Andy Drury intends to set his sights high with Isthmian Premier Folkestone after committing to remain in charge of the club next season.

Drury has moved Invicta well clear of Isthmian Premier relegation since he took the helm at Cheriton Road, inspiring their much-improved form since the turn of the year.

Beginning to look ahead to the 2024/25 campaign, manager Drury is looking for a play-off place.

“We will be ambitious next year,” he said. “It’s up to me to get the recruitment right.

“You can see at the moment that everyone is working really hard for each other.

“What you cannot afford to have in this league is a couple of players that aren’t really on the same page and just come in to pick up a bit of money.

“That’s up to me to get right in the summer to make sure that we get the right characters in and can have a successful season.”

Drury, 40, replaced joint-managers Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge at Folkestone in November.

He said: “Me and the chairman, Josh Healey, had a good chat.

“We’re on the same page. He’s happy with the work I’ve done.

“It’s a really good club, it’s got a good set of supporters, the chairman wants it to go in the right direction, and he’s been good with me.

“He’s helped with everything I have asked, so I’m delighted to stay.”

Invicta earned an impressive 3-1 home win against play-off chasing Horsham last weekend in front of a crowd of 670 to move them to five victories in their last seven fixtures.

Captain Ian Gayle broke the deadlock in the 15th minute and their second came through an own goal from a free-kick by Eddie Allsopp shortly before the half-hour mark. After the restart, playmaker Allsopp then netted himself to leave a late James Hammond penalty to be in vain.

“It was a good result,” reflected Drury. “I think they could have gone third if they’d won on Saturday. To win by that scoreline was quite pleasing.

“Gayley scored. I think Tom Derry then got a flick-on to Eddie’s free-kick and then it came off their player for the second.

“We didn’t actually play that well in possession of the ball, to be honest. The turnover was quite high but our sheer hard work, desire and togetherness in both boxes was good.

“We were clinical in front of goal and defended well - Callum Davies and Gayley - were really good on Saturday but our whole back four defended our box well.”

Folkestone visit second-placed Chatham for a Kent derby this Saturday.

“It will be a big game,” noted Drury. “Obviously, they have had a really good season.

“They have a lot of quality and it will be up to us to kind of spoil the party a little bit.

“If you look at the form guide over the past six games, we’re probably in and around - if not better - than them anyway. I’m sure they will be apprehensive of facing us on a good run, as well.”

Drury played for Chatham last season and helped steer Kevin Hake’s team to the Isthmian South East title.

“It’s a well-run club and they have done a good job there,” said Drury, who is close friends with Chats’ player-assistant manager Danny Kedwell.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the play-offs but, if they go up, I will congratulate them. We will be going there to get a win.”

Defender Chris Sessegnon, midfielders Dean Rance and Cameron Brodie, alongside forward Derry, are doubts for the Chatham clash.

Folkestone are at home to Concord on Tuesday night.