Andy Drury leaves Whitstable Town to replace Jay Saunders as manager of Isthmian Premier Margate

Margate have moved quickly to appoint Jay Saunders' successor.

Andy Drury had only been named as Whitstable's new boss less than two months ago but has opted to leave the Oystermen after their relegation to the Southern Counties East Premier Division and taken the helm at the Isthmian Premier club.

He replaces Saunders who has become Tonbridge Angels' first full-time manager in modern times following the departure of long-serving Steve McKimm at Longmead.

Margate chairman Ricky Owen told the club website: “We were really impressed by Andy and his vision for the squad moving forward.

“He has a wealth of knowledge in both the professional and non-league game and he is hungry to succeed."

Prior to his spell at Whitstable, Drury, who began his career with Sittingbourne but went on to play for the likes of Stevenage, Luton, Ipswich and Crawley, had been player-assistant manager to Danny Kedwell at Cray Wanderers.

A Monday evening statement from the Oystermen read: "Whitstable Town Football Club can confirm that manager Andrew Drury has left the club to take up the position of first-team manager at Isthmian League Premier Division Club Margate FC after the club received an approach to speak to him this evening.

"We want to thank Andy for all his hard work during his short spell at the club; it’s a great opportunity which we understand Andy couldn’t refuse. We wish Andy all the best for the future.

"The club will work tirelessly to appoint a successor to rebuild after a difficult season and work hard to ensure the best candidate is selected.

"We invite applications to be sent to enquiries@whitstabletownfc.club."

Striker Charlie Heatley has also announced he's left Whitstable on Twitter.

He wrote: "Wish @whitstabletown all the