Our success story would make a great film, says Jackson

Thursday 15th April 2010

FOLKESTONE INVICTA’S legendary midfielder Jimmy Jackson says scouts from Football League clubs will take notice of the club’s talented youngsters if they continue to impress on the pitch, writes Tom Marchant.

Neil Cugley’s side head to Walton & Hersham tonight; Ramsgate on Saturday; before the eagerly-awaited title-decider at home to Croydon Athletic next Tuesday; before the final game of the season at home to Corinthian-Casuals on 24 April.

Invicta could go down in history as the first team in history to clinch a league title - despite suffering a ten point deduction - and midfielder Jackson cannot wait until big-spending Croydon Athletic’s visit to Cheriton Road, in what is a FREE-TO-WATCH GAME for ALL supporters.

In an interview with www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk, Jackson said: "After everything that has happened this season, what a story, it would make a great film wouldn't it?

"We've got three big games before then and we need to make sure we're still up there next Tuesday for when they come down. We've got to keep our composure and there's everything to play for.

"They're experienced with money behind them and are expected to win and it's a big contrast to our situation.

"We lost the ten points and they go out and sign a few Conference standard players which says it all really!

"We've had a brilliant season so far though and to only have lost five games is amazing. We seem to have gone from strength to strength and when you start winning games it becomes a habit, I guess in the same way as you can lose games but we just kept on doing the things we've been doing and that's got us into a great position."

An integral part of the Invicta midfield alongside Micheal Everitt and Darren Smith, Jackson has been in a similar situation before when he captained Gravesend & Northfleet to the Ryman Premier League title in 2002 ahead of big- spenders Canvey Island.

Jackson pointed towards the development of Invicta's youngsters as being a key part of the success Folkestone have endured so far this season in almost securing a play off position.

The likes of Josh Burchell, Josh Vincent and Liam Dickson were all given their opportunity in the first team after the mass exodus of players midway through last season when financial troubles hit the club.

"You expect in any team a youngster or two to come through every year and for them to improve but to throw five or six in at the deep end and for them to be swimming is superb," praised Jackson.

"They're young and they may not even realise what a good standard of football they are playing at already. If you took me and Smudge out, the average age would be very young indeed! They're local boys who have been coached by the club and it speaks volumes for what the club does and it gives the other young lads about the place something to aim for."

Now in his second season at Cheriton Road, Jackson started his first in entirely different circumstances but has it affected his enjoyment?

"Not at all, this season has been a great experience and as a footballer you're always learning," he said.

"I think part of the job of players like me and Smudge is to pass on things we've learnt and I have to say it is a joy to watch the younger lads in the side turn into men. This is an invaluable experience for them and not many players their age will get to play 50 odd games a season at this level and they've all played so well and done it consistently which is very impressive.

"If they keep improving then it won't be long before you see the scouts coming down and Football League is a real possibility."

The harsh winter and number of matches postponed over the New Year period will see a lot of non league sides play several times a week until the end of the season which could lead to an intriguing end to the season.

"The weather hasn't done us many favours but it's the same for a lot of sides," admitted Jackson.

"For someone of my age playing Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday becomes more of a challenge, I'm lucky to be surrounded by youngsters! Now the pitches are getting harder so they're bouncier and it can make our style of football more difficult. But we've mixed it up well this season and we can play percentages and in certain areas and we've ground out results where we've needed to.

"Cugs and Micky Dix have both been great and the gaffer has always been good at taking the pressure off the players and he makes it clear that as long as we go out and do our best and give everything, then if we lose it won't be through lack of effort.

"Dixie knows the young lads well as he's coached them over the years so he knows their strengths and weaknesses and alongside Cugs, it's the perfect combination.

"We've got a great team spirit which is so important and we keep going as we want to win and you can see that with the number of late goals we've grabbed in matches. The banter between the lads is always good and we're always hearing Smudge moan about something so whilst we play football to get away from that at home, we still have to hear it in the dressing room and I wonder about Friendy's choice of music, he listens to stuff which is even too old for me!"

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Walton & Hersham v Folkestone Invicta
Ryman League Division One South
Thursday 15 April 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Stompond Lane, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 1HF