Jay Saunders is back in football after taking over as manager of Bostik Premier Margate.

Saunders left Maidstone after seven years and three promotions in August.

After a spell helping out Neil Smith at Bromley before Christmas, Saunders takes over at Margate just hours after they announced the departure of joint-boss Steve Brown.

Mike Sandmann, joint-boss alongside Brown, remains at Hartsdown Park as part of Saunders' backroom staff.

Saunders said “I’m delighted to be back with The Gate, I believe I can help the club climb the table as we enter the business end of the season.

"I can’t wait to start working with Mike and the players."

Saunders takes over with Margate 18th in the Premier Division, five points outside the relegation zone with 30 points from 28 games. They are without a win in 10 games, their last league success coming against Potters Bar at the start of December.

Margate chairman Terry Painter said: “I am very happy we have been able to bring Jay back to the club. I’m confident he will have a positive impact on the team in the coming weeks.”

Saunders' first game in charge is against Steve McKimm's Tonbridge at Longmead on Saturday.