Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders to leave club at end of National League South season

Jay Saunders is standing down as Tonbridge Angels manager after three years in charge.

He’s due to leave Longmead at the end of the season, having informed chair Sophie Purves of his decision at the end of last week.

Saunders was appointed in the summer of 2022, taking Angels from National League South relegation battlers to a record ninth-placed finish in his first season, just four points outside the play-offs.

They’ve continued to punch above their weight against big-spending rivals and full-time clubs but Saunders, whose ultimate aim was to reach the play-offs, feels he has taken them as far as he can.

He said: “I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the club.

“I just think it’s the right time for me and I think it’s right for the club, too.

“I’m at a stage where I feel like I need a new challenge.

“The club’s got some great plans in place and I believe, under Sophie, those plans will happen.

“I think I can leave with my head held high and say we’ve done a decent job.

“There will always be people who don’t agree - that’s football - but I’ve really enjoyed it at Tonbridge, they’re great people and I believe Sophie will push the club on.

“Sophie’s brilliant and Dave Netherstreet, before her, was amazing. He gave me the job.

“I just feel I’m at that point where it’s time for a change and sometimes it’s good for the club as well to have fresh ideas.

“It’s the right time. I’m not overstaying my welcome and I wish the club all the best. I really hope they kick on.”

Saunders raised the bar with talk of play-off ambitions after leaving Margate to take charge at Tonbridge.

And while that’s proved a step too far, it’s no mean achievement to have flirted with the top seven while establishing Angels at Step 2.

“We came in