Angels transfer list two key assets to bring in extra funds

Tuesday 26th May 2009

FEARS that it was the beginning of the end for Tonbridge Angels were extinguished during a positive supporters' meeting at Longmead Stadium tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

Supporters were stunned earlier in the month when vice-chairman Garry Pass and then chairman Nick Sullivan both decided to resign, citing ill-health and the need to spend more time at home.

But at least 100 supporters left tonight's meeting knowing that the club has not been left in the lurch, although manager Tommy Warrilow has been forced to slash his playing budget next season.

As a result, striker Carl Rook, who has scored 46 goals in 57 starts following his record breaking move from Horsham, and central defensive rock, Leon Legge, who scored 10 goals last season, have both been placed on the transfer list, and funds raised from will go towards Warrilow's budget next term.

With brothers Tim and Ade Olorunda already left to return to their former club Hastings United, Warrilow also revealed that the versatile and much travelled Simon Glover has decided to quit the club.

But there was some good news tonight as Warrilow announced that six players from last season's squad; Lee Worgan (goalkeeper), Scott Gooding (defender), Lee Minshull (midfielder), Anthony Storey (midfielder), Paul Booth (striker) and winger Steve Ferguson have opted to stay at the club.

Departing chairman, Mr Sullivan, got the hour long meeting underway by quelling fans' concerns that he and Mr Pass have left the club in financial trouble.

Reading out a statement, Mr Sullivan said: ""We still owe 100% shareholding at the club, our shares will only go to people who can support the club and can ensure that the club continues to flourish.

"To assist with next year's playing and management budget Garry has committed to donating a five-figure sum."

He added, "The club is debt free, we have a much improved stadium, there is management and finance systems in place and there are further ground improvements taking place over the summer, a new perimeter fence at a cost of £21,000 of which Garry has paid some £16,000 and a new brick built tunnel, which is being provided by the supporters club."

With the pairing now taking a back-seat, former members of the board, Steve Churcher, Colin Fry, Maurice Brown, Mark Jenner (not to be confused with the man with the same name that's been involved with Ashford Town and Folkestone Invicta!) and Chris Drew have taken over the running of the club.

Mr Sullivan added: "We welcome the people who have come forward to take responsibility in managing the club. These people have the club at heart and they will not allow the club to disintegrate and disappear.

"We are sure that the club will progress under their guidance and management."

Warrilow has already confirmed that he's staying with the club, and paid tribute to the six players that are staying at Longmead Stadium.

"As we speak at the moment there's six players who are staying, the rest were offered reduced terms, they have not all said no," he said.

He added: "The budget had to be addressed, the boys and I, are devastated, as you are. We had a great season and wanted to build on it.

"It's somebody's health, both chairman's health, and we have to respect that and move on in a positive way.

"Whoever puts a shirt on, the same principles, effort, belief and attitude will be the same. Hopefully it will bring us all close together.

"With the basis of that, some are on reduced terms and want to stay. I know it's not all about money but some of the boys rely on this money for their mortgages, they dedicate a lot of time here and one day we're in a position to bring them back. It's important we respect their decisions (to leave) and when they do come back here they're welcomed."

But Warrilow appreciated that two star assets have to make way to bring some money into the club.

"Rookie has been put on the transfer list, he's one of our biggest assets and it's needs must," he explained.

"Hopefully if clubs come in with what we call a silly offer, to free up Carl's money with his sale and money will make sense.

"I'm speaking to a couple of club's about Leon. If they're going to move on it's down to us where they go. If they go and how much they go for.

"If it wasn't for Leon (who scored 10 goals) we wouldn't have got in the play-off's. Leon and Carl are being pushed around to see if we can get money for them.

"At this time it's not all doom and gloom." insisted Warrilow. "In a short space of time, to keep (six) players is a positive start to the season. We're looking to build around that."

"It's another year to start afresh with a new team and it will take time to gel. It's not doom and gloom, there's a basis of a team.

"As a club we will all stick together and come back next year and be patient and we won't go in there to keep our head above water.

"We have to go with what we've got, as time goes on we will improve.

"It's no-ones fault, it's realism in life. These things test us and it's down to us to move on."

To enhance Warrilow's budget, the club are actively seeking a new main sponsor, but newly appointed chairman Mr Churcher acknowledged that is proving to be difficult in this current economic climate.

"It's like everything else," he said. "It's been less than two weeks since we've got together as a board. We've been in contact with one or two people who are interested and we'll continue talking.

"You only have to look at the Non-League Paper, clubs who are in a much worse position as we are. Anything we can get in would help Tommy's budget.

Board member Mr Fry, a former chairman of the club, added, "I think we've got to be realistic, these are tough times and I know Garry (Pass) in particular tried to source extra funds from businesses, but the door was slammed firmly in his face.

"If anyone does know someone who might want to sponsor the club for £15,000-£20,000 will get shirt sponsorship. There's many ways where we can help the club.

"There's many forms (of sponsorship) and if anyone would like to chat to the board, or Garry and Nick, I will follow up leads and this money will help Tommy have a better playing budget."

Mr Fry added, "It will be sorted out, it's early days for the board but rest assured, we'll do our best for Tonbridge Angels. Watch this space, pay your money and hopefully we'll continue to go upwards."

Thankfully, going into administration, like Ryman Premier League rivals AFC Hornchurch, is out of question.

Mr Churcher added, "We've got sufficient money to offer Tommy a reduced budget. If we can get more money in before 27th June that will go in Tommy's budget. We've covered the costs of running the club and a budget for Tom."

Club stalwart, Frank Davis, grabbed the microphone to offer his support to Warrilow and the new board.

"I think the best news for me is that guy is staying as he's the best manager in the Ryman League," he insisted.

And praising Sullivan and Pass, Mr Davis added, "I can't go away without thanking what they've both done - the two of you are saints!

"We want everybody to stick together, we will come back! Tonbridge will come back, we've got the right people here!"

Huge cheers went up when Mr Churcher paid tribute to the outgoing Sullivan and Pass as during the four years of Sullivan's reign the club has improved both on and off the pitch.

"A huge vote of thanks to Nick and Garry for what they've done, don't forget (wives) Shan and Mary as well for their work behind the scenes."

Meanwhile, the club are searching for more members and agents of their weekly club lottery. Around 300 members put in £1 per week and there are at least £500 worth of weekly prizes up for grabs. But the club are desperately looking to raise more funds through this method to increase Warrilow's budget.

For further details to join or become agents, which includes benefits for local businesses with advertising boards, please contact Natasha Sencherey on 01732 36 27 60 - please mention that you read this artilce on www.kentishfootball.co.uk when making contact.