Justin Luchford admitted it was ‘impossible to turn down’ the offer to work with Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley as a scout for the club.

The former Faversham and Whitstable boss Luchford, who was sacked by the Oystermen in November, is keen to get back into management but revealed he would not be a part of Folkestone’s matchday staff.

Luchford - who played for Folkestone 15 years ago - said: “I spoke to Neil in the new year after taking some time out after the debacle at Whitstable and he was asking about players, which is how (Luchford’s brother) Dane got involved there.

“We have always had a good relationship, I played at Folkestone when he first came in and then did a bit of coaching for the reserves with Paul Fisk.

“I’ve watched a few games for them this season and he asked to meet up and asked me to be officially involved.

“If someone of the stature of Neil Cugley asks you to work with them, you can’t turn it down.”

He revealed he was not interested in ousting Micky Dix, Roland Edge or Darren Smith from the coaching set-up, and said: “There was no talk of me being on the bench or anything, I’ll be out watching games and players wherever possible. Neil has a great team there and I don’t want to tread on anyone’s toes.”

Luchford revealed he had expressed an interest in returning to management at Herne Bay and was watching the Canterbury City situation closely, adding: “The arrangement is that if something comes up which would allow me to get back in the dugout then I’d go. Neil appreciates the dugout is where I want to be.”