Folkestone Invicta chairman Paul Morgan announces his resignation after FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round defeat to Merthyr Town

Folkestone Invicta chairman Paul Morgan announced his resignation following the club's FA Cup exit on Saturday.

Invicta missed out on a place in the First Round of the FA Cup after losing 2-1 at Merthyr Town.

Morgan made his decision to step aside a couple of weeks ago but opted not to make a public statement until after the FA Cup tie.

He said: "It is with regret and deep sadness that I inform you that as of today I have decided to resign as chairman and director of Folkestone Invicta Football Club.

"I made this decision a couple of weeks ago and informed the directors of my decision at the time. I felt that the announcement should not be made public until after today's FA Cup game so that the moral and support and the performance of the team wasn’t affected in anyway.

"I have had six great years as chairman and as you know I set myself a three-year plan to get the football club promoted to a league the club deserves to be in, but I have sadly failed.

"We nearly got there but nearly is not good enough for me, so I feel it’s time for change and I really hope the new chairman can take the club that step further and get Folkestone Invicta Football Club promoted where I sadly failed.

"I feel I am leaving the football club in good hands, debt free and financially stable. I would like to thank everyone involved with the football club and you the fantastic supporters who have always backed me, got behind me and made me feel welcome from day one. I can’t thank you all enough.

"I would like to wish you all the very best for the season and the future."

Invicta were knocked out of the FA Cup at the Fourth Qualifying Round for the second successive season. They trailed Merthyr 2-0 inside the first 12 minutes on Saturday and