Former Whitstable boss Lloyd Blackman is back in football as the new assistant manager at Margate.

Gate boss Jay Saunders had been working without a No.2 following Jamie Coyle's departure to Thanet rivals Ramsgate on the eve of the new season.

Coaches Reece Prestedge and Craig Holloway took on extra responsibility while Saunders considered his options, and it's Blackman who's got the gig, a matter of weeks after leaving the Belmont.

The former striker is a familiar face at Hartsdown Park, captaining Margate under Leeds and Wales legend Terry Yorath in the 2009/10 season.

He was also team-mates with Saunders at Maidstone United.

Saunders, speaking to Gate TV, said: "I said when Coyley left I wasn't going to rush into anything and I've got to give a shout-out to Prezzer and Hollers, they've been outstanding, really helpful filling that void.

"But it was always the case when the right person came along, then I'd bring someone in that I felt could add to the management team but add to the group as well.

"He'll add to us, he's got a good knowledge of football, knowledge of players in the area and further afield, so he'll be a good asset to us and I'm enjoying working with him.

"Already I can see his eagerness and his hunger to do well and it's nice to have someone else there, and it's a new voice for the players."

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