Folkestone Invicta boss Jay Saunders on signing of wideman Reggie Young and exit of top scorer Jake Hutchinson

Jay Saunders is tipping Reggie Young to quickly become a Folkestone fans’ favourite.

The wideman is someone Invicta boss Saunders has been a long-time admirer of and, now, Young has agreed to come on board at Cheriton Road following his departure from Dagenham & Redbridge.

He became a fifth summer signing, joining forwards John Akinde and Aaron Cosgrave, alongside midfielders Alejandro Machado and Harvey Kedwell, in making the move ahead of the club’s inaugural National League South season.

Saunders said: “From the minute we played against him at Farnborough, he impressed straight away.

“We tried to sign him every year at Tonbridge. We didn’t really have a natural leftie and he’ll work his socks off.

“He’s a really infectious character and player, as well. He knows a couple of the lads, like [Kevin] Lokko.

“I think he’s someone the fans will take to straight away.

“I remember John Akinde making his debut at Gravesend & Northfleet.

“It’s not only the players - it’s the characters - and Aaron Cosgrave is another one I have known since he was a young lad at Colchester.

"Harvey is another one I have known for a long time and his dad [one-time Folkestone No.2 Danny Kedwell), as well.

“I feel they will come in and really strengthen our squad.”

Saunders is confident those signed will add another string to Invicta’s bow as they adapt to life at Step 2.

“I felt last year, when we looked at it, we didn’t have enough different options,” Saunders said. “That sounds stupid because we won the league - and won comfortably!

“But with John, we have got someone that the ball can stick with and Aaron Cosgrave is absolutely lightning quick. Both of them have played in the Football League and the National League.

“Then, we have Alejando, who