Frankie Morgan thinks he’s ready for Isthmian Premier football after he agreed to join Folkestone from Sheppey.

Former Charlton youth-team defender Morgan arrives for the 2024/25 season after nearly two years at Holm Park.

Morgan, also formerly of Corinthian and Herne Bay, said: “I have played a lot of games at Step 4.

“I have been pretty successful in my time, playing Step 4 football.

“I’ve had some really good experiences. It felt like this was the next step for me to really test myself.

“I believe I’m capable, but it’s about seeing what the standard is like and pushing on from there.”

The 22-year-old revealed his summer switch came about after he was contacted by Invicta boss Andy Drury, who also reunited with former Margate skipper Sam Blackman at Folkestone last week.

“I just got a message from the manager (Drury) after the season finished,” Morgan explained. “We had a few conversations from there.

“He told me a bit more about the club and where he sees me fitting into his plans.

“It seemed like something I wanted to be involved in.”

Drury, now 40, has plenty of Football League playing experience himself, having turned out for Stevenage, Luton and Ipswich.

“That helps a lot when the manager has played at a very good level,” admitted Morgan. “I’m always looking to learn and improve my game.

“I think it’s a really good quality that he’s a manager that has played the game at a really good level.”

Morgan leaves Ernie Batten’s Ites after twice missing out on the Isthmian South East play-off positions.

He said: “Sheppey is a brilliant club, I thank everyone for my time there.

“I met so many great people and played with so many great players. I formed a great relationship with the fans.

“It was a really hard decision but one I felt I had to make.”

While with Sheppey, Morgan also helped the club make the First Round of the FA Cup, where they lost 4-1 to League 2 Walsall in front of the television cameras last November.

“That experience I had - going that far in the FA Cup - will live with me forever,” reflected Morgan, younger brother of Blackpool midfielder Albie Morgan.

“If I can do it again, I would absolutely love to!

“The feeling of playing in those massive games and getting on television, nothing compares to it.”

Drury has lofty ambitions for Folkestone’s 2024/25 campaign, something which aligns nicely with Morgan’s plans.

He said: “I’m ambitious. I want to win games of football.

"I’m extremely competitive. Everything I do, I want to win.

“I want to play my part in pushing Folkestone up the table.

“I want to win games and see how far we can go.”

In a bid to ensure they are battling at the top-end of Isthmian Premier, Drury has also signed long-serving former Tonbridge goalkeeper Jonny Henly, as well as midfielders Dean Rance and Jack Jebb.

Invicta also added former Maidstone fans' favourite Joan Luque to their ranks this week, as well as one-time Portsmouth youth-team product forward Dan Smith.

“That’s brilliant,” noted Morgan. “Like I said, I’m always willing to learn and take my game to the next level.

“The players I will be playing with have played at good levels. I will be trying to do all I can to become a better player.”

Another big factor behind the move was the club’s fanbase.

Morgan said: “That was also a really big part in my decision.

"I love playing in front of a lot of fans. It gives you a buzz.

“I’m sure the fans down there are great and I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

Striker Dave Smith has U-turned on previously-agreed terms and departs Folkestone.

Folkestone fans’ forums have been scheduled for July 29, November 25, February 24 and May 12 during 2024/25 at Cheriton Road while the supporters’ club AGM has been set for Tuesday, June 18 at 7pm.