Folkestone Invicta’s long serving defender Nat Blanks is leaving the club.

He has agreed to join Kevin Watson’s Isthmian League South East Division side Cray Valley.

Blanks had a short spell on loan at Cray last season before it was cut short. With a young daughter, he is keen to spend more time with his family and less time travelling, joining a club that’s close to home.

Manager Neil Cugley was sad to see the defender go but understood the reasoning.

Cugley said: “It was incredible the number of miles he has travelled whilst at the club, and with a busy job and a daughter just arrived, it is time for him to think of his family life a bit more.

“He was great to manage and although he isn’t what you would call a flair player, I always knew he would give 100% effort and determination.

“It will be strange when we do get back and he’s not around the dressing room, his bubbly character and sense of humour will definitely be missed.”

‘Blanksy’ was part of the 2015/16 championship winning team and leaves having made over 300 appearances for the club.

The defender started his career as a youngster with Folkestone before moving onto Gillingham and then spells at Marlow, Chalfont St Peter and Burnham, before returning to club in 2012.

He scored a handful of goals for the club, the most important being the only one in a 1-0 victory over Tonbridge Angels, the penultimate game of the 2016/17 season which saw Invicta narrowly avoid relegation.

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