?9,000 raised for Sewell - Darts approach Invicta defender - Invicta insist they pay their team

Folkestone Invicta have today announce that assistant manager Mark Patterson has given two weeks notice to leave the Ryman Premier League club.

Mark has taken a job with Gillingham Football Club to work in their academy.

A statement issued on www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk said: “The club thanks him for his time and the invaluable contribution he has made during his time at the Buzzlines Stadium, and wishes him well for the future.

Meanwhile, Invicta chairman Mr Bob Dix today responded to current rumours circulating regarding new directors.

At the present time there are no new additions to the Board. Mr Dix has spoken to several people on a very informal basis, detailed discussions are yet to take place.

Mr Dix is, however, hoping that following such discussions he can introduce three possibly four new additions to the Board but he must stress that NOTHING has been agreed at this time and there is a long way to go. In the light of any developments on this matter.

Folkestone Invicta has received a seven day approach for left sided defender Steve Norman from Ryman Division One South side Dartford.

Before departing for his holiday, Folkestone boss Neil Cugley made Norman aware of the situation and will dicuss the approach with Steve on his return.

There are rumours circulating that a second seven day approach has been received for another player - at the time of writing no further correct approaches have been received by the club.

Associate finance director Andy Ingleston told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk : "It is not surprising that the predators are gathering following what was an ill-informed, ill-timed and generally poor article in last weeks local press regarding our inability to make wage payments.

“In my seven seasons the club has NEVER missed any wage payments and will NOT miss any in the future."

The Club passed the ground grading inspection which took place this morning.

Over £9,000 was raised from a charity match and auction on Sunday when players and fans turned out in support of former Gravesend & Northfleet skipper Bruce Sewell who has been stricken with motor neurone disease, writes Charles Webster.

Bruce made an emotional return to Stonebridge Road to watch the match and was greeted by former Fleet manager Andy Ford and the Fleet's all time leading scorer Steve Portway.

Ford organised the event which included a match involving Bruce's playing colleagues from Gravesend, as well as from his former clubs Yeading and Boreham Wood, versus a Spurs veterans squad, officiated by Premiership referee Steve Bennett.

"We were delighted that Bruce was able to attend the game with his wife Annabel" said Ford.

"It took a lot of courage, but he was determined to be there. The turnout by the players was fantastic and it created a headache for me trying to accommodate everybody who wanted to be involved.

“Footballers sometimes get a reputation for being money grabbers but the generosity shown by these lads was outstanding. After giving us a great afternoon's entertainment on the pitch they dug deep into their pockets to make the auction a far better success than we could ever have hoped for."

"I would like to thank everybody involved, especially the players and the fans who supported the event."

The money raised also included £270 from a collection at the Fleet's recent home game with Oxford United.

Visit Gravesend & Northfleet's website:  www.gnfc.co.uk