Manager Andy Drury has called for patience ahead of what could be a hugely exciting season for Folkestone - on and off the field.

Drury has established a strong Isthmian Premier squad which will harbour ambitions of being around the promotion places.

The club also announced plans for a new 3G pitch in time for the 2025/26 season last week.

But Drury warned: “I’ve had to rebuild two squads in six months.

"It would be great if we’re in National League South this time next year - but that might take time.

“There’s also some very good sides in this league. Chatham are going to be strong again, Dulwich Hamlet are going to be strong, Billericay are going to be strong, Dartford are going to be strong and Horsham will be strong again.

“We’re still one or two away from where we want to be, as well, but we’re excited for the season ahead.”

While Folkestone’s new artificial surface won’t be in place until 2025, Invicta have made improvements to the bar, the changing rooms and the existing grass pitch this summer.

“There’s been a lot of work done this summer with the bar and the pitch has been upgraded,” said Drury.

“The changing rooms are getting renovated as well. With the 3G pitch going down, that will be another transition period.

“But everyone on and off the pitch is pushing in the same direction.

"It’s really exciting times for the club.”

Folkestone secured a third friendly win at Ashford last weekend, beating the Isthmian South East side 2-0 through Joel-Michael Odeniran and Matt Young.

Drury, whose side ran out 4-0 winners at Whitstable last Tuesday thanks to Tom Derry’s hat-trick and striker Dan Smith’s goal, said: “All the boys up top have scored, which is good.

“Tom has three, Dan has got a couple, and Evans [Kouassi] has got one.

“All the forwards have settled in well and they’re working their socks off. We’ve pressed really well, which is something we didn’t do enough last year.

"I’m really pleased with them so far.”

New goalkeeper Jonny Henly got his first Invicta outing at Homelands and didn’t take long to show his worth.

“Jonny had been away for a week,” explained Drury. “We put him on in the second half, just to get some minutes, and he showed how good he is.

“He’s a good shot-stopper and was dominant in the air.

"I was pleased to get him some minutes.”

He is expected to work closely alongside Academy goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, who filled the void in Henly’s absence.

Drury said: “Dan has done really well.

"He has got himself fit. He will be with us this year and he will not get anyone better than Jonny to learn from.”

Invicta visit Herne Bay this Saturday before Tuesday’s friendly at home against newly-promoted Isthmian South East side Deal.

Drury expects to make calls on the club’s remaining trialists prior to the visit of Steve King’s side, with their big kick-off now just weeks away.

“We will sit down after Saturday and see how they did,” the 40-year-old confirmed. “That’s what pre-season is for - looking at different players, different positions and different formations.

“We got rid of one that’s not quite at the level. For me, if they’re not at the level, I don’t want to waste their time.

"But at the same time, we need to have a good look at the trialists.

“Probably after Saturday, we need to narrow down what we want to do and get some players more minutes.”

Invicta were 2-1 winners at Sittingbourne on Tuesday, with Smith bagging a late brace.

Folkestone will learn their Isthmian Premier fixtures for the new season tonight at 6pm.