Spiller pens one-year deal for Folkestone

FOLKESTONE INVICTA boss Neil Cugley has confirmed that combative midfielder Lee Spiller, 29, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Buzzlines Stadium, writes Tom Marchant.

The experienced central midfielder has been training with the Cheriton Road club since the start of pre season and has impressed Cugley with his attitude and work ethic.

Spiller started last season with local rivals Ashford Town and finished the season on loan at Sittingbourne.

“I'm delighted we've got him and he gives us that bit extra in the centre of the park,” Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“I'm pleased he wants to be a part of what we're building here and that's very important.

“There were other clubs offering him a lot more money than what we can offer but he wants to play for Folkestone.

"He was very unlucky at the end of last season when he got sent off against Dover and I haven't seen it but I know people who have and they've said it was very harsh and so now he misses the first five games of the season.

“It's not a problem though, it's one of those things and obviously we won't be paying him whilst he's suspended.

"After the first five matches he'll be able to come in and help the team but what'd be even better is if he has to sit and wait his turn as other players are keeping him out of the side.

“He's a good man and he's a great one to have around the Club and he knows a lot of other players as well."

The news was tempered slightly by Cugley's disappointment that fellow midfielder Dave Cook appears to be returning to local neighbours Hythe Town.

Cook was one of Neil's first five summer signings and the Kent League side put in a seven day approach for the player this week.

Cugley explained: "I don't know the ins and outs of why and I can't say I'm impressed with how it has been dealt with either.

“I am a bit disappointed as he wanted to come and give it a go and now he has changed his mind. I'd rather know now though as we can get around it, rather than find out further down the line."

The Folkestone manager continues to tweak his playing squad as he looks beyond the Gillingham friendly to go into the final four pre season games with a more settled side.

The League Two club visit the Buzzlines Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cugley has spoken with a left sided player last night and will hold further player talks with the possibility that there will be a new addition to the squad to face the Gills.

Cugley will watch a trial goalkeeper in action on Saturday as he looks to provide competition for Charlie Mitten and there is also the possibility of the Invicta boss looking at another goalkeeper when the player returns from overseas.

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Gillingham
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 26^th July 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU