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Margate manager Jay Saunders speaks about his four new signings

Margate’s squad for the new season is almost complete after signing four players in one day.

Youngsters Harrison Hatfull, Lekan Majoyegbe, Rory Head and James Jeffrey joined the Gate before Saturday’s friendly against Faversham.

All four featured in a 6-0 win at Hartsdown Park and manager Jay Saunders sees lots of potential.

Margate manager Jay Saunders Picture: Don Walker
Margate manager Jay Saunders Picture: Don Walker

He said: “I know Harrison from Soccer Elite. He’s a lad that’s had a bit of first-team experience at Sittingbourne and in the Kent League and he went on trial at Bolton.

“His attitude’s first-class, he can play right-back, out wide or centre-midfield, so he gives us good options.

“He’s someone I’m looking forward to working with.

“Lekan’s a centre-half who’ve I’ve only got to know over the last six months but every time I’ve seen him, he’s looked better and better.

“He was on the fringes at Chatham last year and he’s come in and trained with us and done well.

“If he keeps improving the way he is, I personally think he’s got every chance of moving up the leagues.

“Rory Head’s just come back from America and he was at the open trial.

“He can play in a couple of positions - centre-midfield or centre-half - and he’s got potential.

“James Jeffrey’s an interesting one. He came to the open trial and caught my eye early on.

Harrison Hatfull makes a challenge playing for K Sports against Sheppey in Southern Counties East Picture: John Westhrop
Harrison Hatfull makes a challenge playing for K Sports against Sheppey in Southern Counties East Picture: John Westhrop

“He’s only 18 but had been playing for K Sports’ first team.

“He’s 6ft 2in, 6ft 3in, left-footed, quick and can play out wide or up front.

“He’s another one who could have a good career ahead of him.

“These lads will definitely add to the squad.

“Whether they’re ready to play every week, I don’t know, but they’ve done their chances no harm in pre-season.”

Saunders, who last week signed right-back Michael Abnett and striker Kudus Oyenuga, now wants a holding midfielder.

He lost Connor Dymond to Welling, hours after he scored against the Wings in a friendly, and needs a replacement.

Saunders said: “I was driving back down the motorway when Welling phoned and said they’d like to put in a seven-dayer.

“I’m not a lover of seven-dayers - if players are going to go, they’re going to go - so I rang Connor.

“I told him I wanted him to stay but Welling’s on his doorstep and it’s a higher league.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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