Tonbridge Angels coach Lloyd Blackman says he owes manager Jay Saunders a lot for getting him back into football | Second season at Longmead was always going to be harder but top-10 finish still on

Things could have worked out very differently for Tonbridge Angels coach Lloyd Blackman had Jay Saunders not picked up the phone.

Blackman felt he was done with football after resigning as Whitstable boss in September 21 but a call from Saunders changed everything.

Saunders, then in charge at Margate, was looking for a new No.2 and turned to his old Maidstone team-mate.

Blackman accepted the role and hasn’t looked back, following Saunders to Tonbridge with the pair now approaching the end of their second season at Longmead.

Together with player-assistant Tom Parkinson, it’s a management team that complements each other nicely and one that’s helped Angels enjoy another decent campaign in National League South.

“Jay’s really good to work with, as you can imagine,” said Blackman. “We’ve known each other a long time and I’ve known Parky, who’s a really good coach, a long time too.

“I absolutely love it. I thoroughly enjoy it and I’m learning a lot. I don’t miss being a No.1. I had a go at doing that and when I stepped away from Whitstable I didn’t have any intention of getting back into football.

“But Jay got in touch pretty soon after and it was only the fact I knew him and he asked if I wanted to come down to Margate and see how it went that I got back involved.

“It was almost like he poured petrol on a simmering, burnt-out fire and so I owe Jay a lot for reigniting that desire. We’ve probably spoken every day since.

“We’ve got a good relationship, an upfront and honest relationship, and it makes it enjoyable.

“Jay and Parky are friends as well as work colleagues and to have trust in people you work with is the main thing.”

Tonbridge, 2-1 winners over Truro on Saturday, need maximum points in their final five games to