Former Charlton, AFC Wimbledon and Ipswich striker Joe Pigott speaks about his move to Folkestone Invicta and the affection he retains for hometown club Maidstone United

Joe Pigott has described Folkestone as an exciting project as he settles into life with the ambitious Isthmian Premier outfit.

Pigott, 31, had offers to stay in the Football League after leaving Leyton Orient at the end of last season.

But the former Charlton, AFC Wimbledon and Ipswich striker chose Folkestone in a move which saw him reunited with Jay Saunders, his old manager at Maidstone.

Pigott has started all three games since his arrival as the Seasiders continue their flying start to the campaign.

They beat Whitehawk 4-1 on his debut, knocked National League South Maidstone out of the FA Cup 2-0 on Friday night, and won 5-2 at Aveley on Monday to move up to second in the table.

He’s still building match fitness but it’s been an encouraging couple of weeks.

“It’s been a good start,” said Pigott, who spent last season back on loan at AFC Wimbledon as they won the League 2 play-offs.

“It’ll probably take me a while to get going properly but it feels pretty good.

“I’ve been keeping really fit but playing games is totally different to anything else you can possibly do.

“I had a big decision to make, especially at my age.

“It was really difficult but hopefully it’s the right decision.

“It’s an exciting project.

“I pretty much knew straight away I’d be leaving Orient.

“I had to weigh up family decisions, moving away and whether it’s worth it or not.

“I just had to weigh everything up and it took quite a while but I got there in the end.

“I had a fair bit of interest but nothing that really excited me.

“It’s difficult after a promotion and probably not playing as much as I wanted to, and then at my age trying to weigh everything up.

“Thirty-one isn’t old but when you’re out of contract, clubs do take these things into