Phil Starkey is heading back at Folkestone to bolster their squad ahead of a packed winter fixture list.

The utility man was part of Invicta’s title-winning side in 2015/16 but hasn’t played for more than six months after injuring his shoulder.

Starkey needed surgery but his rehabilitation is now almost complete and he could soon be pulling on a Folkestone shirt again.

Manager Neil Cugley, whose side are due to play eight league games in December and another seven in January, also has Ronnie Dolan fit again.

He said: “We’ve picked up points even with a small squad.

“Two of those were out on Saturday with suspensions, two good players, Scott Heard and Callum Davies and we still got the points.

“Now we’ve got Ronnie Dolan back and Phil Starkey’s nearly fit now so he’ll be back to the club as well.

“He had an operation on his shoulder and now he’s got the OK to start training again properly. Hopefully, we can sort something out with him shortly.

“We’re actually getting stronger. To get this number of points already and hopefully have a stronger squad for December and January is pleasing.

“Ronnie Dolan’s a class player and it’ll be great to get him back among it. plus the other people are back as well.”

New signings are still a possibility but it’s not a matter of urgency.

“I haven’t really chased,” Cugley said. “I’ll just wait and see. I don’t want to bring players in for the sake of it, they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got. I might bring one more in and then I’ll be quite happy.

“Starkey can play in any position and Ronnie’s a quality midfield player, so I’m not desperate in any position. I’m not having any sleepless nights.

“We don’t always have a full bench but maybe that will change now with these players coming along. We’ll finish up with two games a week right through to the end of January so instead of 13 players, it does make a big difference having a full squad.”

Folkestone don’t play on Saturday so their next game is at home to Enfield on
Tuesday.

The sides drew 1-1 on the opening day and Cugley said: “I remember saying at the time to their manager ‘we’ve still got a bit of work to do’ and both clubs have worked to get things better. They’re a better side now and we are, too.

“They’ve near enough brought in a new team and we’ve brought half a team in so both sides have settled down a bit and it’ll be a good game.”