Chairman Paul Morgan has denied claims of bullying in the Folkestone Invicta boardroom.

Former director Cliff Egan launched a lengthy attack on the club’s hierarchy in a post on their online fans forum.

Egan, who resigned in June, believes Invicta cannot progress unless changes are made at board level.

He said: “Clive Arnold and myself resigned due to the constant aggression.

“The people running the club want it kept small so they can keep power.”

Mr Morgan denied there was a bullying culture at the club and said supporters directing criticism at manager Neil Cugley, who is also director of football, and director Jim Pellatt, were being unfair.

He said: “I have been at every board meeting since I have been involved with the club and I have never witnessed any bullying.

“I have witnessed board members challenging each other but never bullying.

“As a club we have only had one complaint regarding bullying and this did not involve any of the current board members.

“Personal attacks at Jim and Neil are totally out of order. Supporters want them off the board and I don’t know why.

“Jim does a fantastic job for this club.

“The club are in the best position for many years, not in debt, so what has he done so wrong? Jim has dealt with major issues, he works numerous hours every week and is a valuable asset to our club.

“Neil was asked to be a director and has brought in thousands in sponsorship.

“He has not taken any commission, sacrificed a large amount of his salary and put in his own money.”

Folkestone’s ambition has been questioned in the latest debate. They reached the Bostik Premier play-offs last season and are currently fifth with 12 points from six games.

Egan said: “The board has no business plan, income streams or vision to compete any higher and certainly not to sustain National League South status.

“Supporters should ask why clubs like Maidstone, Dartford and Margate have eclipsed Folkestone off the field when they were in a worse state than Invicta were in, as they did not have a ground to play at.

“Their boards had a vision and business plan off the field and most importantly implemented those plans.”

But Mr Morgan said: “We want promotion. We nearly got promoted last season and have raised the playing budget.

“But we also weighed up our financial situation as being in debt will not move the club forward.

“Not long ago the club had debts of £187,000. We cannot change the past but this board have learnt from the management of others.

“As a board we don’t like to rush into making decisions but some people are 100mph and that’s when mistakes are made which could cause the club financial damage.

“Everything that has been said on the forum over the past few weeks is damaging the club.

“Players do not wish to join a club that is unsettled as we have recently found out when attempting to strengthen the squad.

“Myself and all the directors have the best interests of this club at heart and we all want to work together towards promotion.”