Folkestone return to action on Saturday with a new signing in their ranks.

Eleven weeks since they last kicked a ball in anger, Invicta start their pre-season programme away to Ashford United of the Southern Counties East League.

Supporters will get a first look at Sam Beale after the former Eastbourne Borough player this week put pen to paper at the Fullicks Stadium.

Folkestone manager Neil Cugley said: "You look at the quality of the lad, what he’s done and how long he’s been playing in National South. He’s still 22 years old and I think it’s a good signing.

"We’ve got hardly any left-footers in the team so it gives us a little bit more balance. He’s a Kent-based player, which I always like, so I’m pleased.

"He seems a good lad and he’s settled in straight away.

"He’s got a really good left foot for dead-ball situations. He’s had a good upbringing, he was at Brentford as a youngster and he’s a good player.

"To be fair, Harry Smith’s the one that got him for me. Harry’s his friend, they played together at Sittingbourne for a little while and he heard he might not be staying there.

"Eastbourne were doing two days a week, now they’ve gone three days a week and it’s near enough full-time."

Talks are ongoing with two more players and Cugley will meet with the board this week to discuss their next move.

Chief executive Cliff Egan said: "It’s taken us a while to get over the line with this first signing but now we’re almost into the pre-season programme and people see we mean business, I’m confident things will pick up pace.

"We’re looking seriously at two other players. At this moment I think we’ll get one of them at least, maybe both. That will be up to the manager."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.