Dolby holds clear the air talks with two key players

Wednesday 22nd March 2006

Tonbridge Angels’ player-manager Tony Dolby has had clear the air talks with two of his players as they bid to clinch promotion back into the Ryman Premier League at the first attempt, writes Stephen McCartney.

Dolby, whose side are currently in fourth place in the division one table, five points adrift of an automatic promotion place, takes his side to Croydon Athletic on Saturday - a side that harbour play-off ambitions themselves, and just like Dover Athletic are just two points adrift of a play-off spot.

Speaking in a question and answer session on the club’s forum on www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk, Dolby revealed he has sorted out issues surrounding midfielder Danny Lye and Tonbridge based striker, and fans favourite, Luke Piscina.

”Luke Piscina is a really nice lad and a fantastic footballer,” praised Dolby. “On his day he can take people on, score from anywhere and pass very well.

”Unfortunately for reasons that I can’t go into, there have been a few problems that prevented him from being the player and the person that he can be and I had to make a decision based on what’s best for everyone and the club.

”I never wanted this to be the case but had no chance. For the record Luke is very much part of the club and I hope remains so for a long time.”

Speaking about Lye, Dolby added: “Danny and I have had a talk about an internal issue that has arose last week and it is being dealt accordingly.

”Danny is a great lad and I have a lot of time for him but things happen in football that have an impact on the club that have to be addressed.”

Dolby feels his side will collect enough points to, hopefully, join Ramsgate in the two automatic promotion places instead of going through the lottery of the play-offs, as Bromley and Cray Wanderers did last season, with Bromley beating Horsham 3-1 in the final to secure promotion.

”Hitting form going into any knockout situation is important,” said Dolby. “But if we are in the play-off’s I am sure the games will be on the day and if we perform like we know we can we will win.”

Dolby, meanwhile, will be looking to add to his squad before the transfer deadline at the end of the month, and added: “There are definite players I am looking to bring in but cannot say for obvious reasons.”

And he stated he knows what to expect “when” his side return to the Ryman Premier League. “When we go up the transformation of the team into a premier league side will take careful consideration.

”New players as well as keeping the right players here is essential in having a successful premier team. Getting a squad together as early as possible and having a good pre-season working on all aspects of the team will help.”