Hawks confirm permanent return for Saunders

Whitehawk have confirmed that the return of manager Shaun Saunders- who only left the club in the summer- is a permanent one.

Saunders was announced as taking over after the departure of Dave Altendorff on Tuesday evening, but the nature of that return wasn't initially made clear. Yesterday, however, the club confirmed that the return was of a permanent nature, explaining:

'As one of the most successful managers in the club’s history, it was with extreme regret that Shaun requested to be released from his contract in May this year in order to take a break from football for personal reasons. Although the task ahead for the club at that stage in the season was going to be extremely challenging, the club respected his decision and agreed to his request.

Following the departure of the new manager, Ross McNeilly, earlier this season, Shaun was a strong contender to return. However, he was unable to step back into the role right away, and the club needed immediate stability. Thankfully, assistant manager Dave Altendorff stepped up to the difficult task, and we deeply appreciate his efforts during this challenging period.

Now Shaun is back where he belongs, ready to fulfil his commitment and get the Hawks back on track.'

Saunders, who was in charge at the Hawks from April 2022 until May this year, started his tenure by ensuring that the club retained their Pitching In Isthmian South East status, before steering them to promotion via the Play Offs during 22-23- and took them to ninth in their first campaign back in the top flight. He returns to the club with them bottom of Pitching In Isthmian Premier, and without a league win in ten matches.