Tonbridge Angels interim chairman Steve Churcher confirms budget cut: We would be failing in our duties and responsibilities if we as a board failed to take the necessary action in preventing the club falling into a serious financial situation

TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Steve McKimm has been forced to release three players owing to a budget cut at Longmead Stadium.

The Angels are in a disappointing eleventh-place in the Bostik Premier Division table with 47 points on the board from their 33 games and are 12 points adrift of the play-offs and 19 points clear of the one spot for relegation.

The club have secured back-to-back league wins over Staines Town (2-1, home) and Tashi-Jay Kwayie came off the bench to score his second goal for the club this season to beat Merstham 1-0 at Moatside Stadium yesterday.

A club statement, which was published on www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk confirmed that three players Tom Jelley, Dan Thompson and Ryan Worrall have been told to leave.

“Following a disappointing six months of trading, the board of Tonbridge Angels FC has reluctantly taken the decision to immediately reduce the first team playing budget,” said the statement.

“Whilst attendances have remained healthy, income from sponsorship, advertising and events, together with a downturn in bar revenue linked to mixed results on the pitch has led to the decision.

“Inevitably there will need to be some changes to the squad and manager Steve McKimm is already implementing those changes.”

McKimm revealed in the statement that he is staying put to work within the decreased playing budget.

“Of course it’s going to be challenging but I can assure everyone connected with Tonbridge Angels that we will work through this together and come out the other side a stronger club,” said McKimm.

“The last few weeks have been difficult and not just because of results on the pitch but the suggestion that there would probably need to be changes.

“I now know the parameters and can formulate a plan. I’m also heartened by the fact that the board are not simply carrying out a slash and burn policy but are formulating some very credible projects to increase revenue coming into the club.”

Interim chairman Steve Churcher added: “We would be failing in our duties and responsibilities if we as a board failed to take the necessary action in preventing the club falling into a serious financial situation.

“Most of our costs are fixed and the player budget remains a significant area where there is some degree of flexibility. Nevertheless, it’s not a decision taken lightly and your board will now be concentrating its efforts to realise plans for increasing club revenue which of course is absolutely the right direction to be going.”

McKimm paid tribute to the three players that he has asked to leave.

“I want to make it clear that these players have never let me down since they have been at Longmead and have always given 100% for the team and the club. I thank them for their efforts and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”

Seventh-placed side Metropolitan Police are the visitors to Longmead Stadium next Saturday (15:00), with the Angels having nothing to play for in their final 13 league games.

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