Backroom changes as Invicta prepare for new campaign

Invicta boss Neil Cugley has this week reassured supporters that everything is now falling into place ahead of the 2012/13 season that starts in earnest in a couple of months time.

Chairman Mark Jenner’s website statement, dated May 20, announced the departure of long-serving secretary Neil Pilcher and his wife Sally – who has run the boardroom hospitality for almost as long – and also outlined director Jim Pellatt’s indication that he also wants to play something of a lesser role.

Mr Jenner also underlined the need for volunteers to come forward to fill these positions, and others to help out in the match-to-match running of the now established Ryman One South club.

Manager Cugley said: “I was getting phonecalls from all kinds of people asking what is going on, and feel it is only right that we should put the record straight.

“Richard Murrill, our programme editor, and a well known figure around the club is taking over as secretary, and I am confident that he will be able to fulfil the dual-function very well.”

Former Ashford Town secretary Elaine Orsbourne, who has provided back up for Neil Pilcher, will carry on in an unofficial capacity, helping the new secretary settle in.

Cugs added: “We have had quite a few people come forward to offer their help. Mark (Jenner) has been away, but now he is back we will be holding a meeting soon to see who is willing to do what and to assess whether we feel they will be suitable for those roles.”

The Football Club owes a tremendous vote of thanks to Neil and Sally for everything they have done over so many years.

Equally, supporters who have come into contact with Jim Pellatt on a regular basis will be sorry to hear of his decision – though Jim, still at the moment the company secretary has already told website forum followers that he will be around to see that things are working well before breaking his ties with the club in the longer term.

He too deserves tremendous praise and thanks for helping to guide Folkestone Invicta successfully through some difficult years.

Mr Cugley said: “I hope this clarifies the situation. We can always do with more help behind the scenes, but rather than the club being in trouble, we’re probably better placed than ever in many ways and all very much looking forward to next season.”

Neil is particularly heartened by the healthy state of affairs regarding two absolutely vital sections of Folkestone Invicta Football Club – its traditionally strong youth section and Stripes Social Club, now managed by one of their former youth team managers, Matt Norris.

Ex-player Andy Bates is the new chairman of the youth section which will be running some 19 teams this coming season and first team boss Cugley added: “I’m sure that Andy will do well, and he has some very good people helping to run the youth section and all of those teams. A successful youth section is the lifeblood of a club like ours.”

The Stripes social club – one of a surprisingly small number of venues of its kind in the Folkestone area – has experienced an upturn in popularity in recent months and now has only a few vacancies for Friday and Saturday evenings for the rest of the year.

To enquire about available dates please phone 01303 221819 and ask for Matt Norris - or leave an message on the answerphone at any time.

Meanwhile, supporters and friends of the football club are helping get the ground and facilities in the best order possible for the next campaign with work parties getting stuck in to a variety of tasks throughout the summer.

Manager Cugley added: “Even at this stage, a lot of work has been done and things are beginning to look much better already, though I know the supporters club can always do with a bit more help.”

· Can you help your successful local football club in any way, shape or form – from the boardroom to the basics of painting a fence or two? More volunteers are always needed – please contact the club on 01303 257461 or any supporters club official, for details of how you can help.