Kieron McCann returns to Folkestone Invicta as boss Neil Cugley retains four players

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley has announced the return of midfielder Kieron McCann.

The winger becomes Cugley’s first addition for the 2021-22 season, rejoining the club from Cray Valley (Paper Mills).

McCann originally signed for Folkestone Invicta from Sevenoaks Town in the summer of 2017 and made 135 appearances, scoring 21 goals for the Cheriton Road outfit.

“I was delighted that he wanted to come back,” Cugley told the club website.

“He’s one of many who have left the club and decided to return.  At the time it was easier for Kieron to play closer to home but if he’s resolved the problem we are delighted to have him back.

“He’s popular in the dressing room, he’s determined, he’s a winner and he wants to be here and do well.”

Cugley has announced the departure of winger Adem Ramadan, who made 11 appearances for the Isthmian League Premier Division side last term.

“It’s been a pleasure to play for Folkestone Invicta and a shame it was cut short.  I wish the club all the best for next season,” said the former Tonbridge Angels and Margate man.

Folkestone Invicta have also retained the services of Ronnie Dolan, Scott Heard, Alfie Paxman and David Smith.

Midfielder Dolan scored with his first touch for the club coming off the bench in a home game against Corinthian-Casuals in November 2014, having joined the club from Hastings United and was part of Cugley’s Isthmian League Division One South championship-winning team in 2016.

Dolan, who has been unlucky with injuries over the past few seasons, has gone on to make 210 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals.

Striker Smith signed for Folkestone Invicta last summer from Ashford United, where he had scored 23 goals in the 2019-20 season before it was ended prematurely due to the Covid-19 health pandemic.

Smith hit the ground running at Invicta, scoring six goals in 12 games before the season was curtailed in November 2020.

Heard signed for Folkestone Invicta from Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer of 2017 and the former Whitstable Town midfielder has made 160 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals.

Paxman will be staying for his fourth season at Cheriton Road, having joined from Ramsgate in the summer of 2018.

Paxman won the Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2018-19 season, as well as the Goal of the Season award for his strike in a home game against Hornchurch.

Meanwhile, the club has announced four home pre-season friendlies as they prepare for the 2021-22 campaign.

Cugley’s side shall welcome Ramsgate (26 June); Welling United (3 July); Eastbourne Borough (10 July) and Hythe Town (17 July) to Cheriton Road.

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