Folkestone Invicta Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jay Saunders as the club’s new first-team manager.

Jay arrives at the Alcaline Stadium on a four-year deal, with an enormous amount of experience in non-league football, particularly within our local area.

He joins from National League South side Tonbridge Angels – where he came close to securing a play-off spot in his debut season – and has since solidified their place in the division.

Jay’s expertise and success is also evident from his seven-year stint at Maidstone United, where he took the club from the Isthmian South East to the National League, with three promotions in just four seasons.

Chairman Josh Healey said: “First of all, I’d like to thank our supporters for their patience during this period.

“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.”

Jay joins with his equally experienced assistant managers from Tonbridge Angels, Lloyd Blackman and Tom Parkinson.

On his appointment, Jay Saunders said: “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.”

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances Jay will be unable to join chairman Josh Healey for tonight’s fans forum at The Dugout Sports Bar from 6:30pm. A later date for supporters to meet the new manager will be announced in due course.

The club would like to thank Tonbridge Angels FC for their co-operation, in particular Sophie Purves.