Margate boss Jay Saunders retains seven of his players

MARGATE manager Jay Saunders has retained the services of seven of his players.

Captain Ben Swift and fellow centre-half Liam Friend, left-back Jay Porter, midfielders Jordan Robins, Reece Prestedge and strikers Noel Leighton and Jack Richards will remain at the Isthmian League Premier Division side next season.

“I’m really pleased to have Swifty, Jay and Noel secured for next season. They are important players and characters to have in the dressing room too,” said Saunders.

“As my captain, it is great to have Swifty commit to us.  He plays a massive role for us on and off the pitch.

“I’ve said it before, that in my opinion, Jay was our player of the season last year so to have retained him is a massive plus.

“Noel was one of my first signings when I became manager, I know what he brings to our team and what he can deliver at this level.”

Saunders added: “To keep all of these players with their ability, experience and understanding of the club and how I like to work, is fantastic.”

“I’m sure the news will go down really well with supporters who will know for themselves exactly what each of these bring to the team and the squad as a whole.

“To have committed, loyal players who enjoy playing for Margate, get on as a group and are ambitious is a key. It’s what I look for as a manager and what I hoped to establish last year. To have kept a core of this together means, we can now build further with the recruitment of some new faces.”

Jamie Coyle, a centre-half, joined the club as player-assistant manager after leaving Isthmian League South East Division side Hythe Town a couple of days ago.

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