First team was a priority this season, says Tonbridge Angels new keeper Kyle Merson

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Steve McKimm has made his first four new signings.

The former Sutton United coach took charge from Tommy Warrilow on 9 May following the club’s three-year spell in Conference South came to an end following relegation.

The club will return to the Ryman Premier League with a number of new faces in the squad.

James Folkes, 24, is a former Queens Park Rangers trainee, who has also played for Ebbsfleet United, Sutton United and last season played for Ryman Premier League side AFC Hornchurch. He can operate at right-back or in midfield.

Left-back, Ben King, 21, was previously at Barnet and Crawley Town before playing regularly for Sutton United at the end of last season, where he helped the Surrey club to finish runners-up to Eastleigh in Conference South. 

Harry Harding, 22, started his football life at Bromley’s Academy from where Reading signed him with a loan spell back at Hayes Lane.

However, after being released by the Royals, he played non-league football for Lewes and Carshalton Athletic and the midfielder is keen to get his career back on track at Longmead Stadium.

Harding, a personal trainer, tweeted: “Buzzing to have agreed terms with Tonbridge Angels for the upcoming season – cannot wait for the 1^st July.”

McKimm, 38, has also unveiled the arrival of goalkeeper Kyle Merson, 21, who was a product of the Academy at Conference South Staines Town.

However, he played 19 times for the Swans last season but found his opportunities slightly limited by the form of their first-choice goalkeeper Jack Turner.

Whilst at Staines Town he enjoyed loan spells at St Albans City, Walton & Hersham and Godalming Town, where he helped the side reach their league’s play-offs.

Merson tweeted: “Tough but right decision to move on from Staines Town after five years at the club. From youth team right through to first team.  Thank you to everyone at the club. Some great memories but first team football was a priority this season.”

McKimm told the club’s website: “I am delighted to have obtained the services of these players.  They (the outfield players) are all hard working and energetic and I believe they will prove very popular with the supporters at Tonbridge.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk