Results didn't match our expectations, says Angels chairman

Caretaker managers Julian Leigh and Simon Balsdon take charge of their second game when Tonbridge Angels welcome East Thurrock tomorrow in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy, writes Stephen McCartney.

The reserve team management duo took charge of the Angels’ first-team squad last Tuesday, a 2-1 defeat at AFC Hornchurch, which saw the club slump into the bottom two in the Ryman Premier League table.

But Leigh, 51, urges the Longmead Stadium faithful to get behind their side against their Essex visitors’ tomorrow.

“It will be our first game down there for me and Simon in front of our home crowd,” Leigh said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I would say how well they’ve backed us since, it was fantastic, they’re response and hopefully they’ll be there for me Saturday and be supportive of us and the team, more importantly the team.

“There’s nothing better than the crowd getting behind the team .

“I think like everything, it’s your team, giving some effort and commitment and showing it, then you can’t ask for much more.

“What I like to see is effort and commitment and if we’re showing that out there, let’s hope for some lady luck, we’ll get something out of the game.”

Tony Dolby, 33, and his assistant Mike Rutherford both parted company with the west Kent club last Monday evening, and chairman Mr Nick Sullivan, who is expected to announce Dolby’s successor during next week, issued his statement today.

“The departure of Tony Dolby and Mike Rutherford has been a major disappointment to Tonbridge Angels,” said Mr Sullivan.

“Tony and Mike have created successful teams over the last three years, and the great win over Dover Athletic in the Ryman League Division One play-off’s was probably the highlight over this period.

“The first season back in the Ryman League Premier Division was quite successful with an acceptable 11th place finish, having spent most of the season in the play off places.

“This it was felt by the club to be a strong position from which to push onto better things.”

But despite many pre-season signings, Tonbridge Angels have struggled, and instead of pushing towards the play-off’s, currently face a relegation fight.

Mr Sullivan explained: “The first team, however, has struggled this season, with a poor league position, and we currently lying second from bottom in the league.

“We have had some success in the FA Cup competition, but this poor league position has caused concern at the club.

“It was felt by the club that now was the right time for a change, and we are actively searching for a replacement management team.”

Many names have been banded about, but Mr Sullivan is keeping tight-lipped.

He said: “We have already received applications from some very suitably qualified candidates. A further announcement will be made shortly when a replacement has been appointed.”

And he added: “Tony and Mike will always be welcome at the club, and we all wish them the best of luck in the future with their respective careers.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Tonbridge Angels v East Thurrock United
FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 3^rd November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW