Folkestone Invicta are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ted Collins.

The Colchester-born stopper came through the ranks at the Colchester Community Stadium where he made his first team debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Swindon Town in January 2022.

The 22-year-old is the third former Colchester player to join Invicta this summer, following Jake Hutchinson and Donell Thomas. Ted featured alongside Donell in the FA Youth Cup in 2020.

Ted has had loan spells with Holland FC, Maldon & Tiptree and Potters Bar Town, where he played against Invicta at Cheriton Road.

Having departed the League Two side last summer, Ted joined National League South outfit Chelmsford City, where he made 37 league appearances and kept nine clean sheets as The Clarets finished 11th.

On his latest appointment, manager Jay Saunders said: “We spoke to Ted early on in pre-season and at the time he was involved with a National League side and understandably seeing what opportunities might come up there at full-time level.

“We were patient with it and when he got back in contact about making something happen it was a no brainer for me.”

“He’s a good age, he’s willing to learn, he’s got a good attitude and calmness about him and he kicks the ball really well.”

Supporters who made the trip to Hornchurch on Saturday will have seen Ted in action for the first time as he kept a clean sheet to help Invicta to a 2-0 win to finish off pre-season.

Welcome to Cheriton Road, Ted.