Official Statement - Jay Saunders

Margate Football Club can confirm that Manager Jay Saunders has left the club to take up the role of first-team manager at National League South side Tonbridge Angels after receiving an approach to speak to him at the back end of last week.

Saunders was appointed as caretaker manager of Margate in February 2019 after the departure of Steve Brown, before taking on the role permanently in May 2019.

His first two seasons in charge were cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic, before securing an 8th place finish in the Isthmian Premier Division during the 2021/22 season, as well as leading the club to their first League Cup Final in 24 years.

The departing Saunders said: “It has been a really tough decision to leave, but after losing two seasons through Covid, this was an opportunity to move up a level that I couldn’t refuse”.

“Everyone knows what I think of Margate. I really enjoyed my playing days there and then my time managing the club, and I leave with a heavy heart”.

Saunders also added: “I didn’t know Ricky (Owen) when I joined, but I have had a brilliant working relationship with him every day talking on the phone and just wanted to say that the club has been brilliant to me"

"Finally, I just wanted to say thankyou to the fans who have supported me. I will be forever grateful for their support and I hope they continue to get behind the club like they did so brilliantly this season".

Chairman Ricky Owen said the following:

“I have a huge amount of respect for what Jay has done for this football club, not just over these past three years as manager but also as a player before that”.

“He will be forever a huge part of this club and will always be welcome back at Hartsdown Park. I have had a brilliant working relationship with Jay and have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the past three seasons”.

Margate FC would like to thank Jay for his time, effort and passion towards the club over the past three years and we wish him well in the future.

The Club wishes to reassure fans that it is working tirelessly to appoint a successor to Jay and will be working day and night to ensure the best candidate is appointed.

No further comment will be made at this time.

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