Forward Ira Jackson Jr has left Folkestone in order to have a break from playing football.

Jackson has scored more than 50 goals for the Isthmian Premier outfit, with the former Football League player rejoining Invicta on the eve of their 2022/23 season.

But the 27-year-old, who got married last summer, has struggled to find his best form for most of this term and it was revealed on Wednesday he will be stepping away from playing football for now - although he still will support Invicta’s youth players through Pro Calibre Coaching.

Jackson said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I take a step away from two things that I’ve loved - one thing being Folkestone Invicta and the other being the game of football.

“I would like to thank the chairman (Josh Healey), the gaffer, Andy Drury, coaching staff and my team-mates who have been nothing but supportive of my decision to take a step back from football for the foreseeable future.

“I know and appreciate that to some this may come as a shock, but I thought I owed it to myself, my wife, my team-mates and the amazing fans of the club to step away at this point in my career due to personal reasons that I didn’t want to affect my performances and (the) overall teams result.

“I have loved being a part of such a great club and I won’t be a stranger, as I’ll be continuing my relationship with Folkestone in a different way by continuing to support the personal development and aspirations of many Folkestone youth players through Pro Calibre Coaching.

“Again, thank you all for your support and I wish the club the best for the future.”

Jackson played for numerous clubs across Kent in the early stages of his career before he found a home at Cheriton Road.

He joined Grimsby in August 2020 and spent just over a year at the club.

Jackson then spent the 2021/22 campaign at Wealdstone, ahead of agreeing to return to Folkestone and was on a two-year contract - a deal which has been cut short.

He had eight goals this season, albeit he hadn’t got on the scoresheet since October’s FA Trophy brace in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Haringey after a 3-3 draw.