by Alex Hoad

Whitstable Town midfielder Micheal Everitt says he can’t wait to start his ‘new challenge’ with his new club.

The 29-year-old midfielder made more than 500 appearances for Folkestone Invicta after coming through the youth ranks at Cheriton Road.

However, he opted to turn down a one-year deal with Invicta and instead joined Ryman League Division 1 South rivals Whitstable last month.

Everitt (pictured) said: "Folkestone offered me a new deal, so they wanted me to stay but it was time for a new challenge.

"I had a few calls but I have known Whitstable boss Justin Luchford for a long time and he sold the club to me.

"To finish fourth-bottom last season was a disappointment for them but they want to push for the play-offs. It is all positive.

"I played my first youth game at Folkestone when I was 10 and my first first-team game at 16 so it will be strange going into a new club and a new changing room for the first time but I am looking forward to it."

Everitt admitted the games between his new side and old one will be the first dates he looks for when the fixtures are released next month.

He said: "I look forward to going back. Folkestone is a great club, I had so many good years there and there are so many good people there – I can’t speak highly enough of the place."