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Saunders moves up and Lovett moves in

Whitehawk announce the managerial appointment of Jay Lovett, as Shaun Saunders moves upstairs

Whitehawk have announced that manager Shaun Saunders is now Director of Football Shaun Saunders- and that his first job in his new role has been to appoint Jay Lovett as his replacement.

Saunders first took charge of the Hawks since April 2022, steering them to promotion in his second campaign. He then left in the summer of 2024, but not for long, returning a few months later to take the top job once more after the departure of Dave Altendorff.

Prior to his time at the Hawks he steered Peacehaven and Telscombe and also Haywards Heath Town to unprecedented success.

Lovett was most recently in joint charge of Burgess Hill Town, indeed he only departed the Hillians in April, after helping to steer them to Pitching In Isthmian South East promotion in 24-25. He was previously in sole charge at Hill, and also managed South Park Reigate and Haywards Heath Town. As a player he turned out for the likes of Brentford, Plymouth Argyle, Crawley Town, Lewes, Eastbourne Borough and Met Police.

Jay explained:

“I’m delighted to be joining Whitehawk FC and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Following some very positive meetings with the board and Shaun, who will be stepping down as manager and moving into the role of Football Director, I’m excited to get started and help drive the club forward.

As someone born and raised in Brighton, Whitehawk has always been a local club close to my heart. I have many great memories of playing cup finals here as a youth player, so it’s a special feeling to return and take charge of a club with such a strong connection to my own football journey.

I’m looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch, meeting the supporters, and getting to work as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead."