Long-serving former manager Neil Cugley has been handed a new position at Folkestone.

Cugley, who last month stood down from his role in the dug-out, will become head of football operations as he remains very much involved after 26 years as their boss.

Former chairman Jim Pellatt will take up his previous role once again on a short-term basis at the Cheriton Road club, too.

“We are now 12 league matches into the new season, with some very good performances, mixed in with some poor ones,” Folkestone said on Tuesday in a club statement.

“On a positive note, we have reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the second season running and the Second Round of the FA Trophy, with an intriguing away tie at Beaconsfield on November 19.

“Our support this season has been tremendous and we thank you all for that, particularly when everyone is feeling the pinch financially.”

Legendary manager Cugley has been replaced at the Folkestone helm by Roland Edge and Micheal Everitt.

The statement from the Isthmian Premier outfit continued: “We have had a higher turnover of players than usual for this season with several new faces, and it takes time and patience to bed new players into the club, and [to find out] what formation best suits their abilities.

“This takes time and patience but our new joint-head coaches, Roland Edge and Micheal Everitt, are working tirelessly with the players to produce the results we all want.

“Neil Cugley will move up to become head of football operations after 26 years as first-team manager. We have gratefully accepted Neil’s generous offer to work without pay.

“It was an obvious choice to promote Roland and Micheal to [become] joint-head coaches. Both are highly experienced coaches and will bring a fresh approach to the playing side. Both are Folkestone Invicta through and through and are totally committed to producing the success the club deserves.

“We are a football club first and foremost, and everything we do is designed to produce success on the field. Our loyal supporters expect no less.

“Behind the scenes, Neil’s new role means he has more time to pursue discussions with potential investors, and people wishing to become involved with the club.

"These are active discussions but they take time and patience. You will be the first to know when there are more concrete proposals.

“Behind the scenes, despite the extensive improvements and financial investment carried out to the ground in the last couple of years, we are actively pursuing possibilities to further improve the stadium. These involve grants, so take some time, but we are always looking at ways to make the stadium better for spectators and visitors.

“Off the field, we must run the business side of the club, which is an ever-growing task, but ensures stability off the field and gives the club the best chance of continuing to move forward. While we look for other interested parties, Bob Dix and Jim Pellatt will continue as directors, with Jim Pellatt stepping in as chairman (pro-tem).

“We wouldn’t have become the club we are today, without all your support, and the tireless work of our many volunteers and officials.

“We thank you all, and every one of us are working tirelessly to bring the club the success on the field our club deserves.”

Mr Pellatt became the club chairman in 2014 and even had a spell as temporary chairman of Folkestone in 2008.