Tommy Warrilow snaps up long-term target Curtis Ujah

Monday 06th December 2010

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow is taking the positives out of the current wintry snap - as players can regain their fitness during the current period of inactivity, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Angels last game with a 1-1 draw against Kingstonian at Longmead Stadium on 27 November and away games at Maidstone United (Saturday) and Dartford (tomorrow night) have been frozen off.

“We have had a few injury issues with John Heath, Scott Gooding, Lewis Taylor and Lee Browning unavailable for selection for the Kingstonian game,” Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk in an update to supporters.

“We also had Chris Piper and Rory Hill taking knocks into that game but thankfully they both came through.

“Jamie England got his first start for a while due to a groin problem, and came out with more minutes under his belt than I anticipated and I hope he can build on this.

“With the game against Dartford being cancelled, it probably done us a favour because the break gave these boys time to recover and we were a bit thin on the ground for the fixture.

“Before you think it is all bad news, the boys were all available for (the Maidstone game) so the week off has helped them.

“The weather has obviously put an end to the Maidstone game, but trying to stay positive and even though the lads say they are ok, the extra few days off will give them a bit more time to fully recover, but I really hope the weather clears.”

The Tonbridge Angels boss explained the situation concerning striker Sherwin Stanley.

He said: “Let me clear this up for you. Sherwin signed for us permanently from Boreham Wood and was not on loan. Unfortunately, shortly after joining, he got a new job and was struggling to do the journey and get to games on time from his new job to Tonbridge.

“We discussed the situation and both agreed to keep his Ryman registration with us whilst he got game time and kept fit playing with Enfield.

“We were hoping his work commitments would change so he could come back to us, but unfortunately this never happened.

“To be fair to Sherwin he had other clubs wanting him but explained he was hoping to come back to Tonbridge if his work pattern changed. This is not going to happen this season and Sherwin asked me if he could go back to Aveley because the journey was nearer to his work, he could get there on time and he wants to play in the Ryman Premier again.

“Sherwin is one of the nicest lads I have managed and is always welcome back here if his work pattern changes. He stayed loyal to us and gave his situation long enough in my opinion to see if things would change. The door is always open to Sherwin.”

Warrilow added: “Another player we are hoping to see is Curtis Ujah who signed a Ryman form with us last week. Curtis is the centre half I was trying to bring in on loan a while ago.

“His situation has now changed at Boreham Wood and he is free to sign for us. He trained with us last week and before the Kingstonian game in the morning with me, but unfortunately with the (first) Dartford game being called off, missed making his Tonbridge debut.

“He has been out for a long time with a knee injury which he picked up playing for Watford in a trial game.

“He knew of my interest earlier in the season and got in touch once his situation got sorted out and I am delighted he has come down to us.

“I hope we can help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football again. I know this is a position where we have good players fighting for places, but when someone of Curtis’s pedigree comes along we would be mad not to have a look at the situation.

“For us, it again strengthens the squad and keeps everyone on their toes as we look to go into the Christmas period with a fully fit squad to pick from.”

Tonbridge will have to wait until Tuesday 14 December until their next game - at home to Concord Rangers.

Meanwhile, Tonbridge Angels will hope it’s third time lucky when it comes to the Kent Senior Cup tie at Dartford. The game has been re-arranged for 25 January 2010.

Article courtesy of www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk