Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley is confident that his side can cope with the imminent departure of Liam Friend.

The 22-year-old defender is expected to join Ryman League Premier Division Margate providing the clubs can agree a compensation fee.

Friend, who has been at Cheriton Road for nine years, was a key figure in the Invicta side which won promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division in the 2009-2010 season. If the clubs cannot agree a fee then the matter will go to a tribunal, but Cugley says Friend will leave with Folkestone's best wishes.

He said: "It’s disappointing to lose Liam but he has done everything the right way. He enjoyed playing in a higher standard in the Ryman Premier last season and, financially, he will also be better off playing for Margate."

And Cugley (pictured) insisted: "It’s not a problem. Liam Dickson can play alongside Frankie Chappell at the back, but I want us to play a slightly different system next season anyway, I want us to be a bit more attacking."

If Friend does leave the club, he could make a quick return as Margate are one of eight pre-season opponents that Cugley has lined up. The Gate, now managed by former boss Chris Kinnear, will visit the Buzzlines Stadium on August 9.