Tonbridge Angels place entire first-team squad on furlough

CASH-STRAPPED Tonbridge Angels have confirmed that they have placed their entire first-team squad on furlough.

A club statement from the National League South club said: “Because of the serious financial situation in which Tonbridge Angels finds itself, the club has reluctantly taken the decision to furlough its entire first-team squad.

“The club will continue to fulfil its National League South fixtures, if required, by assembling an alternative squad and manager, Steve McKimm and assistant Barry Moore, are now currently undertaking that task.”

Chairman Dave Netherstreet said in a statement: “This is an extremely unfortunate situation, but we have no choice in the matter.

“The National League has failed to provide clear guidance for its clubs, but we need to preserve our status and as it stands this is the only way through.

“A number of other clubs are taking similar action.”

McKimm said on Twitter: "The club and myself tried and thought about all avenues we could take and this was the most sensible one.

"Conversations with the players today have been difficult, but they fully understood the clubs reasons. A great group who helped our club create some long-overdue history."

Tonbridge Angels are sitting in fifteenth-place in the table, having collected 16 points from their 14 league games.

Today’s home game against St Albans City was postponed following a nine o'clock pitch inspection due to a frozen pitch, so they hope to return to action on Tuesday night against bottom-four side Bath City at Longmead Stadium.

The Angels are seven points clear of bottom-of-the-table side Welling United, who were beaten 5-0 by Dorking Wanderers this afternoon, in Steve Lovell's second game in charge at Park View Road.

Marc White’s side are now two points clear of Dartford at the summit, with two games on hand on the Darts.

All games at elite football level are still being played behind closed doors, while all football beneath the National League North and South is currently suspended.

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