Tonbridge Angels part company with Craig Nelson after only 11 games - despite being four games unbeaten

TONBRIDGE ANGELS chair Sophie Purves has parted company with manager Craig Nelson after only 11 games in charge at Longmead Stadium.

The part-time Angels have climbed up to fifteenth-place in the Enterprise National League South table with 10 points (two wins, four draws) from their opening nine games.

Tonbridge Angels are only six points adrift of the play-off zone and three clear of the drop zone, which contains Dagenham & Redbridge, Chippenham Town, Salisbury and Eastbourne Borough.

The club are actually unbeaten in their last four games in League and FA Cup, despite Nelson’s sudden departure, including a 1-0 win at Worthing yesterday.

“We are sad we have had to make this difficult decision but the board feels a change in manager is necessary in order to give us the best possible chance of maintaining our National League South status and secure the long-term future of the club,” she said in a statement.

“Craig is a great person and we would like to thank him for his efforts during his time at Tonbridge Angels.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we wish Craig all the very best for his future endeavours in football.”

Nelson, who is still Glebe’s longest serving manager with 68 games in joint-charge with Danny Oakins, between 2022-2024, was Lewes’ manager in the Isthmian League Premier Division last season before taking over the Angels.

Nelson said on X: “My time as Tonbridge Angels manager has come to an end.  Grateful for the journey, the players, staff and supporters who gave everything.  Wishing the cub nothing but success for the future.”

Coach Elyon Marshall-Katung, who held the same role at Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Bearsted under current boss Kevin Stevens, has also left the club.

Craig Nelson’s Results at Longmead Stadium:

Saturday 9 August 2025 – League – H – Slough Town – D0-0
Saturday 16 August – League – A – AFC Totton – L0-3
Tuesday 19 August – League – A – Dagenham & Redbridge – D2-2
Saturday 23 August – League – H – Chesham United – D0-0
Monday 25 August – League – A – Dorking Wanderers – L1-4
Saturday 30 August – League – H – Farnborough – D3-3

Tuesday 2 September – League – H – Enfield Town – L1-2
Saturday 6 September – League – A – Salisbury – W3-1
Saturday 13 September – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – A – Steyning Town Community – D2-2
Tuesday 16 September – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – H – Steyning Town Community – W6-1
Saturday 20 September – League – A – Worthing – W1-0

Tonbridge Angels travel to 12^th placed Isthmian League Premier Division side Cray Valley (Paper Mills) next Saturday in The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

The Angels haven’t confirmed who will be in charge for the game against Steve McKimm’s men.

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