Folkestone are saddened to have to report the death of former Invicta manager Dennis Hunt who passed away following a relatively short illness in a nursing home at Seabrook. 

Dennis, who was 81 played a total of 322 games for Gillingham in the lower divisions of the Football League before moving to Folkestone in 1969 where he managed Invicta for four years.

Portsmouth born Dennis had also managed the old Folkestone & Shepway club with some success in the mid-to-late 1970s.

He was well enough known in the game to warrant being included in a series of football cigarette cards in his younger days.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said: “Dennis was a lovely bloke. Most of his football stories were unbelievably funny and he was great company to be with.

“I saw him just before Christmas and he was fine then, but obviously we send our sincere condolences now to all his friends and family.

Dennis also played for and managed the British Lion pub team in the Folkestone Sunday League, taking them to the local league cup final which was played at Cheriton Road.

We will announce funeral arrangements as soon as we have them as we are sure that many local football fans will want to pay tribute to this popular local sportsman.

Dennis also ran a newsagents in Guildhall for several years in the early days after his retirement from playing.