Angels bid farewell to skipper "Chopper" Aris

Tonbridge Angels boss Tony Dolby is delighted to announce the signing of a new player, who will be taking up his position at centre back for tomorrow's friendly match at Chatham Town.

This does, however, mean the Angels will say goodbye to club captain Steve Aris, who has decided to leave the Ryman Premier League club.

The Angels have signed 27 year old ex-Crystal Palace, Mansfield Town and Wycombe Wanderers centre-back Richard Harris.

Having spent pre-season with Bromley, starting in all of their fixtures, he has, however, decided to join the Angels.

Harris started his career with Crystal Palace in 1998 and made 13 appearances for the Eagles first team between '98 and 2001.

He then moved to Wycombe Wanderers and then onto a short spell with Mansfield Town before returning to Wycombe.

Last season Harris was competing for Sutton United in Conference South but moved into pre-season training with Bromley in June.

Harris will go straight into the Angels starting line up for tomorrow's fixture at Maidstone Road.

The Angels will now say farewell to their captain Aris as Dolby explained to www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk earlier this evening.

He said: "Steve approached me after Richard signed and asked if he was going to be first choice, unfortunately I had to inform Steve he wouldn't be my first choice.

“Steve wants to play every week, he loves the game, and we respect that and wish him all the best.

“He was here for two years and captained the club in arguably their best two years in the club's history.

“Steve has done a tremendous job here, we thank him and wish him all the best in his future wherever it may take him."

Chairman Nick Sullivan echoed Dolby's words and all of Tonbridge Angels FC would like to wish Steve the very best.

Earlier in the week, Dolby had signed striker, Steve Harper, from Blue Square Southern outfit, Welling United.

Dolby, who has attempted to sign Harper for the last three years, scored during the Angels’ 5-0 win at Tilbury in midweek.

Article courtesy of www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

Chatham Town  v  Tonbridge Angels
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 11th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6ES