Margate manager Andy Drury says the club are going in a different direction as they announce the surprise exit of goalkeeper Ben Bridle-Card.

Bridle-Card joined the Blues from Sevenoaks under former manager Jay Saunders, however he now leaves Hartsdown Park - with the news being revealed on Tuesday - just 11 days ahead of their Isthmian Premier season opener.

“In terms of a goalkeeper, I am looking to go in a different direction,” Drury told Gate’s website.

“I would like to thank Ben for his efforts last season and in pre-season this year, however it hasn’t worked out and we both move on.”

Margate, who lost their Thanet Cup friendly fixture 2-1 to Ramsgate last weekend, are at home to Kingstonian on the first day of their 2022/23 campaign.