With the first of his planned two new signings ‘in the bag’ and a second player expected to complete a move to the Fullicks Stadium over this coming weekend, Invicta manager Neil Cugley says he could not be happier with the club’s situation on or off the field.

As is our normal practice, we will not be making any formal announcements or revealing either of the names, or indeed, any other possibilities, until the paperwork goes through and these two deals are finalised.

Meanwhile, all of last season’s squad have been offered new terms with only three yet to finally commit themselves to the club for the 2018/19 season.

“I’m talking to one or two more players, one in particular, as I’ve still to find out whether those three are staying” said Neil this morning, Thursday.

“If they decide to go, I’ll keep talking to others who we may be able to bring in, but we should know what’s going on by early next week at the latest.”

And the Folkestone manager – featured on BBC TV last night – is now the longest serving manager in the top seven levels of English football.

Probably the longest serving boss in the country – unless anyone knows different!

Work on the playing surface at The Fullicks was carried out earlier this week and gives Cugs another reason to be feeling happy.

“Yes, the pitch was done on Tuesday. We blitzed it – redressed it, laid new topsoil, the lot.

“There were four tractors over there and it’s looking as good as ever. I’m delighted with it. Gary (Towse) does a great job over there, and it’s a credit to the club.

“It can be a factor in persuading players to join us as good players need a good surface, and we’ve got one of the best in our division.”

Folkestone’s nine match pre-season programme has now been finalised with six of those games at home.

The ‘Big Four’ games were announced several weeks ago but the full list is –

Friday, July 6^th – Gillingham (HOME), 7.30pm

Monday, July 9^th – Maidstone United (HOME), 7.45pm

Saturday, July 14^th – Dover Athletic (HOME), 3pm

Tuesday, July 17^th – Cray Valley (AWAY), 7.45pm

Saturday, July 21^st – Ramsgate (AWAY), 3pm

Tuesday, July 24^th – Concord Rangers (HOME), 7.45pm

Saturday, July 28^th – Dartford (HOME), 3pm

Tuesday, July 31^st – Whitstable Town (HOME), 7.45pm

Saturday, August 4^th – Ashford United (AWAY), 3pm

• Admission prices will be announced as soon as decided.