“We’re almost there, and I’m very pleased with the way that the squad is looking for next season” Invicta boss Neil Cugley said at the weekend.

“There were one or two of the lads that I did think might not stay, but I’ve been very pleasantly surprised at how many of them are staying.

“It shows that they are close knit bunch who enjoy playing together, and underlines what I good spirit we have got.”

With two of last season’s successful side still to commit themselves for another season and two new faces in talks about boosting the squad numbers,  things could hardly be looking better at The Fullicks Stadium as Folkestone try to build on their fourth place in the table and runners-up spot in the Kent Cup.

“I was disappointed about Joe (Taylor) going, especially to a team playing at the same level as we are, but I respect his reasons.

“Scott Heard has his knee op in a couple of weeks time, and we’re hoping he’ll re-sign too, though we are aware that other clubs are also watching that situation.

“That only leaves Jerald (Aboagye), and we’re still talking at the moment.

“I spoke to two new players who I’d love to bring here. One is almost done and the other is looking very hopeful. I must thank the board (for providing an increased wage budget) who are right behind me in what we’re doing.”

The appointment of midfielder Micheal Everitt as player-coach is a significant one for the club and his decision to play again this coming has given the club a major boost while also allowing the manager more leeway as he continues to add even more strength to a squad that achieved so much more than anyone could reasonably expected in the season just ended.

“I don’t imagine we’ll end up with all of them, but it does look as though we will have a bigger and stronger squad than we’ve ever had, and that’s very encouraging.”

Players already re-signed are –

Tim Roberts

Nick Shaw

Josh Vincent

Matt Newman

Callum Davies

Nat Blanks

Sam Hasler

Ronnie Dolan

Ian Draycott

Ade Yusuff

Johan Ter Horst

Alfie Paxman

Miicheal Everitt

Kieron McCann

 

Youth team stars Ethan Madden and Tom Walmsley will be invited to train with the first team squad again this season.

• Folkestone will play in the same colours once more, retaining the all red away strip which they wore with so much success on the road last time around.