Cugley unveils Edge as his new player-coach

Thursday 17th June 2010

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley was delighted to announce four more of last season's promotion winning squad have agreed terms for next season's Ryman Premier League campaign, writes Tom Marchant.

Midfielders Micheal Everitt and Darren Smith along with strikers Jimmy Dryden and Simon Austin have now committed themselves to the Buzzlines Stadium next season.

Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk: "I'm very pleased the four of them have signed. It's no secret that Ashford made Smithy a very good offer and one we were never going to be able to get near but I gave him a deadline and time to think and he's enjoyed it with us and I'm delighted he's staying.

“The chairman intends to run a tight ship so we don't end up going where we've gone in previous years so although we got promotion we weren't in a position to offer improved deals and I think the players understood that.

“Mev (Micheal Everitt) was a key part of the side that won promotion last season and Austo (Austin) grabbed some vital goals for us and it's nice to get these things all sorted.”

The deal with record goalscorer Jimmy Dryden was just completed yesterday.

“With Jimmy he went for an MRI scan and saw the specialists and he did have a broken bone in his ankle but where he hasn't played and hasn't been able to play it has healed itself naturally and they're happy with it.

“He's been out running and is looking forward to coming back pre- season and he's determined to show what he can do.

“I'm really pleased with that because he's a strong lad who scores goals and they don't come round very often, especially local ones.

“I think that is (medical scans) something else we should look into for the coming season so we can get a proper assessment of player injuries and how we can treat them”.

In an intensive week of player activity, Cugley also announced a major coup in the capture of Roland Edge as the Seasiders new player-coach.

Edge spent a season at Cheriton Road in Folkestone's last spell in the Ryman Premier and brings a wealth of experience to a young and talented Invicta squad.

Cugley said: "Well I'm chuffed to have got him. I went to see him this week and when it came down to discussing terms we've got a tight wage structure in place now and I was doubtful whether we'd be able to get him but he wasn't bothered by that side of things and I was amazed by his enthusiasm and we had a deal done in seconds.

"He can't wait to get involved. At the minute he is working daily at a football academy as part of a school and he is taking his coaching badges.

“He's just moved to Canterbury so he'll no doubt come down with Chaps (Frankie Chappell) and Jack (Delo).

"His experience will be vital especially where we've lost Jimmy Jackson and having spoke to the players they're really pleased we've got someone like him in.

“When I spoke to Mev and Smithy they said it was just the sort of person we need. It won't affect Micky Dix in any way as he is still my assistant manager and someone who is very important to me and the two of them get on well and I know Mick has a lot of time for Edgey."

Edge finished last season at Maidstone United and his versatility as a left back and centre back (he also played holding midfield on occasions last year) will also come as a bonus to Invicta and the manager said he is sure to play a part on the field this season.

The gaffer has also been in talks with a former Conference midfield player who he has put terms to and is awaiting a response from this week.

“The player in question isn't local but he does work in Kent and I've put terms to him,” revealed Cugley.

“Obviously we're not in a position where we can offer silly money – like other clubs appear to be doing – but I am hopeful he will come down and give it a go.

“With Jacko gone and Mev suspended on the first day of the season, another midfield player would give us a bit of competition in there.”

Striker Brendan Cass – signed last season from Chatham Town – has been invited back to pre season training whilst former Folkestone forward Paul Jones is eager to join up with the squad in the first week of July.

In addition to the retirement of Jimmy Jackson, enthusiastic striker Pete Williams has opted to join local neighbours Ashford Town.

Cugley said: "I am disappointed to be losing Pete as he did play a part last season and I wanted him to come back pre season and challenge for a place. He did everything right and he spoke to me regarding the situation and we leave on very good terms and I wish him good luck.

“Last season he was on the bench and as a sub he never got paid which I think is an issue the Chairman is looking to address this season. Ashford were in a position to offer him financial terms and possibly a regular place so we understand his reasons for wanting to leave."

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk