New chairman promises Folkestone Invicta fans' will see positive changes on and off the pitch at Cheriton Road

NEWLY-APPOINTED Folkestone Invicta chairman Josh Healey says he is confident that fans will see positive changes on and off the field after a consortium of committed local businessmen have taken on the day-to-day operations of the Isthmian League Premier Division club.

The deal will see Addington Leisure join forces with Folkestone Invicta’s new headline sponsor Alcaline, the Anglo-Italian haulage, shipping and warehousing group based in nearby Lympne.

Healey, the owner of Addington Leisure, will work closely with former Folkestone Invicta chairman Jim Pellatt.

“We’re confident fans will see positive changes on and off the field,” Healey said in a statement.

“We’re fully behind joint-head coaches Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge and their efforts to strengthen the squad – work which is already under way with some exciting new signings.

“We have a five to 10-year plan for the club and will build an even more engaged and passionate community around it.

“A key part of that will be making it a place to not only watch great local football but also to enjoy memorable family events in the new Dug Out sports bar (formerly Bar Invicta).

“We want to work in partnership with the fans, council, sponsors, residents and the whole football family of Folkestone and we are committed to putting the club at the heart of the local community."

In the coming seasons, the consortium’s plan is to transform the club and introduce new training facilities, including a 3G pitch.

Lorenzo Zaccheo, the managing director of Alcaline, who have struck a deal to sponsor the stadium at Cheriton Road, added: “As an Italian, football is my blood and when Josh approached us to get on board and join the Invicta team as commercial partner, we jumped at it.

“There’s already a strong desire to win within the club. Josh has now brought in a team of food, beverage and event people, led by Charlie Wilson, as Director of Operations, and will create a place that appeals to the current fans and the wider Folkestone community.

“We’d like to thank MP Damian Collins and Stephen James for introducing us to the club.”

Neil Cugley, legendary manager between 1997 and 2002, is taking on the role of Director of Football. He will work alongside Paul Stanton as Academy Director.

Meanwhile, Everitt, has unveiled the arrival of former Enfield Town striker Andre Coker, 25.

Coker has previously played for Maidstone United, Dartford, Cray Wanderers and Kingstonian.

“Andre is another player that we have tracked for quite a while,” said Everitt.

“He’s an exciting talent that likes to run at players and make things happen in the final third.

“I’m sure he’ll entertain the fans. He has played at a higher standard and he has the ability to go again. Andre is going to be part of a very exciting attacking unit.”

The Isthmian League, meanwhile, has confirmed that their League fixtures will be released on Thursday 13 July at 14:00.

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