By Joe Harbert

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley admits he feels his team have "unfinished business" ahead of the new season.

Invicta were left wondering what could have been when their 2019/20 campaign was halted in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But with the majority of the team’s personnel staying at the Fullicks Stadium for at least another year, Cugley, whose transfer budget will remain the same as it was last season, says his players are looking sharp ahead of a potential return to league action on September 19.

"I’m delighted that we have managed to keep the majority of last season’s squad as we’ve had interest from other clubs for a number of our players," he told the club website.

"We’ve been training for the last two Saturdays, and they’re already looking ready for the new season - it's amazing how well they keep their fitness between seasons nowadays, even more so this year.

"(So) I think there is a bit of unfinished business, as last season we were well-placed in the league and had reached the semi-finals of the Velocity Trophy."

With a host of sides now preparing for a busy summer ahead, Invicta are looking to start their fifth successive season in the Isthmian Premier Division with some momentum.

The club have announced six confirmed pre-season fixtures, with games against step four outfits Herne Bay and Cray Valley the pick of the bunch, in addition to a potential seventh match against Cugley’s former side Ashford in mid-September.

Speaking after the announcement, the former United boss says it was important his current side scheduled some matches for the weeks ahead, starting with their opening game against Ramsgate on Saturday.

“I’m happy that we’ve got a proposed date to start, as it gives us something to aim for and I’m fairly optimistic at this stage although who knows what will happen in the next few weeks,” he added.

“Now that the dates have been released, we need to get some games in before then, although it’s still quite a few weeks before the scheduled start.

“They are currently all away but, at the moment, that doesn’t make much difference as unfortunately supporters aren’t allowed in to see the games.

“Hopefully that will change before we finish them and before the league season starts, which is why the venue for the Ashford game is currently undecided - it gives us more time to ensure our ground is safe for supporters to return when allowed.”

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