Margate unveil Jay Saunders as their new manager: I believe I can help the club climb the table as we enter the business end of the season

MARGATE have appointed Jay Saunders as their new manager on an initial contract until the end of the season.

 

The Hartsdown Park club are struggling in the bottom five (eighteenth-place) in the Bostik Premier Division table with seven wins and nine draws from their 28 league outings and have found goalscoring a massive issue having netted 26 goals, which is the lowest in the division.

Chairman Terry Painter told www.margate-fc.co.uk: “I am very happy we have been able to bring Jay back to the club. I’m confident he will have a positive impact on the team in the coming weeks.”

As a player, Saunders joined Margate in 1998 at 19-years of age and went on to make over 350 appearances during a 10-year-period.

During an illustrious career, Saunders also played for Gravesend & Northfleet, Lewes, Ebbsfleet United and Maidstone United.

It was at Maidstone that Saunders began his managerial career. During his time as The Stones manager, he led the club to three promotions climbing from the Isthmian League to the National League.

Saunders, 40, will be working alongside Mike Sandmann, who remains at the football club.

Saunders said: “I’m delighted to be back with The Gate. I believe I can help the club climb the table as we enter the business end of the season. I can’t wait to start working with Mike and the players.” 

Saunders will be at training on Thursday to meet the players and will be in dugout on Saturday as Margate travel to Tonbridge Angels in the Bostik Premier Division.

Margate suffered a 1-0 home defeat to league leaders Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday night and are five points clear of the relegation zone.

Saunders’ first game at Hartsdown Park takes place on Saturday 16th February against Brightlingsea Regent.

The move comes after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Enfield Town, a conversation took place between the board and the management team and Steve Brown decided it was in the best interests for both parties to part company with the club.

Margate director Chris Chambers said: “We would like to place on record our sincerest thanks to Steve for his significant, valuable contribution and dedicated efforts during his time at Margate FC.”

Brown added: “I’m positive with time and patience you will all see success on and off the pitch and Hartsdown will develop into a superb non-league ground.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Margate FC and wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the rest of this season and wish you all well for the future.”

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