Neil Cugley insists there's no risk attached to signing Alfie Paxman from Ramsgate.

Folkestone had to pay their Kent rivals a fee for the talented forward, who is stepping up a level from Bostik South.

Paxman is unproven in the Premier Division but Cugley has form when it comes to picking up gems from the league below.

He said: "We've had Sam Hasler, Scott Heard and Harry Smith, a few who have done well for us.

"I don't even think it's a gamble. He'll be pushing to get in the team and that's what we want.

"He's a lad we've kept an eye on over the last 18 months or so. I thought it would be worth giving him a go.

"He's a winger, left or right, pacy and scored quite a lot of goals last year.

"I'm looking forward to working with him."

Paxman found the back of the net 23 times in 2017-18 as Ramsgate finished 16th under Lloyd Blackman.

He joins Ade Yusuff and Johan ter Horst in Folkestone's strikeforce which could be bolstered further this week.

Cugley said: "Three more of my players from last year have signed on so I'm getting there now, getting closer.

"It's down to finances; one comes in, one goes, but I'm quite happy.

"I do know there's a couple who are talking to other clubs.

"I'll then talk to other players while they're talking to whoever they want to but 90% of the team will be the same as last year.

"I'm talking to another player later this week. I'm waiting on two or three who are going to let me know and vice versa."

Making the play-offs again will be the aim for Invicta after they surprised everyone by finishing fourth this season.

But Cugley said: "Money talks, doesn't it? I talk to different players but can't get near what they want. We're not near the top in terms of budgets.

"With Dulwich and Billericay going up, they're two big payers and massive clubs so it might even it all up and make it a closer league next season.

"But you do hear about teams having a go, like Kingstonian, Dorking and Margate, who are signing some quality players."