It does look as though we will have a bigger and stronger squad than we’ve ever had and that’s very encouraging, says Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley as appointed Micheal Everitt as joint-coach, alongside assistant manager Roland Edge.

 

Everitt joined the club in his early teenage years and progressed through the youth teams to captain the club for several seasons and holds the record as Invicta’s record appearance maker having been involved for some 677 competitive games.

Born and bred in Folkestone, Everitt join the club at around the same time as Cugley and has seen been through all the ups and downs that any team experiences over such a long period.

Cugley told www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk: “I'm delighted that Mev has agreed to take on this role. He lives and breathes football and will, I'm sure, enjoy working even closer with Edgey and myself.

“His performances last season showed how much he still has to offer and he's determined to continue playing as long as he is able to. He's got the respect of the players and has already helped out on the coaching side, so this was the obvious next step for us to make.

“The years catch up with all of us, but Micheal has always been a very fit lad. We know we won't get sixty games out of him, and everyone should realise that as he does.”

When asked about his squad building for next season, Cugley said: “We’re almost there and I’m pleased with the way that the squad is looking for next season.

“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 year and two new faces in talks about boosting the squad numbers, things could hardly be looking better at Cheriton Road as Folkestone try to build on their fourth-place finish in the Bostik Premier Division and runners-up in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup.

Cugley has lost the services of 20-goal striker Joe Taylor, who has signed for their league rivals Margate - but has replaced him with 30-goal striker Alfie Paxman from Bostik South East Division side Ramsgate.

“I was disappointed about Joe 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.

 “I don’t imagine we’ll end up with all of them (my targets), 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 that have re-signed for the club: Nathaniel Blanks, Callum Davies, Ronnie Dolan, Ian Draycott, Micheal Everitt, Sam Hasler, Kieron McCann, Matt Newman, Alfie Paxman, Tim Roberts, Nick Shaw, Johan Ter Horst, Josh Vincent and Ade Yusuff.

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

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website:  www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk