Kirk Watts will be sorely missed, says Tommy Warrilow

Wednesday 27th October 2010

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow says he will miss wing-wizard Kirk Watts, who has decided to take a break away from football, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 32-year-old has made his decision following limited appearances during the club’s rich reign of form.

The Angels picked up only seven points out of 24 available and were defeated at home to Cray Wanderers by four-goals-to-nil on 21 September

But a ten-day break seemed to do the world off good and wins over AFC Hornchurch, Margate, Croydon Athletic and Aveley (and cup wins over Ramsgate and Concord Rangers), lifted the club up into the play-off zone and Tonbridge came away from high-flying Sutton United with a point in a 2-2 draw on Tuesday night.

They are now in fourth place in the Ryman Premier League table with 20 points from 13 games - only five points behind leaders Kingstonian - and welcome Enfield Town in the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday.

The north Londoners sit in sixth place in the Ryman League Division One North table with 21 points from 10 games and are only three points behind leaders Harlow Town.

“Unfortunately Kirk Watts has decided to take a break from the game,” Warrilow confirmed to www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk.

“He contacted me Monday to say he wanted to stop playing and obviously being on the bench at the moment has not helped.

“He appreciates the team has been winning, but at 32 just wanted to break away from football for a while.

“Whilst trying to change his mind, I must fully respect his decision.

“Kirk is someone I have known since he was 18-years-old and will be sorely missed around the club and always welcomed back if he changes his mind.”

Warrilow added: “I understand the frustration of all the lads currently on the bench at the moment, but I have told them all how important they are to our success this season and I am sure when the opportunity comes to stake their claim in the team, they will keep it.

“It is always hard to change a side that is winning and playing well too, but these boys are all quality players that any team would have and are not taken for granted.”

Another player leaving Longmead Stadium after Saturday’s game is Sam Jones, who is off to America.

Warrilow explained the reasons behind the loss of the former Ramsgate, Dover Athletic and Margate talented midfielder.

“We have always known this when Sam first joined,” he said. “I kept in touch with him all through the summer when he was in America to contact me when he came back to England about joining the Angels no matter how brief his stay.

“He has been a big plus for us and even though it was a relatively short stint, I would like to thank him for all his skill and commitment during that time.

Warrilow has urged supporters to give Jones a send off following Saturday’s game.

He added: “He has been a pleasure to manage and I would like to welcome back. Please give the boy a great send off that he deserves on Saturday.”

Quotes courtesy of www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Enfield Town

FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round

Saturday 30th October 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW