Folkestone Invicta striker David Smith has a big decision to make over his future

Neil Cugley feels striker David Smith would benefit from another season at Folkestone.

Smith is attracting interest at higher levels after scoring 35 league and cup goals for Isthmian Premier Invicta this season.

The 23-year-old has been offered new terms at Cheriton Road and it’s down to the player to decide where his future lies.

“I’d like to see him at Folkestone next season but I also understand if he’s got a chance of full-time football, he might want to take it,” said Invicta boss Cugley.

“I’m talking to other forwards but I’d love him to stay. It’s out of my hands.

“I’m going to say I think he’d benefit from another year here, because I’m biased, but he was in and out of a few teams before he came here and we have given him a platform to show what he can do.

“Does he need another year at this level? I maybe think he does but he might not think that.

“We get on very well and whichever way he chooses to go, I’m happy, because he’ll either be playing for us or he’ll have got himself a good move.”

Smith came through the academy at Maidstone before cutting his teeth in non-league at Sittingbourne.

He was signed by Dover, then in the National League, but found chances limited at Crabble and dropped back into Isthmian League football with Ashford before Folkestone pounced.

“Folkestone was a great choice for him,” said Cugley.

“We gave him the chance to come in and be the main striker and he’s done well for us. I am a bit biased but we’re a good club for forwards because we play attacking football.”

Cugley is in talks with transfer targets as he bids to mount another promotion challenge next season.

One asset in the market could be the grass pitch at Cheriton Road.

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