Note: This page is archived from the old original Angels site - "Flying With The Angels", run in the late-90s by Klitch. It is reproduced here in its entirety, and updated additions are in red text.
MALCOLM MACDONALD
This '70s superstar is widely regarded as Tonbridge's finest product and was recently included in a list of "100 League Legends". Joined Tonbridge as a junior in 1965 and signed professional in July 1967. Started in the 1st team as a full-back, then played on the wing before Harry Haslam switched him to centre-forward against Gravesend in a Kent Floodlit Cup tie in March 1968. Scored a hat-trick and Fulham paid £1000 for him in August 1968. Later starred for Luton Town, Newcastle Utd and Arsenal, once scoring 5 goals for England against Cyprus. Retired in 1979 with knee trouble after 191 league goals and managed Fulham and Huddersfield.
RON SAUNDERS
Ace Tonbridge goalpoacher of the mid 50s, who later embarked on a highly successful managerial career with Yeovil Town. Gained England Youth honours and limited 1st division experience with Everton before Doug Hunt took him to Tonbridge in July 1956. Equalled Jimmy Constantine's record of 39 goals in 56/57 season and scored in the Southern League Cup final. Moved to Gillingham for £800 in May 1957 and became the first player to move from 4th to 1st div. when Portsmouth paid £10,000 in Sept 1958. Later played for Watford and Charlton. Appointed Yeovil player manager in April 1967. Succeeded Arthur Turner at Oxford U in Feb 1969 and later managed Norwich City, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Birmingham City & West Bromwich Albion up to 1987.
TONY BURNS
Brilliant goalkeeper who graduated from Tonbridge's first ever youth team in 1961 and spent three further spells with club. Made Southern League debut v. Yiewsley in Feb 1963 and was snapped up by Arsenal a month later. Gained 1st div. experience then played for Brighton and Charlton, before rejoining Tonbridge in July 1970. Left for Durban United in Jan 71, and returned to play for Crystal Palace, Brentford and Plymouth, then in the Southern League with Dartford and Hastings Utd. Appointed Tonbridge manager for the first season at Longmead in 1980, then managed Gravesend for 7 years before returning as Tonbridge manager for the 1989/90 season. Burns returned as a Director of Football in 2000 and had a spell as caretaker manager in the 2001/02 season.
MARCEL GAILLARD
Classy Belgian winger who came to Tonbridge in 1950 via Olympique and Crystal Palace. Was bought by Portsmouth in 1951 for £4,500 (the Angel's record transfer fee receipt until 1997). Later returned to non-league football and played for Weymouth.
TREVOR MORGAN
Superb centre forward played for Tonbridge in the 1970s. Transferred to AFC Bournemouth in 1980, and also played for Mansfield, Bristol City (two spells) and Bristol Rovers
NEIL & PAUL EMBLEN
As a Tonbridge youth, midfielder NEIL had trials with Watford (alongside David James) before returning to The Angels for three years. Transferred to Sittingbourne and then joined Millwall as a then record £170,000 signing between a league and non-league club. Subsequently sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £750,000, and established himself as a first team regular, despite injury problems. Neil became The Angel's first FA Premiership player by joining Crystal Palace, who paid £2,000,000 for his services at the start of the 97/98 season but subsequently returned to Wolves before the season's end. Now playing for Walsall in League One after a spell with Norwich City.
Brother PAUL followed Neil into the Angels first team as a forward before joining Charlton Athletic in May 1997 for £7,500. Enjoyed a 3 month loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring 4 league goals, including a hat-trick. Returned to the Valley as one of the Addicks squad that clinched promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs in 97/98. Following a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, he made the move permanent in September '98 for £60,000 + £30,000 subject to appearances. Unfortunately injuries blighted Paul's stay at Adams Park and returned to sign forms for the Angels in the autumn of 2002, only for another cruciate ligament injury to cut short his second spell with the Angels. A comeback attempt this year presently does not look to have been successful.
