Shock as "Mr Tonbridge Angels" Charlie Cole resigns from club

Saturday 12th March 2011

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have been rocked by the news that outstanding club secretary Charlie Cole has resigned on the eve of today’s clash against foes Maidstone United, writes Stephen McCartney.

The news will be a massive blow to all at the Longmead Stadium club, as “Mr Tonbridge Angels,” as he was known, maintained a consistently high level of performance and always acted in a professional manner.

One former Tonbridge Angels player, who didn’t want to be named, said last night, “Everyone knows Charlie Cole as Mr Tonbridge. Why would he resign? What’s going on?”

He claimed: “For Charlie to resign, something major’s happened. Something’s obviously happened quite detrimental, because that’s Charlie’s life.

“Charlie Cole is Mr Tonbridge. Everyone knew that, even when I was there. For him to resign, something must be really bad.”

The Angels are fourth in the Ryman Premier League with 56 points from 32 games and welcome arch-rivals Maidstone United today, who are rooted to the foot of the table.

Fans asked “what’s going on?” on the unofficial fans’ forum last night, sparking an official club statement, which was published on the official website - www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk on Saturday morning.

“Following various discussions with the Board of Directors, Charlie Cole has tendered his resignation as secretary of Tonbridge Angels Football Club and the Board have reluctantly accepted Charlie’s decision to step down.

“The Board of Directors wish to place on record their full appreciation of Charlie’s magnificent efforts over the past years and look forward to welcoming him at future matches.

“Charlie’s roles and responsibilities will be fully reviewed by the Club and a further announcement will be made in due course.

“In the meantime, Andrew Cole (Charlie’s son) has kindly agreed to step in as a worthy substitute for the immediate future.”

You are invited to click on CONTACT US to express your thoughts on Mr Cole’s resignation from Tonbridge Angels Football Club and we shall publish them later.

“It’s a crying shame that Charlie Cole has resigned from his beloved Tonbridge Angels. A massive loss to the club and to Kent football. I sincerely hope any issues are resolved and that he returns to the role as he will be a very hard act to follow.”

Stephen McCartney, 34, Editor - www.kentishfootball.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells