Cugley makes double signing in time for big kick-off

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley has today unveiled that former Dover Athletic winger Byron Walker has agreed terms and has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Ryman League Division One South club, writes Tom Marchant.

Following the capture of left sided player Mark Green from Ryman Premier League side Dartford on Friday, Cugley confirmed today that attacking midfielder Byron Walker has agreed contract terms with the Seasiders and has also put pen to paper on a one year deal at the Buzzlines Stadium.



DEAL:  Former Chatham Town and Dover Athletic winger Byron Walker has signed a one-year deal with Folkestone Invicta
Photograph courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Green has been a transfer target of Cugley’s for some time, with the Invicta boss narrowly missing out on the player’s signature in past seasons.

Green is on the verge of a house move to Gravesend and will be in a part of Kent familiar to a lot of Invicta’s squad who travel down together to the Buzzlines Stadium.

“He was a bit quiet on his debut but hopefully he’ll settle in as soon as possible. He’s pleased to have joined us and he’ll bring a lot of energy down the left hand side, obviously he’s naturally left footed and he’s got a great engine on him,” Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“Although he’s still only young, he’s already quite experienced and he’s been at the likes of Margate, Welling and Dartford. When I was after a left wing back before he was one I spoke to and he decided to stay at Dartford then but we’re pleased that we’ve got him now.”

Walker has been on trial at the club and scored earlier this week in the 2-1 victory Deal Town. The attacking player is renowned for his pace which has caused havoc against oppositions defences in the pre- season campaign.

Cugley said: “He gives us something else, electric pace which I think is needed in games and he can play wide left, wide right, down the middle and I think he is one for the future. We’re hoping to see an ongoing improvement in him and I think we can work on him on the training ground.

“I would like to see him get on the last man more because if he can do that then no one is going to catch him. If he can make those runs, get into those areas and a perfect example was against Deal when he got away and took his goal well.

“That’s what you want to see more of from him; not so much coming deep to get the ball as obviously he’s physically not the strongest but when you get him on the last man that’s when he’s most dangerous, running at people.

“Sometimes it might be that we can afford to go with three up front but he’ll be also be a big asset coming off the bench and causing problems. Ideally you want him to do well coming off the bench so you pick him every week anyway, so it’s down to him.”

The Folkestone manager also revealed today that striker Craig Wilkins is to undergo a knee operation this Thursday.

The former Dover Athletic versatile player has proved a constant threat in attack alongside Jimmy Dryden and has impressed with his strength and aerial prowess whilst scoring a superb brace against Tunbridge Wells just under a fortnight ago.

Cugley explained: “He had a cartilage operation and it hasn’t been quite as successful as it should’ve been and there’s a little flap on the cartilage that needs to be trimmed. He’s gone to a different surgeon who has said he’ll be back in training in a week after the op, slowly building up from there. He should be available again in about four or five weeks time.

“It’s a great shame for him because he’s worked very hard on his fitness pre season and he’s played in most of the games doing very well for us. Fortunately he has private medical insurance which the op will be done under and that’s why it can be done so quickly.

“All credit to Craig as although he’s on contract he has agreed not to be paid whilst he’s out and it shows how much people want to be here and what honest players we have got. You couldn’t ask the lad to do anymore and hopefully when he comes back he’ll be raring to go again, as what an asset he is.”

Cugley has been seeking a temporary replacement for Wilkins and is keen to have a new striker in time for the start of the season next Saturday.

“We need to push on and get somebody else in, someone who can hold the ball up and help out Jimmy Dryden. I think it will be a loan signing and one which will suit both parties. I hope to have news on that front midweek.”

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk