Micheal Everitt will play his last game for Folkestone Invicta this weekend.

The 33-year-old midfielder can't commit to the extra travelling in the Ryman League Premier Division next season having helped Folkestone to the Division 1 South championship.

Everitt has made 630 appearances for the club, more than any other player, since making his debut as a 16-year-old in August 1999.

He's won three promotions during his time at Cheriton Road and has started 21 league games this season after coming out of retirement to rejoin the club in November.

Everitt said: "Following a great deal of thought, I have made the very difficult decision to make Saturday’s game my last in a Folkestone shirt.

"Cugs rang me last week asking if I’d stay and play in the Ryman Premier next season. That is, of course, an exciting opportunity, but having had time to ponder over it, I have had to decline.

"The extra commitment required to play in the Ryman Premier - particularly the travelling - would make things very difficult with my work commitments.

"Most people know that I left the club at the end of last season to concentrate on my work, but I always knew then, at the back of my mind, that I would be back at some stage - and that obviously proved right when I started playing again in last autumn.

"But I know that the time is right to leave now. I don’t think there could be a better time - there can’t be too many players who can say they left their hometown club after winning the league championship so convincingly.

"I want to also express my huge gratitude to the supporters of this football club who are truly amazing. During my 16 seasons at the club, I’ve always had the full backing of the fans regardless of if I’ve had a bad game or we’ve lost.

"I’m proud to be leaving as the club’s record appearance holder, but I’ll be delighted when Liam Friend, Frankie Chappell or Josh Vincent break my record and then set it again even higher for the next exciting youth prospect to break through.

"I'd also like congratulate Neil on such an amazing achievement of managing Folkestone for a thousand games. He deserves all plaudits he receives for reaching that fantastic landmark.

"I also want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to make my debut as a substitute for my hometown club all those years ago when I was 16.

"Neil has been a big part of my career and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to him and the football club.

"I’m not sure what my next step will be. I envisage getting involved again in coaching at some stage, possibly becoming an assistant or manager one day.

"I might carry on playing - but there is every chance that I will stop.

"Maybe one day I can return to serve Folkestone again, in whatever capacity best helps the club.

"I want to wish Neil, Roland Edge, Jason Lillis and the boys all the success next year in the Premier and I have no doubt that this time the club will kick on again and consolidate their position at that level."