Allman makes decision on his future "within the next couple of weeks"

Tonbridge Angels’ go into their opening pre-season friendly tomorrow night with four players not knowing where their futures lie, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ashford Town, who have yet won a game in their opening two warm-up games, visit the Betterview Longmead Stadium, with Angels’ player-manager Tony Dolby suffering from player headaches.

Target man Wade Falana is pondering a move to Ryman League Division One South outfit Croydon Athletic, former Margate utility-man Anthony Allman is pulled between Dolby and tomorrow’s opponents Ashford Town, and midfielder Nick Barnes and highly-rated reserve team goalkeeper Matt Bromby both played for Maidstone United last week.

Dolby, speaking to www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk explained the current situation with these four players.

He said: “Regarding the situation with ex-Margate utility man Anthony Allman, he was offered the chance to go to Ashford Town as a player-coach.

“He has decided to go and see if it is to his liking or not. We’ve kept in close contact and a decision will be made on his future within the next couple of weeks.”

Dolby, meanwhile, admitted he was disappointed with striker Jay May, whose returned to his former club Dartford.

“I wanted Jay May to stay and be part of the future of this football club,” said Dolby.

“But after we spoke he said he would keep his options open and get back to me. The next thing I knew he had signed for Dartford without letting anyone know.

“There is absolutely no way I am looking at the short-term future but if players want guaranteed first team football then they will have to prove themselves consistently here, whereas other clubs will just say it to get you to join them.

“You only have to look at the time and effort that goes on in the youth set-up to know that this club is preparing for the future.”

Bromby, the former Tunbridge Wells goalkeeper, conceded five goals as Maidstone United were thumped 5-2 by Kent Leaguers Thamesmead Town last Monday, with Barnes coming off the bench with the Mead 3-1 up at the break.

But Dolby revealed both players are “keeping their options open” during the pre-season period.

“I have not made any commitment to them so cannot stop them from playing for Maidstone United,” added Dolby. “However, there will be nobody leaving that we want to stay.”

But with all this grief, Dolby, however, admitted he’s looking forward to their game against Ashford Town.

The Nuts & Bolts opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Folkestone Invicta, where striker Richard Sinden scored a last-gasp goal to share the spoils last Wednesday.

But Windsor & Eton came away from the Homelands with a 2-0 win on Saturday - both goals coming in the first half.

“First of all, the lads have all come back looking sharp and have worked extremely hard in training in preparation for the forthcoming fixtures,” revealed Dolby.

“Personally I’m feeling happy and excited at the prospect of pitting my wits against some very good managers and teams alike in the Ryman Premier League.

“I can’t wait for the friendlies to begin, try out different things and get the blend correct for the start of the season.”

Angels’ chairman Nick Sullivan unveiled earlier today that the club have slashed admission prices for tomorrow night’s game.

Adults can watch the action for just £5, with concessions being charged £2.

Both sides are on the road on Saturday as they continue their pre-season preparations. Tonbridge Angels' travel down the road to play Tunbridge Wells and Ashford Town travel to Margate.

Club Websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk