We are delighted to have obtained the services of Steve McKimm, says Tonbridge Angels chairman

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have unveiled Steve McKimm as their new manager.



McKimm, 38,  has had several years experience of both playing and managing in the higher levels of non league football, his previous position being head coach of Conference South club Sutton United for the last six years.

Before that he had spells at Margate, Gravesend & Northfleet where he won a Ryman Premier League championship medal, Kingstonian, Farnborough, Hayes and Dulwich Hamlet.

Tonbridge Angels chairman Steve Churcher said in a statement, which was posted on the club’s website yesterday, that he is delighted to have found Tommy Warrilow’s successor.

"We are delighted to have obtained the services of Steve,” he said.

“Although there was a strong field of candidates he was absolutely the stand out applicant with his approach and ideas for the club going forward.

“Steve will work very closely with our reserve and youth team managers as we look to develop our pool of home grown talent to strengthen the first team.”

The new manager will start immediately on planning a first team squad for next season as well as looking to arrange some attractive pre-season friendlies.

McKimm added: "I can't wait to get started on the job. Clearly there has been some disappointment about the way last season ended for the Angels and I want to raise spirits and the tempo around the place.

“Tonbridge Angels has always struck me as a well run club with a responsible board, great backroom staff and loyal supporters and I think together we can all restore some pride to this club and put smiles back on people's faces.

McKimm has appointed Barry Moore as his assistant manager. 

Moore was first team coach at both Bromley (Confernece South) and Merstham (Ryman League Division One South) , as well as having played in the Conference with Woking and Hayes.

The club will arrange a meet the manager session for supporters before the start of the season.

The Angels were relegated from Conference South on Easter Monday following a 7-1 defeat at Chelmsford City, which ended the club’s three year stint in Conference South and Warrilow decided to leave the club once his contract expired.

The club are expected to take their place in the Ryman Premier League once the season kicks off on 9 August.

McKimm, meanwhile, helped guide Sutton United to a runners-up spot alongside their manager Paul Dowswell, but they went down to a 4-1 aggregate defeat to fifth-placed Dover Athletic in the play-off semi-finals.

Chris Kinenar’s side travel to fourth-placed finishers Ebbsfleet United in the Skrill South play-off Final at Stonebridge Road tomorrow (3pm).

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