Folkestone Invicta Football club are delighted to announce the signing of former Margate captain Sam Blackman.

Sam departs Hartsdown Park having spent 3 years at the club and 1 year as captain, to rejoin his former manager Andy Drury at Cheriton Road.

Having began his career at Leatherhead, Blackman had a first spell at Margate during the 2017/18 season before joining Concord Rangers for the first time.

Sam returned to Kent with Dartford for the 2019/20 season, a spell which included loans to Hythe Town and back to Leatherhead before COVID19 brought the season to a premature end.

Upon the resumption of football, Sam returned to Concord Rangers. During his second spell in Essex he started at Wembley in the delayed 2020 FA Trophy Final that was played in May 2021 with the National South side losing 1-0 to League 2 side Harrogate Town.

Jay Saunders took the central midfielder back to Thanet in the summer of 2021 where he has remained until making the move to Folkestone.

Manager Andy Drury spoke about his latest addition: “I’m delighted to sign Blacky. We spoke at the weekend and agreed a deal within hours which showed he wanted to come and play for me and for Folkestone Invicta. He had a stop start campaign last year but a fit Sam Blackman is one of the best in the league in his position. I know he is already working hard and I’m sure he will be a great asset for us this season.”

Welcome to Cheriton Road, Sam, we hope you enjoy your time in South East Kent.