Saunders is the new main man at Invicta
Jay Saunders to take over at Folkestone Invicta- in the summer
Folkestone Invicta have announced that- from next season- their manager will be current Tonbridge Angels boss Jay Saunders.
Saunders will remain at Angels, who are currently in tenth place in National League South, until the end of the campaign. He has signed a four year deal with the Stripes.
He joined Angels prior to the 22-23 season, after departing Margate. He had been in charge at Hartsdown Park from February 2019, had his first two complete seasons left incomplete by the pandemic, and took his charges to the Velocity Trophy Final in his final campaign with the Blues.
Saunders, a Margate legend as a player, then became a Maidstone legend as a manager, taking the club to a succession of promotions and unprecedented success during seven years in charge before surprisingly leaving the club in August 2018.
Invicta Chairman Josh Healey explained:
“It’s no secret Jay has been on my radar ever since I became involved with FIFC 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 ambitions 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 building 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 at the Alcaline.
“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 preseason.”
Saunders will bring with him his Assistants, Lloyd Blackman and Tom Parkinson.
More here.