Folkestone Invicta manager Andy Drury prepared to be patient while putting finishing touches to new-look squad

Andy Drury is prepared to be patient while he puts the final touches to Folkestone’s squad.

Invicta returned to pre-season training ahead of the new Isthmian Premier campaign last weekend.

Boss Drury was impressed with what he saw from his squad but conceded they’re not the finished article yet.

“On paper, it looks like a strong, experienced, side,” he said. “We have got a couple of exciting youngsters in there, as well.

“Everyone came back in good shape and Saturday’s session was good.

“It was quite a busy summer, really, with everything we have had to do to kind of build a new squad for the second time in six or seven months.

“It was nice to be back out on the pitch and not worrying about talking to players about money!

“We have six weeks to prepare for the new season.

“We’re not the finished article - we’re still probably two or three away from where I want to get to - but I’m happy with what we have got on paper and I was pleased with what I saw.”

Invicta are in talks with players who still hold ambitions of playing at a higher level.

Should they not be able to get that kind of move, though, Drury thinks Folkestone will be ready to pounce.

He said: “We’ve not got a bottomless pit. We have got a budget and we have used it quite well.

“What some players are asking for is unrealistic so, with those that don’t have clubs, their demands will start to go down.

“We’re speaking to some National League players that are wanting to see if they can get a National League club. If not, I’ve had good talks with them.

“But they have got to be the right calibre of player to improve us.”

Sports therapist Beth Cooper has joined while further additions to Invicta’s backroom staff are set to be confirmed shortly.

“Even with backroom staff, it takes time to get people in,” said Drury. “If you’re taking over in mid-season, a lot of people are already in jobs.

“Like with everything in football, really, you need a bit of time.

“There’s a couple more members of staff that will be announced in the next week or two, which is good.”

Folkestone begin their run of warm-up fixtures on Saturday (kick-off 1pm) at Sheppey before a return to The Belmont for Drury as they visit Southern Counties East Premier Division side Whitstable on Tuesday.

Drury warned: “I don’t think you can read too much into the first four or five games of pre-season. People are just getting minutes.

“So, it’s not really so important that we turn them over. Everyone needs to get the right amount of minutes.

"Then, I can start looking at the system we want to go into the season with a bit further down the line.

“I’ve got a couple in mind but you don’t really know until the players are performing together.”

Folkestone are looking for part-time bar staff to join the growing team at Cheriton Road’s Dugout Sports Bar & Kitchen.

Interested applicants can apply by emailing hospitality@folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk or they can message The Dugout’s Facebook page.