CLUB STATEMENT

Shaun Saunders has announced his retirement from football management, Saunders will be moving ‘upstairs’ into the role of Director of Football for Whitehawk FC. Shaun’s first task as Director, alongside the ownership team, was to move swiftly to appoint a new first team manager.

We are delighted to announce that Jay Lovett has been appointed as first team manager, he will also be bringing with help a backroom staff with a wealth of knowledge.

Jay is well known to everyone in Sussex football, following a 20+ year career as a player, including a stint with the Hawks, Jay stepped into coaching and has been a large influence on the Russell Martin Academy and Sussex’s youth sides.

It’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from football management, over 3 clubs I have had incredible success with some incredible assistant’s / coaches /physios and players , I’ve been incredibly lucky , and have enjoyed every second of it, good and bad .

A message from Shaun
“I’m really excited to have been asked to stay on in a Director of Football role, helping new manager Jay Lovett with a youth pathway, hopefully to first team football over the coming years.

It’s common knowledge how deeply my ties are to Whitehawk FC and I’m delighted to be helping the club going forward. 

My new role allows me to spend more time with my family, so whilst still helping the club move forward. 

I’d like to wish Jay and his management team every success going forward, and sincerely thank everyone who has supported me over the years, the owners and officials at our club for their support during my tenure, and some incredible players, I have had the privilege to manage .

I feel the club has some very exciting plans going forward, it’s a transitional period  with good times coming. 

COYH , Shaun .

A warm welcome to Jay Lovett who has a message for the fans
“I’m delighted to be joining Whitehawk FC and am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Following some very positive meetings with the board and Shaun, who will be stepping down as manager and moving into the role of Football Director, I’m excited to get started and help drive the club forward.

As someone born and raised in Brighton, Whitehawk has always been a local club close to my heart. I have many great memories of playing cup finals here as a youth player, so it’s a special feeling to return and take charge of a club with such a strong connection to my own football journey.

I’m looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch, meeting the supporters, and getting to work as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

Up the Hawks!