Tonbridge Angels appoint Alan Dunne as their new manager

TONBRIDGE ANGELS chair Sophie Purves has pulled off a managerial coup by appointing Alan Dunne on a full-time basis.

The Enterprise National League South club parted company with Craig Nelson yesterday after only 11 games in charge and on a four-match unbeaten run in both League and FA Cup.

“Dunne arrives at (Longmead) Stadium with an excellent reputation largely built on his work at Bromley, where he has been an integral part of The Ravens’ recent success,” said a club statement.

“Prior to that, the 43-year-old earned cult status at Millwall where he played almost 400 senior games.  Joining the youth set-up aged ten, he rose through the ranks to become first-team captain and club legend, known for his committed and no-nonsense approach.

“After a spell at Leyton Orient he joined Bromley in 2017 where he made 38 appearances before being promoted into Neil Smith’s, then Andy Woodman’s management team’s.

“He played a pivotal and inspirational role as Bromley won promotion to League Two.  While at Bromley, Dunne won acclaim for his methodical, detailed approach and tactical know-how.”

Dunne, who departed Hayes Lane by mutual consent on 5 February 2025, has been unveiled by Angels’ chair Purves today.

“We’re really pleased to appoint Alan Dunne.  His excellent work at Bromley has convinced us he has what it takes to be an outstanding manager,” said Purves.

“The board believes he is a great fit for Tonbridge Angels and is the right person to take the club forward in the future.  We are very pleased to have him at the helm.”

Dunne takes charge of the club for the first time with a trip to Isthmian League Premier Division side Cray Valley (Paper Mills) in The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on Saturday.

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 on Saturday.

“I am extremely excited by the challenge I have been presented with at Tonbridge Angels.  I believe it is a club with great potential and I will bring absolutely everything I can to the table,” said Dublin-born Dunne.

“I am under no illusion about the challenge I face.  National League South is the most competitive it has every been, with some really strong teams and I pledge to the Angels’ fans and Board that I wil do everything in my power to take the club forward.

“Throughout my playing career and my move into coaching and management I have always relished a challenge and I look forward to rolling my sleeves up and bringing those same qualities to Tonbridge Angels.”

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