Folkestone Invicta are under new leadership after a consortium of local businesses came together to take on the day-to-day operations of the Isthmian Premier club.

The deal will see Addington Leisure join forces with Invicta’s new headline sponsor Alcaline - the Anglo-Italian haulage, shipping and warehousing group, based at nearby Lympne.

Their aim is to secure the long-term financial future of Folkestone Invicta at Cheriton Road for the benefit of the local community.

Josh Healey, owner of Addington Leisure, will work closely with former chairman Jim Pellatt who has helped shape the club, as Healey takes on the role of chairman.

He said: “We’re confident fans will see positive changes, on and off the field.

“We’re fully behind joint-head coaches Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge and their efforts to strengthen the squad – work which is already under way with some exciting new signings.

“We have a five to 10-year plan for the club and will build an even more engaged and passionate community around it. A key part of that will be making it a place to not only watch great local football, but also to enjoy memorable family events in the new ‘Dug Out’ sports bar.

“We want to work in partnership with the fans, council, sponsors, residents and the whole football family of Folkestone, and we are committed to putting the club at the heart of the local community.”

In the coming seasons, their plan is to transform Folkestone and introduce new training facilities, including a 3G pitch.

Managing director of Alcaline, Lorenzo Zaccheo, said: “As an Italian, football is my blood and, when Josh approached us to get on board and join the Invicta team as [a] commercial partner, we jumped at it.

“There’s already a strong desire to win within the club.

“Josh has now brought in a team of food, beverage and event people, led by Charlie Wilson as director of operations, and will create a place that appeals to the current fans, and the wider Folkestone community.

“We’d like to thank MP Damian Collins and Stephen James for introducing us to the club.”

The Dug Out will be a place for members of the community to relax and socialise.

Managed by Will Sheldon and Hugh Thompson, who have successfully transformed The Marquis of Granby at Alkham and The Tiger Inn at Stowting, it will now serve the needs of home and away fans, and visitors.

Neil Cugley - having managed Invicta between 1997 and 2022 to become one of the longest-serving English football club manager - is taking on a director of football role. He will work alongside Paul Stanton as Academy director.