We simply could not compete with what Margate are willing to pay Liam Friend, say Folkestone Invicta

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley says he is bitterly disappointed at losing his championship winning captain to their Ryman Premier League rivals next season, Margate.

The 29-year-old Dover based central defender has played 541 first team games for Folkestone Invicta and started on the bench only five times after graduating via from the club’s reserve team in 2006-07.

Cugley told www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk: “Friendy has been a great servant to this club and we have to wish him well for the future, though I’m bitterly disappointed with the way things have happened.”

Friend and manager Cugley were both among almost 500 mourners at the funeral of former physio Dave Williams in New Romney yesterday, before Cugley flew out in the early hours of this morning for the club’s annual end-of-season-break in Magaluf.

A club spokesman told the club’s website: “We’re gutted to see Friendy go but, even with the increased terms offered for the player-coaching role, we simply could not compete with what Margate are willing to pay him.

“Neil’s away for a few days, but he’ll still be on his mobile and he’s never been so busy talking to players about joining us.”

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