Gate have revealed a new home shirt for the 2025/26 season.

Inspired by the iconic kits of 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan, it was designed by local artist Luke McLean.