Jim Pellatt has stepped down as chairman of Isthmian Premier Folkestone as he retires with immediate effect.

The former chairman took up his previous role again on a short-term basis at Cheriton Road in November as part of an Invicta boardroom shake-up which saw long-serving former manager Neil Cugley become the club’s head of football operations.

But after “the unremitting pressures of the last few months”, he has opted to call time on his footballing involvement.

“After 17 years with the club, I have decided it is time for me to retire completely,” he said in a statement, published on Wednesday.

“Therefore I’m stepping down with immediate effect, as chairman, resigning as a director and retiring.

“The unremitting pressures of the last few months have taken a big toll on my health and personal well-being and, at my age, it is too much.”

Invicta thanked Pellatt and revealed discussions are taking place regarding possible investment into the club.

“The club would like to thank Jim Pellatt for his years of voluntary hard work and support,” they said. “We hope that Jim has a speedy recovery and, hopefully, we will see him at FIFC in the near future.

“Jim has been totally committed to the stability and growth of our club and has been a stalwart of FIFC for many years.

“We are fortunate to be supported by our new sponsors and other interested local organisations to continue to move the club forward and assist in all aspects of business administration.

“FIFC can confirm that discussions are taking place regarding possible investment into the club. While these discussions are ongoing, the club continues to be run as normal, with undivided attention on matters on and off the field.

“The club will keep supporters informed as the talks progress.

“Meanwhile [joint-bosses] Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge are working hard to attract new signings to strengthen our squad and build a strong team for the start of [the] 23/24 season.”

Pellatt was first appointed Folkestone chairman in 2014.