Saunders returns to Hartsdown Park

Margate have today signed former player Jay Saunders from Nationwide Conference South club Lewes on a one month loan, reports www.margate-fc.com

However, the former Gravesend & Northfleet star midfielder will not be available for tomorrow’s FA Cup first qualifying round tie against Fleet Town at Hartsdown Park, as the east Sussex club don’t want him cup-tied.

Margate player-manager Robin Trott was also trying to secure a central defender earlier today.

And Hasim Deen was expected to join Nationwide Conference club Stevenage Borough on a one-month loan, with a view to a permanent transfer.

But new signing, central defender Pat Sappleton, will be making his debut tomorrow.

Sappleton had a brief visit to Hartsdown Park during the pre-season programme but opted for a move to Conference club Crawley Town in hope of full-time football.

In other news today, Gordon Wallis has reigned his position as club president with immediate effect. The Ryman Premier League club would like to wish Mr Wallis all the best for his future in football.

Margate fans are still licking their wounds following last Saturday’s 6-1 thumping at Boreham Wood and losing 2-0 at Thanet rivals Ramsgate in the second round of the Westview Cup in midweek.

Elsewhere in Kent. Gravesend & Northfleet officials have announced the new seating at the Northfleet End of their Stonebridge Road ground opens for the very first time for tomorrow’s Nationwide Conference clash against Exeter City.