Stand tribute honours stalwart

Folkestone Invicta have honoured life-long supporter and long-serving director Brian Merryman by renaming a stand after him, writes Mick Cork.

The Ryman League's First Division South club officially opened their newly renamed stand at the Buzzlines Stadium on Monday with Merryman's help, pictured.

Labelled the 'grandads' stand' by hardier terrace supporters in recent years, it was originally named after another Folkestone legend, former manager and late Folkestone Invicta President Wilf Armory.

A born and bred Folkestonian, Merryman spent his working life in the insurance industry and was also a wily spin bowler for Folkestone Equitable Cricket Club. In an interview with the club's offical website - www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk - he said: "I first started coming over here to watch Folkestone Town when I was about 10 or so, sixty years ago, and I’ve been a regular virtually ever since."

Like all long-suffering supporters, Merryman was disappointed to see the old Folkestone club fold with debts of more than £200,000 in 1969. He became a Folkestone Invicta director soon after then chairman, the late Tom Guiver, and manager Gary Staniforth, had the foresight to take the club to Cheriton Road in 1991 - a major stepping stone towards the club gaining senior status a year or so later.

Manager Neil Cugley paid tribute to Invicta's long-serving board member. Cugley said: "A fair number of directors have come and gone at this club during that time - but good old Brian has always been there!"