Cugley still negotiating deal with striker Bremner

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley unveiled the signing of another new signing last night - former Gravesend & Northfleet and Welling United star Lee Gledhill.

The tough tackling character, who spent two seasons in the Conference, can play at full-back, centre-back or in midfield.

And Cugley, who is preparing for life in the Ryman League Division One South following relegation, reserved special words of praise for the chairman for his “help and assistance in what will be a great signing.”

Cugley will be happy to sign another goalkeeper, midfielder and a forward.

Chairman Jim Pellatt, who replaced the departing Gordon Wallis last week, has challenged the Cheriton Road faithful to get behind the side as they bid for promotion next term.

“Neil must take the credit for this signing not me,” Mr Pellatt told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“I have extended the special season ticket offer as reported a few days ago. Perhaps our fans can show their support for Neil by making sure the offer is over subscribed.”

Earlier in the week, Cugley kept fans up to date with his current playing squad.

Five players who suffered the drop, finishing with only whipping boys Leyton below them in the Ryman Premier League table, have been retained.

They are Liam Fiend, Jimmy Corbett, Micheal Everitt, James Everitt and goalkeeper Charlie Mitten.

In addition contracts have been given to promising youngsters Liam Dickson and Josh Burchill.

In addition to Gledhill, six players have been signed. Jimmy Jackson arrives from Margate, Craig Wilkins, Matt Bourne and James Dryden arrive from Dover Athletic, Dave Cook comes from Hythe Town and Scott Lindsey, who finished last season with Sittingbourne, has also been registered as a player in his role as coach.

But promising goalkeeper Luke Stonebridge has accepted a four year Sports Scholarship in the USA and two players could earn the club some money in the future.

Charlie Glyde has decided to sign for their divisional and local rivals Ashford Town.

He has been released on the basis that in the event of him being sold in the future, Folkestone Invicta will receive 20% of the fee.

Frankie Chappell has asked to be released from his Folkestone contract after receiving a lucrative offer from his local club Welling United.

If the Blue Square South club sell him in the future, Invicta will receive 20% of the fee.

Other players to be released are Roland Edge and Kevin Watson, who have signed for the club that relegated Invicta, Maidstone United, Samual Kola Okikiolu, Lloyd Blackman and Ben Sly, who has relocated to Brighton.

Cugley, meanwhile, is delighted to have retained the services of injury prone goalkeeper, Charlie Mitten.

“You will struggle to find a better keeper than Charlie in non-league football,” enthused Cugley.

Just as we thought the squad was closing, Cugley announced that normally he has to chase players to sign but this week he has been contacted by four quality players who have asked if they could be included in his pre-season squad.

The boss continues to be impressed by local player Kieren Byrne, who it is hoped will play a large part in the pre-season squad as he did at the end of last season.

Many will be wondering what is happening to player of the year, striker, Leigh Bremner.

“Talks continue, he has not signed for anyone else and both sides want to come to an agreement soonest,” explained Cugley.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk