Folkestone Invicta chairman Josh Healey on their search to replace departed managers Michael Everitt and Roland Edge

Folkestone Invicta chairman Josh Healey admitted it was a tough decision to let go of their joint managers.

The club spent the week assessing their options after Michael Everitt and Roland Edge were relieved of their duties following last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with lowly Haringey Borough.

Player-coach Andy Drury was put in temporary charge for last weekend’s game at Dulwich Hamlet, which ended in a 3-1 defeat. Invicta play Bognor Regis at home this Saturday.

Mr Healey said: “We have a shortlist of managers, some of who we have already opened discussions with, and have hit the ground running as we seek to find a suitable replacement.”

A club statement on Wednesday confirmed the departure of the management team, which had been in place for just over a year, having replaced long-serving boss Neil Cugley.

“Making decisions like that isn’t easy, especially when you like the people,” admitted the chairman.

“They are very nice people, good guys and for only knowing them for five or six months I have seen the hard work they have put into the club, but at this stage we are looking to go in a different direction and achieve our ultimate aim of promotion.

“There is a lot of investment going into the club and a lot of work going on behind the scenes to help achieve that goal.

“We had to decide whether to make a call now or make a decision at the end of the season? Collectively, certainly from myself, felt it best to do it now and give ourselves every chance to rebuild and succeed this year.

“They stepped into the role this time last year and did a really good job with what they had at the time. Obviously in the summer when they were making signings they didn’t know where the club was, prior to us arriving in July, they had a couple of