Angels sign second winger to enhance promotion bid - EXCLUSIVE

Tommy Warrilow has delivered the goods, and, as promised, has signed a player from a Blue Square South club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The recently installed Tonbridge Angels boss has made versatile quick winger, Kirk Watts, his second signing.

The 28-year-old will make his Angels debut on Saturday, when British Gas Business League Division One South & West leaders Burnham visit.

Watts is no stranger to playing for Kent sides, having previously played for Thamesmead Town, Gravesend & Northfleet, Ashford Town and in three spells, Bromley - other clubs include Egham Town and Croydon.

And the wing-wizard has signed a contract at the Longmead Stadium club until the end of next season, having signed on a free-transfer from Lewes.

But John Westcott, 28, another winger, who signed last week, will miss Saturday’s FA Trophy third - and last - qualifying round tie, having played in an earlier round for Horsham.

Warrilow, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, is pleased to have signed a second winger.

“Kirk came down and signed for us tonight,” revealed the former Horsham assistant manager.

“It’s going to take him a little time to gel in. He’s versatile, plays left-wing, right-wing, left-back and up front through the middle, so that’s the sort of player that we like to bring in - he brings you different options.”

Watts and Westcott - both on contract until the end of next season - have been both told to provide the ammunition into the penalty box.

“Kirk’s job is to get crosses in,” explained Warrilow. “His similar to John Westcott, so I know what I’m going to get out of him. I’ve known his since he was a kid, so I’m pleased he’s on board.”

Warrilow explained why his two new signings have signed two-year contracts - to clinch promotion into the Blue Square South.

He said: “The players I’m bringing in, I’m not looking for this league but for the league above and Kirk has acquitted himself in that league as well.

“The players we’ve got here can more than hold their own and if we go up the league they will hold their own at that level - to keep the continuity going.”

British Gas Business Division One South & West leaders Burnham arrive in west Kent on Saturday, unbeaten on their travels (in the league), which is one division below the Angels.

And following Tonbridge Angels’ defeat at Ryman League Division One North side Ware, in the last qualifying round of the FA Cup, Warrilow would like to make amends.

That result proved costly for Tony Dolby - it was his last game in charge of Tonbridge Angels.

“There’s no easy games in football anymore,” warned Warrilow, yet to taste defeat in the Angels hot-seat.

“You find that out in all levels. We’ve got to match their commitment.

“Tonbridge lost to Ware in the FA Cup and in the FA Trophy, Horsham lost to Witham, a league below, so we’re fully aware that if we think we can turn up and have a stroll around, we’ll get beaten.

“We’ll be giving them the respect they deserve but we’ll be working 110% to win.

“There’s some good teams in that league. Andy Sinton at Fleet Town has got a good team.

“As they’re a league below, there’s no way we’re taking them lightly.”

The Angels have picked up seven points from Warrilow’s first three games in charge of the club, pleasing the new boss.

“It’s just setting your standards and not dropping them,” he said.

“We don’t want them to drop. We understand players do have bad games but it’s up to the other ten or nine to carry them through.

“The boys’ know what we’re expecting from them but if we do that, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

Scottish midfielder Fraser Logan, meanwhile, is two weeks away from recovering from the knee injury that he sustained against AFC Wimbledon.

With Westcott (cup-tied), Tonbridge are still without long-term absentees, Jon Heath and Mike Cramp through injury, although Robbie Kember is rated as having a good chance of recovering from a recent knock.

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Admission Prices:
£8 (adults)
£4 (OAP’s)
£4 (Students)
£2 (Under 16s)

Tonbridge Angels v Burnham
FA Carlsberg Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 24^th November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF