We will come out stronger from our financial concerns, vows dormant Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley has admitted tonight that this summer has been one of his quietest, writes Stephen McCartney.

Supporters' of the dormant Ryman League Division One South club have been concerned about the lack of transfer news coming out of Cheriton Road this summer, but the long-serving Cugley told www.kentishfootball.co.uk that their isn't too much to report.

But he did say, "We've just kept everybody from last year. "They've all stayed, obviously it's on-going with the club's (financial) situation and we have to wait and see how that develops.

"I'm talking to two or three players, I'm just waiting to see (if they sign) really."

When asked if club officials have sat down with him to discuss budgets for next season, Cugley appears to still be left in the dark and would like to know where he stands as he wants to sign players.

"No! Not yet! Nothing's really been decided," he alarmingly revealed. "I've just carried it on from the end of last year really."

But Cugley is delighted that highly-rated left-sided midfielder Jimmy Jackson - and star-striker James Dryden - are staying put.

"It's a big boost (as) they're both good lads," said Cugley. "The nice thing is everybody enjoys it, we've had our problems but to be fair it was alright.

Despite being forced to blood untried youngsters, when the club's financial problems came to light last October , Cugley senses his young guns have the ability to improve with more experience next season.

"I think the players, in the end, enjoyed themselves. I hope they keep improving, especially the youngsters," he said.

"Sometimes you don't know if they're going to improve, they hit a certain standard and they're not able to go above that.

"I'm hoping they (can) and we'll work on them in pre-season and hope they will improve."

Folkestone Invicta are not the only Kent club that have been hit with financial problems - but Cugley hopes all troubled clubs can come out the other end in a healthier situation.

"There's problems with other clubs at the moment so a lot of players will feel a bit more comfy staying where they are," Cugley said.

"It seems a bit strange, just a bit quiet this summer. This time last year I was up and down the motorway signing players and getting contracts sorted out.

"It's all been done, the players are done, the friendlies have been sorted out, the pitch is being done. It seems a bit strange that it's such a quiet period, but this time last year it was a busier period.