Ira Jackson is another Invicta player to earn a chance in the Football League which not only reflects well on the club but also encourages our younger players that if they put the work in they too may have a chance at a higher level, says Neil Cugley

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley has revealed Grimsby Town have not paid a transfer fee for striker Ira Jackson, who left Cheriton Road for the League Two side on Tuesday.

 

The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with an option of a third-year at Blundell Park, playing under manager Ian Holloway, having impressed in the Isthmian League Premier Division where he scored 26 goals in 36 appearances under Cugley.

“Whilst it’s obviously a shame that Ira has left, I can’t speak highly of him, he has always been honest with me and let me know what he was doing,” Cugley told Folkestone Invicta’s website.

“Because of what he did last season, he had a number of National League South teams looking at him but he said he didn’t want to sign for a club at that level as he thought he could get there with Invicta, so he’s kept his word by signing for Grimsby.

“He never let me or the club down and I’m pleased that the effort and hard work he put in has now paid off and that is what younger players need to do if they are to achieve their aim of full-time football.

“Whilst he said nice things about me when he signed, I would also mention that (my assistant manager) Roland Edge, who has of course done it all in the professional game, spent many hours coaching and helping him.

“Finally, I’d like to wish Ira all the best and I hope he has a long and successful career at the higher level.”

Cugley added: “Although we haven’t gained financially as he was out of contract, Ira is another Invicta player to earn a chance in the Football League which not only reflects well on the club but also encourages our younger players that if they put the work in they too may have a chance at a higher level.”

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