Folkestone Invicta appoint Jay Saunders as their new manager on a four-year deal

FOLKESTONE INVICTA chairman Josh Healey has appointed Jay Saunders as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract.

Saunders, 46, has left Tonbridge Angels and has dropped down a division to manage the Isthmian League Premier Division club.

Folkestone Invicta are sitting in 12^th place in the table, having picked up 51 points (15 wins, six draws and 16 defeats) and are 15 points adrift of the play-offs.

Caretaker manager, Tim Dixon, has lost three of his four games since taking charge following the departure of Andy Drury on 8 March.

“First of all, I’d like to thank our supporters for their patience during this period,” said Mr Healey in a club statement.

“It’s no secret Jay has been on my radar ever since I become involved with Folkestone Invicta Football Club just over 18 months ago.  He’s done a tremendous job in all of his previous roles and is hugely respected in the game.

“I’m really excited for this new chapter under Jay’s leadership.  This is a long-term project and his pedigree aligns perfectly with the club’s ambition and vision, which is of course to climb the pyramid.

“If this season has shown us anything it’s that relying solely on experience in a squad isn’t the answer. With our new academy set to launch in September and further developments within our youth system, we’re committed as a club to build a pathway for the next generation and we want our squad to be reflective of that.

“Jay adopts the same mindset and sees this as a vital element in the progression of players here.

“The ideal scenario would be for Jay to get started immediately but we of course need to be respectful to Tonbridge Angels and their search for a new manager.

“As it stands, Jay will be joining at the end of this campaign, ready to kickstart our next one with a strong pre-season.”

Lloyd Blackman and Tom Parkinson have also left Longmead Stadium to join Saunders at Cheriton Road.

Saunders added: “I’m really excited by the opportunity to lead this great club and push them forward.

“Josh’s plans for Folkestone Invicta are really ambitious so it was hard not to buy into them.

“There’s a lot of work to be done on the pitch and myself and my management team will do all we can to get a team together that you fans can be proud of.

“I’d like to thank the club for this opportunity and I look forward to meeting everyone soon.”

A club statement added: “The club would like to thank Tonbridge Angels FC for their co-operation, in particular (chair) Sophie Purves.”

A Tonbridge Angels statement added: “Sophie Purves, her board and everybody connected with Tonbridge Angels thank Jay for his dedication to our club over the past three years and wish him every success at Folkestone Invicta.”

Senior player, midfielder Scott Wagstaff, 35, has taken been appointed caretaker manager, assisted by Adam Deadman ahead of Saturday's home game against Farnborough, until the Angels appoint a permanent manager.

The Angels are sitting in tenth-place in the Vanarama National League South table with 56 points (15 wins, 11 draws and 15 defeats), 14 points adrift of the play-offs.

Saunders has also managed Maidstone United (National League, National League South) and Margate (Isthmian League Premier Division).

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk