Tonbridge Angels part company with manager Steve McKimm after eight years in charge at Longmead Stadium

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have parted company with manager Steve McKimm after eight years in charge at Longmead Stadium.

 

McKimm was appointed manager in May 2014 and won the Isthmian League Premier Division play-offs with wins over Haringey Borough, Merstham and Metropolitan Police earning promotion back to the National League South in 2019.

The Angels reached The FA Cup First Round in 2021 for the first time since 1973, losing 7-0 at home to Bradford City in a game that was played behind closed doors due to restrictions put in place due to the Covid-19 health pandemic.

McKimm guided Tonbridge Angels to the FA Trophy Fifth Round this season for the first time in the club’s history.

Tonbridge Angels go into their final National League South game of the season sitting in eighteenth-place (bottom four) with 42 points from their 39 games, nine points clear of basement side Billericay Town, the only side to be relegated this season.

A club statement said: “The board of Tonbridge Angels has tonight taken the very difficult but unanimous decision to terminate the contract of manager Steve McKimm with immediate effect.

“The manager was informed via a face-to-face meeting at which the reasoning behind the decision was explained.

“It is the belief that McKimm and his assistant Barry Moore have taken the club as far as they can and would not be able to continue to match the ambitions of the club going forward.

“This season in the league has been difficult with just 10 league victories and with one game still to play a meagre 40 goals scored. Security from relegation was achieved just last Saturday.”

Chairman Dave Netherstreet added: “Despite the significant increase in attendances for which we are incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporters, these have not been matched by overall performances on the pitch.

“Combined with the arrival of the 3G surface next season and the opportunities that brings, it is the genuine belief of the board that a change in first-team management is required to allow time for suitable preparations for the campaign ahead.

“We thank Steve McKimm and Barry Moore for their significant contributions and wish them all the very best of luck and success in their future footballing careers.”

McKimm said on his Twitter account: “Just had devastating news that I’ve been sacked as manager of Tonbridge Angels after eight years due to the club thinking I can’t take the club no further.

“Remit was to say in the league, job done. Thanks for all your support.”

The club have appointed first team vice-captain and Academy manager Tommy Parkinson as interim manager and he will be in charge for the final day trip to St Albans City on Saturday, while the club begins the search for a new manager.

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