Scott Heard turned down more money from free-spending Margate to return to Folkestone Invicta after enduring the most frustrating season of his career.

The midfielder, who turns 24 in July, re-signed at the Fullicks Stadium on a one-year contract following his release from National League Dagenham & Redbridge this month.

Heard only signed for Neil Cugley’s side in November 2015 after ending a six-year stay with home-town club Whitstable but opted to switch to full-time football last October when the Daggers came calling.

However, he made just eight appearances in the National League before being loaned out to East Thurrock in National League South in January.

His ninth and final Dagenham appearance came from the bench when he scored their equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Woking on the final day of the season and despite boss John Still saying Heard was in his plans for next season, he was released earlier this month.

Heard said: “I stand by my decision to leave but I don’t feel I was given a real opportunity at Dagenham, I think I deserved better.

“It was the most frustrating season of my career because I just want to play.”

He added: “I want to rebuild and try again. I want to progress and play at a higher level but for now the most important thing is to get back to playing and enjoying my football.

“I’ve kept an eye on Folkestone’s results, they did well to stay in (Bostik Premier) and I’ve appreciated what the club have done for me, allowing me the chance to go and play full-time football.

“I had a few other offers – a few of them were too far away – but I met with the Margate manager Steve Watt and they made me a good offer but I chose to come back to Folkestone for a bit less.

“I know the club, I know the manager, I have worked for Neil and Roland Edge before, I know the players.

“Margate have a great side on paper but it might take a while to adjust to the division (after relegation from National League South).”

Heard admitted he is far from the finished product, despite his spell as a pro, adding: “There are things I need to improve on. My assist contribution tends to be OK but I want to get on the scoresheet a bit more.

“When I went to Dagenham, one of the first things they said I need to do was to get stronger, so I have worked on building muscle which helps you adapt better at higher levels.

“Hopefully, I can get back to playing this season and if the call comes from a team in a higher division then great, if not then I’d be more than happy to spend the year here.”

o Former Invicta skipper and ex-Chatham boss Kevin Watson has joined Cugley’s backroom staff as an Essex-based scout for the coming season.