TERRY YORATH is set to return to football almost 18 months after leaving Town through ill health.

The 58-year-old, assistant to Peter Jackson in two separate spells, is in line to become director of football at non-league Margate.

Former Wales boss Yorath last worked actively in September 2006, when he fell ill with pancreatitis.

His second spell at Town had begun in June 2003, with the first lasting from October 1997 until May 1999.

Having helped Town achieve the ‘great escape’ from relegation to League I in 1998, he was also central to their League II play-off success in 2004.

After playing for Leeds, Coventry, Tottenham and Bradford as well as Wales, he managed Swansea, Bradford, Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday as well as having spells in charge of Wales (from 1988-93) and the Lebanon.

Margate, of the Ryman Premier League, have just appointed former Gillingham defender Barry Ashby as manager.

Ex-Gillingham skipper Paul Smith is player-coach while former Town goalkeeping coach Neville Southall has become football development officer.

Now Keith Piper, owner of the Kent club, is keen to offer Yorath a route back into football.