By Andrew Gidley

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley plans to meet Liam Friend about staying with the club this season.

The centre-back was linked with a move to Margate a month ago but is back at Cheriton Road and looks set to face Billericay in the club’s final home friendly on Friday.

Invicta wind up their preparations ahead of the Ryman League, Division 1 South season at Ashford United on Monday.

Friend started pre-season with Invicta, before training at Hartsdown Park, with Cugley (pictured) waiting for things to happen.

He said: "It all came down to whether they would or wouldn’t sign him but I had no problem with him wanting to play at a higher level.

"I hope to sit down with Liam this week."

Friend’s return has led to Cugley releasing central defender Brett Fairman but he has still to make his mind up on wide player Jason Sowle, and midfielder Ryan Moreby.