Folkestone Invicta’s former Colchester United goalkeeper Ted Collins is optimistic side can carry momentum from title-winning Isthmian Premier season into next campaign
Ted Collins is optimistic Folkestone can carry the momentum from their title-winning season into the next campaign.
Collins, Invicta’s No.1, has been a mainstay on their way to Isthmian Premier glory.
And with a potential smorgasbord of Kent derbies during the 2026/27 National League South season, the 23-year-old keeper is already looking ahead.
Asked what he is most excited about with the prospect of playing at Step 2, Collins replied: “I think just trying to carry on that buzz from this season.
“When you see the celebrations after the game, [it’s great]. This is the most I have ever enjoyed my football.
“It’s almost a case of ‘Why can’t this carry on?’. I’m now more motivated - and even more excited - to sort of carry this on.
“I’d love to experience this again.”
Collins is playing alongside top scorer Jake Hutchinson and Donell Thomas, two of his former Colchester United youth-team club-mates, at Folkestone, having signed last summer.
Indeed, the duo played an important role in the former’s decision to link up with Jay Saunders’ side.
He said: “Jake and Donell rang me up a couple of times and were dropping me a few messages to come down. That sort of swayed it a bit for me.
“They have been superb this season.
"Jake has scored way too many goals! I know he will keep going until the end, as well, because he wants it (to finish as the top scorer in the division) more than anyone.
"It’s been great.”
On how far back his relationship with Hutchinson and Thomas goes, Collins added: “I have probably known Donell since I was 13.
“With Jake, I saw him every single day as a scholar and as a pro.
“I’ve probably seen them way too much!”
While Folkestone’s primary focus has been on the league, it was their FA Cup run to the fourth qualifying round, seeing off National League South sides Maidstone United and Horsham along the way, that convinced Collins they could claim Isthmian Premier promotion.
He said: “I don’t think there was particularly one moment.
“Obviously, you do think back to the game against Maidstone and just a few of those FA Cup wins, beating teams in the league above, as the time when us boys really knew we almost could compete at the level above.
“Moments like that really stick in my memory.”
Key to Invicta’s league joy this term has been their defensive record, which had been the strongest in the division until the past few matches. They and fifth-placed Chatham have each now conceded 34 league goals this season.
“That’s something we have said, in the last few games, we haven’t been good enough, defensively, even though we have still been getting results,” Collins conceded. “That’s something we have prided ourselves on.
“I think we’re at our best when we’re keeping clean sheets and, defensively, we’re solid.
“That gives everyone that extra bit of confidence. Maybe, that’s something we have fallen off in the last few games, but it certainly isn’t something we’ve meant to do.
"We want to be the best.”
While Collins has been crucial to that defensive record, so, too, has skipper and centre-back Kevin Lokko.
Collins said: “He’s a proper leader.
“He’s someone I have learnt a lot from and it gives me a lot of confidence, knowing I have got him in front of me. The young defenders around him - Joel Odeniran, Sam German and even Smithy (Liam Smith) - have learnt a lot from him, as well.
“We all have got a lot of respect for him.”
And Collins remains in the infancy of his senior football career.
“I’m still learning a lot,” he admitted.
“When I look back to where I was at the start of this season and look at where I am now, I feel like a completely different goalkeeper - and person.
“My confidence is through the roof but, also, I still want to learn loads.”
Collins has loved life under Saunders, who joined Folkestone on a four-year contract from Tonbridge Angels in March 2025, as well, with the manager also having enjoyed great success at Maidstone.
“You can tell he knows what he is doing,” said Collins, also formerly of Chelmsford City.
“I’ve really enjoyed working under Jay and, hopefully, it can continue.
“I think everyone would probably say the same.”
A crowd of 2,592 were at Cheriton Road for their promotion party following a 3-2 win against Ramsgate on Easter Monday on a memorable afternoon.
Collins said: “Days like this are days I’m going to remember for the rest of my life. It’s a special moment.
“To win the game for the fans as well, I think it’s the least they deserved.”