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Sport

Pat Ohman won’t be returning to play for Isthmian Premier Folkestone Invicta as he opts to remain in Australia

By: Thomas Reeves treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 08:50, 02 August 2023

Updated: 10:20, 02 August 2023

Goalkeeper Pat Ohman won’t be playing for Isthmian Premier Folkestone this season.

He made his Invicta debut on Boxing Day and became their first-choice keeper. But he missed their campaign run-in, having suffered a broken arm in a goalless draw against Carshalton in April.

Midfielder Ade Cole on the ball for Folkestone in their 5-1 weekend friendly win over neighbours Hythe. Picture: Randolph File

It was announced he has decided to remain in Australia, with it still unclear when he’ll return to the game.

On Twitter, Ohman wrote this week: “After my injury at the end of last season, I’m still unsure when I can return to football.

“I’ve spent just over six years in London and I have loved every minute of it.

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“I arrived at the age of 21 all by myself and, after close to 300 games, I leave with loads of experience and memories for life.

“All the highs - from being involved at West Ham for nearly three years to playing at Wembley and to the lows of losing Play-off Finals.

Folkestone defender Callum Davies tussles with Brad Schafer, of Hythe. Picture: Randolph File

“Sadly, injuries and other setbacks play a big part in football and life, but I know this is the best decision for me at this point in my life and career.

“To all the Folkestone fans, I’d just want to say a massive thank you. I would also like to place on record my gratitude to all the fans, players, managers and people I’ve met during my time here - you have always been great with me.

“My journey in football and life now continues in Australia where I will be closer to family and my real home.”

It means, with Folkestone’s new season starting in less than two weeks, Invicta may look for a replacement. But they have retained Joe Coleman.

Invicta continued their run of warm-up games, beating neighbours Hythe 5-1 at home to win the Sid Burvill Trophy on Saturday.

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Their goals came from Ade Cole, Ibrahim Olutade and Jordan Ababio, as well as David Smith’s double, while ex-Tonbridge and Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow took charge of the visitors in the absence of Cannons boss Steve Watt.

Folkestone joint-head coach Micheal Everitt said: “Pre-season is about getting into habits. Winning is the most important one.

“Winning and sharing the goals around the front boys was good. The only thing missing was a clean sheet, but there’s still things to work on.

“Are we there yet? Probably not.

“But we’re getting there.”

That friendly came after they suffered a 3-0 away loss to National League South Maidstone United last Tuesday.

But Everitt, whose team will host Herne Bay in their final friendly this Saturday, said: “It was a great test.

“I probably enjoyed that game as much as any other.

“When we trained on Thursday, we felt there were things we could improve and I thought we addressed some of those issues for Saturday.

“But the first game of the season - that’s the most important thing for us.”

The club have also signed 18-year-old right-back Elliott Moore, formerly of Gillingham, and instantly agreed a dual-registration agreement with Southern Counties East Premier Division Deal.

Moore made his competitive bow for the Hoops and new Folkestone team-mate Lenny Atherton came off the bench at the weekend and, although Steve King’s promotion-chasing outfit were beaten 3-1 at Fisher, Everitt expects Deal to swiftly bounce back.

“We would not send players to clubs we don’t think they would develop at,” he said.

“To be fair, Deal had a good season last season.

“It was a surprise they lost on Saturday, but I’m sure they’ll bounce back.

“They get great crowds and it’s a good pitch, and we speak to the manager quite a lot.”

As well as Moore and Atherton, Fin Dent made his debut for Kennington in their trip to Corinthian in the same division.

The young striker gave his side the lead, although they would eventually be beaten 5-1, while Invicta midfielder Brad Walledge was at the double for New Romney in a 4-2 pre-season friendly win over Westfield.

Everitt suggested: “I think we have got a few with a fair bit of potential.

“To go and get the games, that’s really positive for them.

“We think Elliott Moore has got a really bright future.

“We hope going to Deal and exposing him to games will help him develop a bit more.”

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