We have the belief to qualify for the play-off's, says Angels boss Warrilow - EXCLUSIVE

THE FIGHT for the final play-off place in the Ryman Premier League intensifies this week - and Tommy Warrilow has told his Tonbridge Angels side to make it their own, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Angels will climb up four places into fifth with a home win over sixth placed Hendon on Tuesday night.

And the former Horsham assistant manager has challenged his side to win their remaining four games and seal a trip to AFC Wimbledon in the semi-finals of the play-off’s.

“What I’ve said is to make Longmead a fortress and don’t lose at home,” Warrilow said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the big showdown.

“It’s great that we’ve kept the season alive and that we’re not going to throw it away.”

Warrilow has an extra incentive to guide the club towards promotion into the Blue Square South - Jack Maddams.

The seventeen-year-old young Angel tragically died in his sleep the weekend before last and Warrilow dedicated Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Harrow Borough to the popular former Gillingham youngster.

“Saturday was a difficult scenario but the play-off push, I said to the boys, it’s dedicated to Jack now,” revealed Warrilow.

“I’m sure Jack wouldn’t want us to take the foot of the gas, and I thought we performed well.”

The boss urges the Longmead faithful to continue their excellent support of the team to assist in their play-off push.

“Everyone is running out of games, all the top teams have got to play each other with a lot of twists and turns and it’s going to the last game,” Warrilow predicted.

“We’ve been supported since I’ve taken over. I hope to get a few people back for the games. It’s vital that the noise we can create can become intimidating (for away sides).

“It lifts the lads and it’s nice to get letters from fans saying what a great season it’s been.

“It’s all positive, we’ve been here a short amount of time and we are looking a very good team, with a very good squad, and we’ll be looking to build on it for next season.”

Whether that’s in the Blue Square South or Ryman Premier League we won’t know until the final whistle has blown on 26^th April.

But Tonbridge Angels is certainly the place to be at this moment in time.

“I’ve got some players interested in talking to us in the summer no matter what league we’re in,” revealed Warrilow.

“At the moment I’m just focusing on getting the play-off spot. I’m happy with the squad we’ve got, the way we’re playing.”

After the visit of Hendon, the Angels travel to tenth placed side Billericay Town on Saturday; before welcoming fourth placed side AFC Hornchurch on 19^th April. The Angels then travel to sixth-bottom Carshalton Athletic on the most dramatic of last day’s.

“If we win tomorrow night we go fifth and my aim for the players is to stay there,” said Warrilow.

“We’re looking strong at the back and there’s a nice belief in the camp. We’ve got to make sure we don’t drop our standards.

But Warrilow is pleased that play-off and relegation places are going right to the wire.

“I’ll be honest, I think it’s great,” he said. “Normally teams cut their budget, forget about the league and concentrate on next year but now (everybody) from second from bottom all the way up has something to play for.

“This year all clubs are strengthening their budgets to stay up or creep up.”

Warrilow has always stated that he’s gunning for that much coveted fifth spot.

“If I gave the players a mediocre target, I’m not doing my job properly,” admitted Warrilow.

“We’ve got the players in the changing room and they’re taking on what we want from them.

“I’d be gutted if we don’t make it. We’ve had ups and downs but there’s that little bit of belief when I look around the changing room.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game and subject to conditions will be providing LIVE updates.

Tonbridge Angels v Hendon
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 8^th April 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW