Former Gillingham striker and four-time promotion winner John Akinde - also previously of Ebbsfleet United, Margate and Whitstable Town - signs for National League South Folkestone Invicta

Former Gillingham striker John Akinde has made a playing return to the county, signing for a newly-promoted side.

Akinde, who turns 37 in July, has signed for National League South Folkestone Invicta.

Having played at Priestfield from 2020 until 2022, Akinde most recently had enjoyed spells at Braintree and Colchester United.

But the four-time promotion winner will ply his trade at Cheriton Road in the 2026/27 campaign under boss Jay Saunders - and will need little introduction to many of his new team-mates.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Akinde told the club website. “I played with Jay a long time ago now [at Margate] so, when he called me, it was, obviously, a nice call to have.

“I know a few players who have played here and speak very highly of the club. I played with Donell [Thomas] at Colchester and know Woody (Adam Woodyard) and Pigs (Joe Pigott) from the times I’ve played against them.

“I know the gaffer is very ambitious. He wants to do well again, which I want to be a part of – so that’s what drew me here and, hopefully, I can help.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys, as well as the fans.”

Folkestone joint-No.2 Lloyd Blackman, himself a former Football League frontman, said: “We are delighted to have signed John.

“He’s a player that needs absolutely no introduction and someone we’ve been tracking since we arrived here last year.

“His experience and quality will be invaluable as well as his strength and physicality – which we feel will complement the squad and the other players we have in the forward areas.”

Akinde started his senior career at Ebbsfleet and played on loan at Whitstable Town, as well as Margate, in that time and helped the Fleet to an historic 1-0 FA Trophy final triumph over Torquay at