I personally think no I was not in favour of the decision as we were chasing promotion, which every football club chase every season but it’s a fair decision as I could not see any other outcome, says Folkestone Invicta chairman Paul Morgan

FOLKESTONE INVICTA chairman Paul Morgan says he fears for the future of football clubs and businesses during this country’s shut-down due to the crippling coronavirus outbreak crisis.

On the football pitch, manager Neil Cugley has guided the club to fourth-place in the Isthmian League Premier Division table with 62 points from their 32 games.

Invicta were nine points adrift of leaders Worthing with 10 league games remaining and were currently in the play-off zone alongside Cray Wanderers, Hornchurch and Carshalton Athletic before the Isthmian League was suspended on Friday 13 March 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak crisis.

“No one could see this coming and The FA were correct to suspend all football throughout the country,” said Morgan.

“The more everyone thought about it you could not see a fair result at the end of all of this other than call it null and void.

“It was such a shame as we were in a fantastic position for promotion, maybe not as winners but in the play-offs.”

The Football Association ruled yesterday that the 2019-20 season for Steps 3 to 6 will be ended with immediate effect and all results will be expunged, with no promotion or relegation of clubs between these steps or relegation from the National League North or South.

“I personally think no I was not in favour of the decision as we were chasing promotion, which every football club chase every season but it’s a fair decision as I could not see any other outcome,” added Morgan.

“We are all disappointed but that’s life. We will all have to re-group and try and have another great season as we have this season.”

When asked about the financial situation at Cheriton Road, Morgan replied: “At the moment the football club is debt free.  Our main income was Bar Invicta with functions, which has now had to stop.

“We have all got all the staff and players paid up to date but with no income and we don’t know how long it is going to last, will put a strain on the football club.”

Folkestone Invicta supporters club have launched an online fundraising campaign to raise £3,000 so the club can meet it’s financial obligations during April.

“We have got a fantastic support base here and the supporters have been fantastic and always do their bit to help this fantastic football club, which I can’t thank them enough,” said Morgan, who co-owns Alltype Pumps in Forest Hill, who are the club’s shirt sponsors.

“My company have been working up to today as we offer a 24-hour call-out service but we need to keep our staff safe so we are closing down as of three o’clock this afternoon and myself and my business partner will be covering 24-hour call-out until this is over,” revealed Morgan.

“I personally can see many football clubs and business sadly going out of business.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff, players and supporters of Folkestone Invicta Football Club and everyone stay safe and see you all next season.

“I would like to thank you for all your support you and Kentish Football have provided Folkestone Invicta Football Club.”

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