Fans help Folkestone's promotion bid

FOLKESTONE INVICTA supporters are doing all they can to make sure the club's stay in the Ryman League Division One South is a short one, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Cheriton Road club suffered relegation from the Ryman Premier League on the last day of last season, losing 1-0 at home to Maidstone United, thus finishing the season with only Leyton below them in the table.

But fans’ have continued with a scheme to assist the club achieve their goals - clinching promotion at the first attempt.

Organiser Paul Sly explained what is the “Pay for Promotion Scheme.”

“Following on from the supporters’ club AGM, and having spoken to fans’ to get their ideas on what we would like to contribute to the club as a whole, it has been decided that a “Pay for Promotion Scheme” will operate this year,” Mr Sly told the fans’ forum at www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

"Basically, it will be run along the same lines as the “Pay for a Player Scheme” last year, except the goal will be to help the club succeed both on and off the field of play.”

The scheme will assist with potential loan signing(s); a new tea bar in front of Stripes; a new pitch marker; a new lawn mower; materials for pitch upkeep, players’ kit bags and a bigger and better television for Stripes.

“Any other item that is deemed essential, but we haven’t thought of yet or included in this list, simply because things happen beyond the clubs control from time to time throughout the season, (will be considered),” added Mr Sly.

The contributions will run along exactly the same lines as last year, which is £38 per share per season, payable either weekly, monthly or on a one-off cash/cheque basis per share.

Each and every month, starting at the end of August, there will be a monthly draw with prizes ranging from free tickets to home games, Eurotunnel tickets, etc.

Forms will be available in Stripes Bar, the Wilf Armoury Suite and the club shop on Saturday and thereafter throughout the season.

Mr Sly said: “Please join this scheme to give the club, manager, team and of course us fans the best chance to bounce back to the Ryman Premier at the first attempt.

“Those of you who have already asked me about the Pay for a Player this year, will, I’m sure support this new venture, which in many ways, gives us fans an even better opportunity to help the club in a general way rather than a specific way.”

Back on the pitch, manager Neil Cugley takes his side to Kent Leaguers Deal Town on Tuesday night before they return to Cheriton Road on Saturday to play Ryman Premier League side Tooting & Mitcham United - a side promoted with Dover Athletic last season.

Invicta commence their Ryman League Division One South campaign with a trip to Worthing (16^th August) and welcome Chipstead to Cheriton Road on Tuesday, 19^th August.

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