Margate boss Jay Saunders naturally disappointed to lose Jamie Coyle to Ramsgate

MARGATE manager Jay Saunders says he is feeling disappointed that his assistant manager Jamie Coyle has left the club to play for Isthmian League South East Division side Ramsgate instead.
 

Matt Longhurst has enticed the 38-year-old centre-half to drop down a division to play for Ramsgate this season.

Margate open their Isthmian League Premier Division campaign with a trip to Wingate & Finchley on Saturday 14 August, while Ramsgate start their campaign with a trip to Three Bridges on the same day.

“I’m naturally disappointed to lose a coach and assistant of Jamie’s calibre but he has been given an opportunity which is hard to turn down and I wish him well,” Saunders told the Margate website.

“I will be looking to recruit a new assistant but I have a great coaching team including Craig Holloway and Reece Prestedge, as well as experienced players like Ben Greenhalgh, so I am in no rush to find a replacement.

“As always, whoever I bring into the club will be the right fit for us and our plans ahead of the new season, which I’m really looking forward to.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Archie Burnett, 18, has signed for Vanrama National League side Bromley, following a successful trial at Hayes Lane.

Burnett played for Bromley at under 15 and under 16 level, where he played an important role in the under 15s reaching the JPL Trophy Final back in 2018.

As a youth player, he was also selected to play for Kent and did so for four years. Prior to joining Bromley, he spent time in the ranks of Crystal Palace.

Burnett made 15 appearances for Margate last season and has signed for Andy Woodman's Bromley as a first-year professional.

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