Invicta eyeing bright future

VISION: Josh Healey

FOLKESTONE Invicta is under new ownership after a consortium of committed local businesses came together to take on the day-to-day operations of the Isthmian Premier team.

The deal sees Addington Leisure join forces with Invicta’s new headline sponsor Alcaline with the aim of securing the long-term financial future of the Cheriton Road club for the benefit of the local community.

Josh Healey, owner of Addington Leisure, will take on the role of chairman and work closely with one of his predecessors Jim Pellatt.

The consortium’s plan is to transform the club and introduce new training facilities, including a 3G pitch.

Healey said: “We’re confident fans will see positive changes on and off the field. We’re fully behind joint-head coaches Michael Everitt and Roland Edge and their efforts to strengthen the squad – work which is already under way with some exciting new signings.

“We have a five to tenyear plan for the club and will build an even more engaged and passionate community around it. A key part of that will be making it a place to not only watch great local football, but also to enjoy memorable family events in the new Dug Out sports bar.

“We want to work in partnership with the fans, council, sponsors, residents and the whole football family of Folkestone, and we are committed to putting the club at the heart of the local community.”

Long-serving Neil Cugley, who managed the club for 26 years to become the longest serving club manager in English football, remains at the club in the role of director of football, working alongside Paul Stanton as academy director.