After nine years, 361 appearances and 150 goals for the club, all-time leading goalscorer Ian Draycott will depart the Alcaline Stadium this summer.
Ian joined the club from Leatherhead in the summer of 2014 and would go on to score 83 goals in his first 2 season at the club, taking us first to playoff final heartbreak in 2015 before Invicta romped to the Ryman South title the following season.
Another 22 goals the following season, including 2 on the final day at Grays Athletic, would help ensure Invicta’s survival in the Isthmian Premier Division.
“Draycs” would go on to break Jimmy Dryden’s all-time goalscoring record of 141 goals with a penalty at home to Potters Bar Town in September 2021.
Ian was rewarded for his service to the club with a testimonial against his former club Maidstone United last summer
Draycott’s 150th goal, a winner at home to Haringey Borough in January 2023, would prove to be his final goal for the club.
With Ade Yusuff (105) and Jimmy Dryden (141) the only other players to make it to three figures for Invicta, “The GOAT” stands alone as the only player to reach the landmark of 150 goals in the black & amber stripes.
You can view Invicta TV’s coverage of Draycott’s scoring exploits for the club here
From everybody at Folkestone Invicta Football Club we thank Ian for everything he has achieved for the club and wish him the very best for the next stage of his career.
“It was a privilege to bring Draycs to the club and to manage hime for so long, he was a big feature during my time and got us some really important goals as well as doing a job in other positions during recent years. He’s always handled himself so professionally and I’d expect him to be a real asset wherever the next stage of his career takes him.” – Neil Cugley
“Draycs has been a fantastic player for Folkestone over many years and given the supporters plenty to cheer about. His legacy will live on at the club given that he is the most prolific goalscorer the club has ever had, which is a tremendous achievement. Both myself and Mev wish him all the best and success in his future endeavours.” – Roland Edge
“The time has come for me to part ways with Folkestone Invicta in pursuit of some regular game time.
I’ve been fortunate to call Cheriton Road home for the last 9 seasons and proudly leave with great memories, a promotion, a couple of golden boots, some terrific nights out and as FIFC’s all time record goal scorer.
Thank you to the management team of Cugs, Edgey and Mev, the support staff that contributed during my time at the club, the brilliant volunteers, the fans that have grown in numbers over the years and most importantly the my teammates who many are now close friends.” – Ian Draycott
