This Saturday marks a very special moment in our season – our long-awaited return to Cheriton Road as we host Dulwich Hamlet in the Isthmian Premier Division.
There’s a long list of people I need to thank who have helped us reach this very point. First and foremost, I would like to start by thanking everyone at GSE – in particular, Darrell Healey and Tony Bowles – for overseeing the delivery of our brand-new, state-of-the-art 3G pitch. It’s been a major undertaking, and thanks to the efforts of the whole team involved in the project – especially Joe Boniface at Velocity – we now have a fantastic new surface that will benefit the club and the wider community for many years to come.
To our incredibly loyal supporters, thank you for your continued backing and patience throughout. I know how frustrating it’s been playing away from home but you’ve continued to show up week in, week out and have played a huge part in making this campaign so memorable already. It makes me very proud to watch from the stands alongside you – whether that’s been 120 miles away at a windy AFC Dunstable or at Southend United last week, where over 400 of you travelled up to support the lads. That really was amazing.
To the supporters and volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in during our stadium clean-up days – thank you. Your time, graft and passion for the club never goes unnoticed. You’ve played a big part in getting Cheriton Road ready for our return and for that we’re all so grateful.
Next, I’d like to thank all of our fantastic sponsors – both new and longstanding – for your shared and continued belief in what we’re building here at FIFC, on and off the pitch. We’re extremely lucky to have each and every one of you on board for what’s already proving to be an exciting season ahead.
A special mention must also go to our Director of Operations, Charlie Wilson, whose tireless work behind the scenes has been instrumental in getting everything ready for this moment.
To the clubs who hosted and welcomed us during our ‘home away from home’ fixtures – Margate FC, Ashford United, and Chatham Town – thank you for your support and generosity in helping us fulfil these games. If you ever need the favour returned in the future, you know where we are!
It truly has been an outstanding start to the 2025/26 campaign and we really couldn’t have asked for much more. We’re unbeaten in the league and have enjoyed a brilliant FA Cup run, upsetting National League South sides Maidstone United and Horsham along the way. Last but by no means least, a massive thank you to Jay Saunders, his coaching staff, backroom team and of course our wonderful group of players for staying focused and delivering top performances despite being on the road the entire time. Your patience, professionalism and commitment to the club has been exceptional and I cannot thank you all enough.
I’d also personally like to congratulate Jay for being named Isthmian Premier Division Manager of the Month for September – a hugely deserved recognition and he’ll be picking up his award at the game this Saturday. Congratulations also to the team for winning September’s Performance of the Month for that superb 2-0 FA Cup win against Maidstone United. What a night that was!
Now, as we return home to Cheriton Road, we do so full of belief, energy, and excitement. Let’s carry on the incredible momentum we’ve built so far this season – both on and off the pitch – and keep pushing together.
It would be great to see as many of you as possible at the Alcaline Stadium on Saturday to welcome the lads back and cheer them on once again.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Welcome home, Seasiders!
Josh Healey
Chairman, Folkestone Invicta
