Smith becomes latest pro graduate

Cugley wished the 21-year-old well after the clubs agreed terms and the forward underwent a medical in south London on Monday.

Smith scored 13 goals in Folkestone’s title-winning season and 20 in total last term after arriving from Sittingbourne just before Christmas. The Brickies are also set to cash in on the player's move to the professional game after inserting a 15 per cent sell-on clause in the deal that took him to the Fullicks Stadium.

Smith's dream move follows a trial at Scottish Premier outfit Aberdeen. He had been with Millwall since mid-July, appearing in friendlies at Dulwich Hamlet, Dover Athletic and Ryman League newcomers Greenwich Borough.

As part of the deal, Millwall have also agreed to send a full strength Lions squad to Cheriton Road next summer in pre-season, an add-on that should please Invicta chairman and Millwall fan Paul Morgan.

Cugley has told the club's fans he is delighted with the deal which also includes a sell-on clause and bonuses for appearances. “The initial payment is somewhat less than we had hoped for but with the add-ons this looks every bit as good an overall deal [for Invicta] as Johan Ter Horst’s transfer to Hull City a couple of years ago," said the Invicta boss.

“Sittingbourne insisted on a clause regarding any sell-on when he signed him last December and they get 15 per cent of the fee, but I believe that Harry’s got a real chance of making it at Millwall and could get his chance reasonably soon in one of the cup competitions they are involved in. If he works hard at it, I really believe that this could be the making of him. And who wouldn’t jump at the chance of becoming a full-time footballer?

“For a lad of six feet six his aerial presence is not all it could be, but I’m sure that they will work on that. His finishing and his touch are both excellent as we well know and quite naturally we wish him the very best of luck for the future. If he puts his mind to it I can see no reason why he won’t go a long way in the game."

The Invicta boss added: "Harry’s a nice lad who did well for us on the run-in to the title last season and I’m sure that the attention we attracted from the media must have helped put him in the shop window with a number of clubs monitoring his progress.

“We’ve always said that we wouldn’t stand in the way of any good young player if this kind of opportunity came along. That was also the case when Johan went to Hull, of course. He’s been involved in their first team pre-season games and I saw some pictures of their recent trip to Austria which made me very envious! The facilities looked superb over there.”

Cugley's promoted side kick off their first campaign in the Ryman League's top flight at home to old rivals Harrow Borough on Saturday before travelling to Staines Town next Tuesday night (August 16).

Image courtesy of www.newsatden.co.uk

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