Folkestone Invicta lose striker Ade Yusuff to Dulwich Hamlet: Personally, I think he was under-rated and I’m pleased he is progressing and who knows if he does well, he may get another move further up the leagues

FOLKESTONE INVICTA manager Neil Cugley says he has lost 20-goal striker Ade Yusuff to Motorama National League South side Dulwich Hamlet.

“Although it’s disappointing to see Ade go, he was offered an excellent opportunity at a club that are a league above and now virtually full-time as they train three mornings a week,” Cugley told  www.folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk.

“Personally, I think he was under-rated and I’m pleased he is progressing and who knows if he does well, he may get another move further up the leagues.

“He was excellent in the way he kept me informed as to what was happening with other club’s that were interested, so I’d like to thank him for that too.”

Yusuff, 24, scored 50 goals in 101 appearances for the Bostik Premier Division club and Cugley is actively seeking a replacement.

“I’ve been on the phone and travelling up and down the motorway speaking to possible replacements,” added the manager.

The Cheriton Road club revealed that defenders Finn O’Mara and Callum Davies were already signed on for next season and the majority of the players who were a regular part of the first team squad last season had re-signed and discussions were still ongoing with the couple that haven’t so far.

Second-choice goalkeeper Nick Shaw has told Cugley that he cannot commit to the club next season.

“I’d like thank him for his efforts in what is a thankless position when you get prepared for a game, knowing that you’ll probably never get to play.  Hopefully I’ll still see him as he manages the Three Hills complex at the back of the ground,” added Cugley.

Ethan Madden, meanwhile,  who captained the youth team to the treble, will also be unavailable as he is off to University, as are the majority of the other youth team members who appeared on the bench last season.

“It’s unfortunate but we can’t stand in the lads’ ways as they go on to higher education,” added Cugley.

Meanwhile, Bostik South Division side Hythe Town have unveiled the signings of former Margate striker Frannie Collin, 32, and former Canterbury City full-back Ryan Cooper.