Cugley in talks with two former Invicta men

Monday 15th June 2009

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley says he is eagerly anticipating the start of pre season when he calls his squad back in for pre season training at the end of the month, writes Tom Marchant.

The long-serving manager has already tied down the squad that finished last season in good form and talks with transfer targets continue.

Whilst the manager is well aware his side need to score more goals with a midfielder and centre forward on his radar, providing competition for places in defence is also a priority.

Two players have already been lined up to join the squad when pre season training commences; attacking midfielder Micheal Yianni and centre back Sam Marsh.

Speaking about the pair Cugley, told www..folkestoneinvicta.co.uk : "He (Yianni) was at Folkestone as a young lad, went away to Maidstone when he was 18 as he wasn't in the side and then went to Ramsgate and did very well there.

"Then about two seasons ago we had a meeting as I tried to bring him back and it was looking positive until Margate made him one hell of an offer and he went there.

"After recovering from an injury problem (knee) he is starting to train again and he could be a great asset for us. He's 25, knows what it's all about, has got a good shot on him and a decent engine.

“We'll get him in pre season and hopefully get him fit for the start of the season. We haven't spoken about terms yet – he wants to show us he is fit enough to start playing and we want to see that."

Speaking about Marsh, Cugley explained, “Marshy has been at Hythe for a couple of years and is another one that left us who I had wish had stayed but I understand his reasons because at the time he wasn't going to get regular first team football.

"He went to Hythe and something happened there towards the end of last season and he didn't play during the run in.

"He's 6'2” and a good athlete and it'll give us some competition amongst the centre backs we have at the moment and he's another who could prove to be a real asset.”

Recent press reports linking Folkestone exclusively with former Gillingham forward Jacob Arnold-Smith – who enjoyed a successful spell at the Buzzlines Stadium towards the end of last season – have been deemed slightly misleading, with the Invicta manager currently speaking with three centre forwards.

Cugley spoke with Arnold-Smith before the striker left to go holiday and is due to hold further talks on his return.

“People who watched us last season will know we didn't score enough goals and that was our main problem," admitted Cugley.

" Getting someone alongside Jimmy Dryden to score goals is what we need, or better still, bringing in two forwards to put pressure on Jim to perform week in week out.”

One forward who won't be coming back to Cheriton Road is former striker and goal machine Allan Tait, who has signed for Ryman Premier side Dartford.

And Cugley said: “There were rumours that he might come back but finances, the level we're at and the travelling for him from East Grinstead meant it wasn't something we could pursue – unfortunately!

"We were so lucky to have him for that period of time. We did speak about things a little while back and he wasn't going to come to us but I knew Dartford were after a forward so I helped to get him sorted out there."

Work on the playing surface at Cheriton Road continues, with Gary Towse working hard to ensure the pitch is in pristine condition by the time pre season friendlies start.

Towse himself is set to take charge of Invicta's reserves for the next season.

“I'm pleased with that, we'll miss him obviously but he'll still be our goalkeeping coach. We're trying to link our reserves in more with the youth section so there's a natural progression there.

“The pitch is looking good, we've spoken to the Supporters Club about getting some new bulbs for the floodlights and about tidying up the changing rooms and then we're ready to go. I'm looking forward to pre season and I think the players look forward to coming back after being on holiday – it's a chance to get back together, all raring to go and set to put the work in for the season ahead.”

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk