Ian Draycott leaves Folkestone Invicta after nine years and a club record 150 goals

FOLKESTONE INVICTA have announced the departure of their all-time leading goalscorer Ian Draycott after nine years at Cheriton Road.

The 34-year-old joined the club from Leatherhead in the summer of 2014 and made 361 appearances for Invicta, scoring 150 goals for the club.

Draycott has surpassed Jimmy Dryden’s goalscoring record by nine goals, while current Hornchurch striker Ade Yusuff netted 105 goals for the Kent club.

“It was a privilege to bring Draycs to the club and to manage him for so long,” said former boss Neil Cugley in a statement.

“He was a big feature during my time and got us some really important goals as well as doing a job in other positions during recent years. 

“He’s always handled himself so professionally and I’d expect him to be a real asset wherever the next stage of his career takes him.”

Current joint-manager Roland Edge added: “Draycs has been a fantastic player for Folkestone over many years and given the supporters plenty to cheer about.

“His legacy will live on at the club given that he is the most prolific goalscorer the club has ever had, which is a tremendous achievement.  Both myself and Mev (Micheal Everitt) wish him all the best and success in his future endeavours.”

Draycott departs Cheriton Road with happy memories.

“The time has come for me to part ways with Folkestone Invicta in pursuit of some regular game time,” said Draycott.

“I’ve been fortunate to call Cheriton Road home for the last nine seasons and proudly leave with great memories, a promotion, a couple of golden boots, some terrific nights out and as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

“Thank you to the management team of Cugs, Edgey and Mev, the support staff that contributes during my time at the club, the brilliant volunteers, the fans that have gown in numbers over the years and most importantly my team-mates, who many are now close friends.”

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