Folkestone Invicta manager Jay Saunders sees potential to push on in National League South after improving his Isthmian Premier title-winning squad

Jay Saunders believes Folkestone Invicta have the squad to compete in National League South but he’s also keen to manage expectations.

Saunders’ side amassed 96 points and scored 102 goals en route to winning the Isthmian Premier title last season and promotion to Step 2.

He’s only improved the squad since then, signing the likes of Aaron Cosgrave, John Akinde, Reggie Young, Alejandro Machado and Harvey Kedwell, and there’s optimism Invicta can push on in their new league.

Boss Saunders won promotion from National League South at the first attempt with Maidstone a decade ago.

The league has changed since then, with an increasing number of full-time clubs, but Folkestone, who reported for pre-season on Tuesday, are up for the challenge.

“I think it’s always slightly different when you go up a league,” said Saunders. “You stick to your beliefs and how you want to do things - obviously they’ve been successful for us last year.

“We know it’s a big jump but if you look at the squad it’s full of players that have played that level and above, and we’ve got the younger ones that haven’t but are eager to do so, so I think we’ve got a good blend.

“Last season couldn’t have gone any better.

“We know what this league is about and we know it’s getting tougher each year.

“There aren’t many part-time clubs and you only have to look at the signings clubs are making.

“No disrespect to the league we’ve come out of but there were certain games where you thought if we’re on it today, or half on it, we’ll get three points, whereas in National South it’s not like that. There are no gimmes.

“Everyone can beat everyone. You get one or two big clubs at the top who seem to pull away but for us it’s really exciting. It’s a league I enjoy working