Neil Cugley has explained the reasons surrounding the sudden departure of Darren Marsden from Folkestone Invicta.

The midfielder’s request to leave was accepted by the club last week, who cancelled his contract immediately.

Marsden joined Invicta from Herne Bay in December 2011 and played his last game in the 2-2 draw against Faversham at Cheriton Road last Wednesday,

Boss Cugley (pictured) said: "He said ‘I want to leave’ and we agreed. He was outstanding when he first came to the club but I sensed he wasn’t playing to the ability that he has. He had gone off the boil and his head had gone down.

"He was our highest paid player and him going means that I can keep the likes of Richard Atkins and Nat Blanks and get somebody else in as well. In fact, I could get three or four for the money he was on."

Invicta lost 4-2 on penalties against Kingstonian in the second round of the Ryman League Cup on Wednesday with injury problems again hampering Cugley’s selection.

Liam Dickson is the latest casualty after suffering concussion in the 3-1 home defeat by Merstham on Saturday,

Invicta travel to new leaders Crawley Down on Saturday, the West Sussex side having replaced them at the top at the weekend, after a 5-1 win at Chipstead.