Johan Ter Horst wants to help us make the play-offs, says Folkestone boss Neil Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA striker Johan Ter Horst took part in his first competitive game for Charlton Athletic when he played for their Under 21 development team away to Cardiff City on Monday.



The highly-rated 18-year-old appeared for the Addicks as a half-time substitute and hit the inside of the post with the City keeper grateful and fortunate to grab the rebound as the visitors tried to cancel out the Welshmen’s lead.

“Yes, it sounds like he did fairly well,” said Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley, when speaking to www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk.

“He didn’t play the whole game as we were due to play at Walton Casuals 24 hours later. I was planning on playing for an hour or so, but with our game called off that all became academic.

“He supports Charlton and they seem keen on him too. I can’t imagine it will be the only time he’ll be involved there.

“And I can’t believe they’ll be the only club he goes to in the next few weeks, either for a game, or to train - it’s the way clubs do it these days to give them a good look at young players.

“But it won‘t affect his involvement with Folkestone. He loves this club and wants to help us make the play-offs.

“Playing and training like this can only make him fitter and stronger - and, as we all saw on Saturday, he’s at the peak of his form for us at the moment already.”

Underlining his confidence in the Saltwood youngster, and stressing ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, Cugley added: “When any club decides they want to take thing further with Johan we’ll look at what they’re suggesting and take it from there.

“He’s coping well with all this attention. He’s a great lad and he’s lucky enough to have two good, sensible parents to guide him.

“He’s in no rush, either, so we’re all content and wait to see how things progress.”

Aston Villa head a list of at least seven other Football League clubs showing interest in the former Harvey Grammar School pupil who has come up through Invicta’s youth system and is under contract at the Cheriton Road club until the end of next season.

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