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'Business as usual' says boss Neil Cugley in face of off-field problems at Folkestone Invicta

Neil Cugley
Neil Cugley

Neil Cugley insists it is "business as usual" at Folkstone Invicta this summer, despite off-field departures sending shock waves through the club.

Acting chairman Mark Jenner released a statement this week saying the club’s future could be in jeopardy if volunteers do not come forward to help with off-the-field affairs.

The claim came following the news joint-acting chairman Jim Pellatt, who handles club finance, would be stepping down and long-serving secretary Neil Pilcher and his wife Sally, who runs the hospitality side of the club, were leaving their roles.

Mr Pellatt and Mr Jenner took over in a temporary capacity last season following the departure of chairman Lynn Woods.

Mr Jenner said the club had "achieved a degree of stability" after the financial crisis of three years ago, which left the club agreeing a Company Voluntary Agreement to repay unpaid taxes.

But he warned: "We have limited time to reorganise and prepare for next season. If you have some time and unspent energy that can be put to the use of the club, please step forward now.

"If I do not have an adequate response by the middle of June, I will have no alternative but to also, reluctantly, step aside and put the matter back to shareholders to look for a new board of directors."

However, manager Cugley has played down some of the events at Cheriton Road.

He said: "I am not sure it’s as dramatic as all that. We are all just hoping to have some new people come forward. We’ll just get on with it. We’re working on the pitch, we’re sorting out friendlies and arranging when training will start. It is business as usual. The thing is that we need more help off the field. We want people to come forward."

Mr Jenner revealed he had "already received encouraging responses" and added: "I believe we can do it with a bit of effort and all pulling together, as we have demonstrated in the past."

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