New signing Carl Rook believes Folkestone Invicta can emulate Dartford and Maidstone’s rise to Vanarama National League South.

Rook this week signed a one-year contract at the Fullicks Stadium, a decade after manager Neil Cugley first tried to bring him to Folkestone.

He’s arrived to boost their Ryman League Division 1 South title bid in 2015/16 and insists a club of their stature can aim even higher.

Rook said: "As soon as I heard Folkestone were interested, I thought ‘that’s a big club’. I remember playing against them in the Dr Martens League and they were always a big club.

"For them to be in Ryman South, their main aim is to get out of that league and at least be playing in the Ryman Premier. Four times they’ve lost in the play-offs so we need to get that automatic spot next season.

"The Ryman Premier is hard but there’s no reason why they couldn’t go up again.

"Dartford did it, Maidstone have done it and they get a good following down at Folkestone. They’ve got everything there to kick on."

Read the full interview in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.