Cugley hails his touchline team

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley has been thanking his touchline team for helping him cap an historic campaign by winning promotion to the Ryman League's top flight next season.

Cugley singled out the support of assistant manager Roland Edge, coach Jason Lillis, physios Dave Williams and Abi Winstanley and groundsman Gary Towse this week in a statement thanking all the staff and volunteers at Cheriton Road for their efforts during the Kent club's march to the Ryman South title in April.

Cugley, who was honoured with The Non-League Paper's Lifetime Achievement accolade at the 2016 National Game Awards at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge in May after taking charge of his 1000th Invicta game during his 19th season at the helm, insisted everybody at the club and in particular his backroom team, should share in the glory.

Cugley said: “There’s no way that this all about me and it’s time that quite a few others were given the recognition they deserve for what we’ve achieved. Foremost among those are clearly assistant manager Roland Edge and coach Jason Lillis.

"Edgey’s been my number two for a while now and we’re maybe a bit too quiet at times, especially perhaps in training, so we needed someone a bit louder and Jason has proved to be just what we needed. He’s a really bubbly character and it’s been brilliant to have him around to help us get over the finishing line.

“We all get on really well, on and off the field, and it’s been great to bounce ideas off each other between the three of us. Incidentally, Edgey’s just become a father for the first time, so our very best wishes go to all the family, and he tells me that his wife and baby Ethan are both doing well.”

Next season will be Cugley’s 20th in charge at the Fullicks Stadium and he wants to carry on for a while yet.

He added: "There’s no reason why not. There’s not much else I’m good at. I’m not a DIY person, I can’t do anything like that. I’ve always liked sport and like the social side as well that comes with it. I’m planning now for next year. When one game’s finished, you’re planning for the next. You never really think about it, your motivation."

Images courtesy of Don Linkin

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook

Where next?

Sky star hails youth boost Sky Sports News presenter Hayley McQueen has congratulated Wingate & Finchley for winning a four figure grant from the Football Foundation to boost grassroots coaching at the Ryman Premier club.
Congratulations to proud mum! The Ryman League's senior administrator Debbie Green is celebrating another special delivery!

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe