Falana: I'll make a decision within the next week - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Wade Falana has EXCLUSIVELY revealed to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he is still pondering his future and has yet decided where he’ll be playing when the Ryman League season kick’s off on 19^th August, writes Stephen McCartney.

After contacting Tonbridge Angels’ player-manager Tony Dolby yesterday morning, Falana, who finished last season with the Betterview Longmead Stadium club, has yet decided if he’ll be playing for the newly promoted Ryman Premier League side or Division One South outfit Croydon Athletic.

Falana and Dolby came off the substitutes bench together in the 61^st minute in their 3-3 draw against Chatham Town yesterday.

Croydon Athletic ironically start their campaign with a trip to Chatham Town, whilst the Angels’ travel to Hendon.

“Last few weeks I’ve been training with Croydon Athletic because it’s local to me, but I’m pondering if I want to play again,” said the 36-year-old striker.

“I’ve got to speak to both managers and I’ll make a decision within the next week.

“I still think I’ll put my boots on. I keep saying I’ll retire but I can see myself being somewhere.”

But Falana is concerned that he won’t be fit enough to play Ryman Premier League football.

“Me personally, it’s going to be difficult, I’ve got to be honest with you,” he said.

“There’s a lot of good sides going for it this year - Chelmsford, AFC Wimbledon, Bromley, Hampton and Heybridge Swifts - the list is endless.

“So it’s going to be very difficult and my fitness has to be top drawer to play at that level.”

When asked which shirt he will be wearing on 19^th August, Falana replied: “It’s something I’ve got to think about. Like I say, the Ryman Premier League is going to be very strong and Tonbridge, as a team, know they’re in for a hard, hard, season this year.

“It’s not a forgone conclusion that I’m going to sign for Croydon Athletic. Like I say, I’ve got another week to think about it.

“I’m just saying it’s going to be hard for everyone at Tonbridge Angels this year, there’s no doubt about it,” he warned.

“Tonbridge are not going to be one of the favourites to do anything - they know about that.

“They know it’s going to be hard so when I say it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be hard not just for me but anyone whose playing for Tonbridge this year.

“You’ve got some big teams going for it, spending a lot of money, but they’re in he league and they’re going to give it a go so that’s all you can hope for.”

Dolby, meanwhile, admitted he’ll welcome Falana back if he decides to stay in Kent, saying the player “adds a different dimension” to his squad.

He said: “The situation with Wade was he rang me up on Saturday morning and asked if he could be on the bench and I said “of course you can”.

“He’s a different dimension, he brings something totally different to the squad and I’d like to have him about here.

“He’ll be a good acquisition to have but obviously Wade’s got his own thoughts and we’ll see how it pans out in the next week.”

Dolby, whose signed talented midfielder Robert Kember, after the former Crawley Town star impressed in the club’s opening four pre-season friendlies, has already lost midfielders Nick Barnes and Danny Lye.

“Robert’s a class act,” Dolby said. “He’s been in the Conference last year, he’s been a professional as well and you can see that in the games that he’s played in.

“He’s been a fantastic acquisition for us. He’s going to add some quality that we’ve already got.

Barnes, meanwhile, has yet decided which club he’ll be playing for this season, having played for the Angels, Maidstone United and Ramsgate in pre-season.

Dolby, meanwhile, revealed why he’s released the former Stones’ midfielder.

“I just felt it was the right thing to do at the time,” he said. “He probably wouldn’t have got in the starting eleven and he’s the sort of player whose not a very good substitute.

“He likes to play which is a good thing. For him personally I felt it would be right for him to get first team football elsewhere which will allow me to manoeuvre a few things as well within my squad.”

And Dolby revealed Lye’s situation, adding: “Danny has been plagued by injury over the summer, breaking his foot so he hasn’t been to a single training session.

“It’s difficult when he’s got a young family and work so Danny’s not going to be about either - he’s gone.”



Wade Falana (red) has been winning his fair share of aerial challenges
during his career but the 36-year-old is pondering a move to Croydon
Athletic as he feels he lacks the fitness to play Ryman Premier League
football this season for Tonbridge Angels.

Photograph courtesy of David Couldridge www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk