Folkestone Invicta manager Andy Drury calms expectation ahead of potentially huge season on and off the pitch at Cheriton Road

Manager Andy Drury has called for patience ahead of what could be a hugely exciting season for Folkestone - on and off the field.

Drury has established a strong Isthmian Premier squad which will harbour ambitions of being around the promotion places.

The club also announced plans for a new 3G pitch in time for the 2025/26 season last week.

But Drury warned: “I’ve had to rebuild two squads in six months.

"It would be great if we’re in National League South this time next year - but that might take time.

“There’s also some very good sides in this league. Chatham are going to be strong again, Dulwich Hamlet are going to be strong, Billericay are going to be strong, Dartford are going to be strong and Horsham will be strong again.

“We’re still one or two away from where we want to be, as well, but we’re excited for the season ahead.”

While Folkestone’s new artificial surface won’t be in place until 2025, Invicta have made improvements to the bar, the changing rooms and the existing grass pitch this summer.

“There’s been a lot of work done this summer with the bar and the pitch has been upgraded,” said Drury.

“The changing rooms are getting renovated as well. With the 3G pitch going down, that will be another transition period.

“But everyone on and off the pitch is pushing in the same direction.

"It’s really exciting times for the club.”

Folkestone secured a third friendly win at Ashford last weekend, beating the Isthmian South East side 2-0 through Joel-Michael Odeniran and Matt Young.

Drury, whose side ran out 4-0 winners at Whitstable last Tuesday thanks to Tom Derry’s hat-trick and striker Dan Smith’s goal, said: “All the boys up top have scored, which is good.

“Tom has three, Dan has got a couple, and Evans [Kouassi] has