Folkestone Invicta boss Jay Saunders signs defender Jamie Fielding ahead of club’s first pre-season friendlies at Sutton Common Rovers and at home against AFC Croydon Athletic this weekend

Jay Saunders has reunited with one of his former Tonbridge Angels players at Folkestone Invicta.

Defender Jamie Fielding has signed ahead of Invicta's inaugural National League South season after he departed rivals Ebbsfleet United.

The 26-year-old had previously made more than 100 league appearances at Longmead across four campaigns prior to a one-season stint at the Fleet.

“The defensive area is an area we have been looking to strengthen,” said boss Saunders, who will see Fielding also play alongside forward Aaron Cosgrave, another to have left Stonebridge Road for Cheriton Road in the close season.

“We have lost Joel (Odeniran) and Sam German, and Ollie Black was out for all of last year. Although he’s training, Ollie still has a little way to go.

“That’s an area where we have looked to get better in, not so much in terms of quality, but just more through bodies. It’s an area we needed to strengthen so I’m pleased to get Jamie on board.

“We had a really good few years together and he was excellent for us at Tonbridge. We still need competition for [No.1] Ted Collins.

“Last pre-season, we maybe only had four or five for the first session so we’re in a much better position. You never say never to something coming up - I think Donell Thomas came about quite late in pre-season last year - so, if something comes up, we will look to do something.

“But if not, we are happy.”

Folkestone returned to training last week and have taken little time getting back into the swing of things.

Saunders said: “When you have come off the back of the season we had, a really good year, there’s that buzz. Then, you have got the fact that we have new players.

“In general, it has been really pleasing. There’s still that buzz around the place and an eagerness to get back in so we’re enjoying it so far.

“It’s been hard work - as you would expect in pre-season - although I do think pre-season has changed.

“The balls come out a lot earlier but you still need to get that level of core fitness in. The lads come back in so much better shape than they did when I was playing!

“That gives you a base to work with so it’s been a positive few sessions.”

Invicta’s first home warm-up game sees them face AFC Croydon Athletic this weekend.

Managed by one-time Folkestone No.2 Danny Kedwell, they reached last term’s Isthmian South East play-off final where they were edged out by AFC Whyteleafe.

Saunders, who has included 21-year-old midfielder Harvey Kedwell - Danny’s son - among his summer signings, said: “We had every game away from home (with a new 3G pitch being installed) last year, didn’t we?

“I think it can make a difference. It’s not easy for the players to always play away from home but it’s hard for supporters to get to know the players, as well.

“Hopefully having a few pre-season games at home, that will help the supporters to get to know the new signings quicker. It will be a good test for us on Saturday.

“I know Keds well - and have signed his son. I was with Keds the other night.

“He was at training so we were just chatting. I know the reason why I wanted to play them - because it will be a good game. They have got some really good individuals.

“The first few will probably be two 45 minutes but it’s one that we are looking forward to.”

Before then, though, Invicta are due to begin their pre-season programme in earnest against Combined Counties Premier Division South side Sutton Common Rovers tomorrow.

Saunders intends to use the match to look at some youth-team prospects, with the club now running two academy set-ups that are led by Richard Styles and Kevin Brown and joint-No.2 Tom Parkinson, respectively.

“We have had some of the academy players come in for pre-season,” Saunders revealed.

“I have spoken to Stylesy and Kev about them and, obviously, Parky is doing the other academy. If they’re doing well, by all means, we will look to include them.

“Five or six of them are already involved. If you can bring through home-grown players - there’s no doubt about it - everyone wants to do it.

“I think you will see our academies going from strength-to-strength over the next year or so.”