Former Colchester United midfielder Donell Thomas joins Isthmian Premier Folkestone Invicta after successful trial

A former Football League midfielder has signed for Folkestone.

Donell Thomas, who will turn 22 next month, was confirmed as boss Jay Saunders’ 10th signing of the summer on Monday night.

Thomas has been part of Isthmian Premier Folkestone’s squad throughout pre-season and scored in their friendly 3-0 victory at Hythe earlier this month.

The versatile midfielder is a product of Colchester’s Academy system where he played with Invicta striker Jake Hutchinson.

He featured in the FA Youth Cup and the EFL Trophy, as well as being handed a League 2 debut by then-Colchester manager Wayne Brown in 2022.

Saunders, whose team won 2-0 at Northern Premier League club Bradford (Park Avenue) last weekend, told the club website: “Donell has come in with us for pre-season, done really well and has fitted in great with the boys in the dressing room.

“He’s added something different and can play a few positions - he’s played both centrally and wide.

“He showed us what he is capable of on Saturday with the chances he created in the first half and we’re looking forward to working with him this season.”

“This season, I think there’s a good group of lads,” said Thomas.

“[With] the environment, I think there’s just a winning mentality at the club.

“I think we can go on and do good things this season.”

Thomas made 30 appearances on loan at Bishop’s Stortford in their Isthmian Premier-winning 2022/23 season.

He departed Colchester last summer, joining Bowers & Pitsea, before he spent the second half of last season with Cheshunt.

Thomas said: “That was probably my first season fully-fit.

“I had a few great games there (at Cheshunt), scored a few goals and, overall, it was a good season.”

He will hope to earn a starting berth for Invicta’s first