Margate: Jay Saunders adds former Tonbridge Angels attacker Ben Greenhalgh to next season's squad and becomes his player-coach too

MARGATE manager Jay Saunders has added attacking midfielder Ben Greenhalgh to his squad for next season following his departure from Tonbridge Angels.

Saunders has confirmed that Ben Swift, Bailey Vose, Chris Sessegnon, Jack Richards, Noel Leighton and Archie Burnett will remain at Hartsdown Park for next season.

Greenhalgh, 28, reunited with Saunders having played under him during the pair's time at Maidstone United together.

Greenhalgh joins the Isthmian League Premier Division club to extend his career in the non-league game, including spells at Ebbsfleet United, Welling United and Dartford, where he currently coaches the Academy at the National League South club where Steve King is manager.

Greenhalgh even has a UEFA Champions League medal, having signed a short-term contract with 2010 winners Inter Milan as reward for beating off competition from over 20,000 footballers to win Sky One's Football's Next Star.

Greenhalgh is a character Saunders knows all about and will capitalise upon his skills and credentials both on and off the pitch, as he signs as a player/coach for the club.

“Securing Ben’s services is a fantastic piece of news to share with supporters," said Saunders on Margate's website.

"It’s a key signing for me, as he’s a player I know well, I’ve worked with him before and I know exactly what he will bring to my squad.

“Ben is a very experienced player and a coach too, he knows the game well and played a significant number of matches at a higher level. That quality, experience and leadership he offers will be a real asset for us.”

Visit Margate's website: www.margate-fc.co.uk