Folkestone Invicta appoint player-coach Andy Drury as temporary boss after parting company with Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge

FOLKESTONE INVICTA chairman Josh Healy has confirmed that player-coach Andy Drury will oversee the trip to Dulwich Hamlet tomorrow after parting company with joint-managers Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge yesterday.

“Whilst we conduct the search for a new management team, your understanding and continued support throughout this transitional period is very much appreciated,” said Mr Healey in a statement.

The club were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Haringey Borough on Tuesday night, which leaves Folkestone Invicta in eleventh-place in the seventh-tier Isthmian League Premier Division table with 19 points (five wins, four draws and six defeats).

It proved to be the final game in charge for the pair of loyal stalwarts, who both played under Neil Cugley, before joining his management team before taking over when Cugley stepped down from the managerial hot-seat on 26 October 2022 to move upstairs.

“The decision to part company with Micheal and Roland hasn’t been an easy one to make,” added Healey.

“Stepping in late last year and taking charge of the team amidst a period of uncertainty, they demonstrated remarkable dedication despite limited resources.

“We greatly appreciate both of their efforts and unwavering commitment throughout their time at Folkestone Invicta Football Club, and as massive advocates of the club, it goes without saying that they depart with the best wishes of everybody here, for their future managerial careers.

“The search now begins for new management to take the team forward.”

The club’s directors issued a statement on 7 November, which now turns out to be the dreaded vote of confidence for Everitt (the club’s record appearance holder) and Edge.

It said: “Regarding our first team, we, just like you, are eager to see our team achieve success.  We’re investing heavily in this department and are confident that better results are on the horizon.  Now, more than ever, the players need the unwavering support of our passionate fan base as we push towards Christmas.”

The team responded with a 1-0 home win over Billericay Town, but a point against struggling Haringey Borough at Cheriton Road, brought to an end of Everitt and Edge’s lengthy time at the club.

Meanwhile, Dulwich Hamlet will be without striker Adrian Clifton, 34, and left-back Craig Braham-Barrett, 35, for tomorrow's game, as both have been called up for Montserrat.

The Emerald boys - managed by former Charlton Athletic midfielder and manager Lee Bowyer - take on the Dominican Republic tonight before a visit to Barbados in the CONCACAF Nations League on Monday.

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