Folkestone Invicta appoint Andy Drury as their new manager and play-offs are the target for chairman Josh Healey

FOLKESTONE INVICTA chairman Josh Healey has appointed Andy Drury as the club’s new manager.

The Isthmian League Premier Division club parted company with long-standing stalwarts Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge on Thursday 16 November.

Chairman Healey appointed Drury, 39, on a temporary basis for Invicta’s 3-1 defeat away to Dulwich Hamlet and appointed the former Whitstable Town and Margate manager permanently before yesterday’s 1-0 home defeat to Bognor Regis Town.

Folkestone Invicta sit in fifteenth-place in the pecking order with 19 points (five wins, four draws, eight defeats) from their 17 league games.

The Kent coastal club are five points clear of the relegation zone and nine points adrift of the play-off zone and have now gone three games without a win.

“Exciting times are ahead as we embark on a new era under the leadership of Andy Drury, said Healey in a statement.

“Whilst discussions with other managers took place during the interim period, Andy himself put forward a compelling presentation, outlining the direction he believes the club should be heading – ultimately impressing myself, as well as the board of directors, with his strategy and enthusiasm.

“Since stepping up last week and overseeing the first-team duties, it was clear to me that Andy’s commitment goes far beyond the sidelines, actively scouting, recruiting and opening up negotiations with new players to reinforce our squad.

“He’s already in the process of selection a suitable assistant manager and various other coaching staff roles to enhance our team further.

“Andy is set to inject his tactics, beliefs and philosophies into our training sessions and on-field strategies.

“He has secured a training facility in Ebbsfleet for two nights a week, which demonstrates a significant investment the club is set to make, in our aim to develop and attract the best players to Folkestone Invicta.

“Given his experience and knowledge of the team and club, we are convinced Andy is the right man to give us the best chance of achieving our immediate objectives.  These include pushing for play-off’s, as well as securing our place beyond relegation.

“With unwavering belief in our players and staff, we are confident in providing the team with the optimal conditions for success.

“I’d like to thank our supporters for not only their continued backing but for their patience during this period.  The appointment of a new first team manager was something we simply couldn’t risk.

“The club wishes Andy Drury all the very best in his role as manager.  Please get behind him and the team for their journey ahead.”

Folkestone Invicta welcome Cray Wanderers to Cheriton Road next Saturday 2 December 2023.

Neil Smith’s men – who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Dulwich Hamlet yesterday – sit two places beneath Drury’s men, with 17 points from their 15 league outings.

The Wands welcome 12^th-placed Whitehawk to Hayes Lane on Wednesday night.

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