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Sunday, 29 May, 2005: First of two big updates today
The archive has been expanded this morning and a further update later today will again concentrate on the archives. Work has also begun on the Reserves page with results for 2004-05 added.
Thursday, 26 May, 2005: Everything is geared towards success
There is always a breath of fresh air around football clubs at this time of the year, and the same can be said at Tonbridge Angels, writes Stephen McCartney.
Despite relegation from the Ryman Premier League last month, player-manager Tony Dolby remains upbeat for their Ryman League Division One campaign, which gets underway on Saturday 20th August. The only set-back Dolby has encountered since the last game of the season was losing goalkeeper Jamie Turner to Nationwide South outfit Welling United but Dolby admitted this isn't the time of the year to talk to players.
"Obviously I'm in discussions with certain players that I'd like to bring to the squad," he revealed. "Jamie Turner has left to go to Welling as everybody knows but people are a bit reluctant to commit themselves at this early stage of the summer and they often wait until they get back from their holiday's before committing to anything."
But searching for a new goalkeeper is high on the agenda for Dolby. "I've spoken to a couple of goalkeepers and something will come sooner rather than later," Dolby reveals. "We'll be keeping the bulk of the squad, everyone's indicating that they want to be part of what we are trying to build here." Former Arsenal, Bromley, Sutton United and Tonbridge Angels goalkeeper Nick Sullivan has taken over the chairmanship of the Avavan Longmead Stadium outfit from Paul Dainty and as a member of the coaching set-up last season, the new chief knows a lot about Dolby's credentials and those of the current squad. "We've both got similar ideas, we are both keen on youth and bring young players through, making it a friendly club to be at and play for and obviously be successful." said the manager.
Dolby said: "We are starting from the bottom and build up," as he revealed the extent of the ground improvements at the club's Avavan Longmead Stadium. New windows are being put into the clubhouse, a new bar, new decor, new carpets being laid, and most importantly advertising boards are being erected around the pitch to help with the club's promotion push. "I am confident that we will be a successful non-league set-up and I have no doubt about that," insists the Chislehurst based manager. And Dolby wants to repay the faith shown in him by Sullivan after losing their Ryman Premier League status along with Dover Athletic.
"Nick knows what I'm trying to achieve," he said. "We both have similar ideas on how to run the football club. Nick knows I'm tactically aware and have a good background and knowledge in football. I am confident in my own ability as a manager and the right man for the job and I'll have to prove that this season." The Angels aim for the season? "Promotion" insisted the former Millwall man. "Simple as that" And how will they achieve that? "By keeping the bulk of the squad, making a few adjustments here and there and learning from last year."
Dolby hopes Sullivan will be able to muck in with the coaching, as well as being suited and booted inside the boardroom on matchdays. "Hopefully Nick will have some input in coaching but being chairman is a big role and time consuming for him," Dolby said. "We will all pitch in and do our bit and hopefully we'll have own formula to bring success to the fans. "We have got big plans for the club, it's not going to be easy but there's a lot of hard work and drive. Nick was very close to the team at the back end of last year and knew it wasn't easy. He knew that it wasn't easy for the players with talk of change but I think the most important thing is we are striving forward now and are not going to look back. I think everything is geared towards success and what we are trying to achieve, everything's in our favour and hopefully that will reflect on the pitch." promised Dolby.
The Angels, however, have confirmed five pre-season friendlies so far, and are in the process of confirming details for a game against Fisher Athletic. Their game against Sutton United at the Avavan Longmead Stadium has been brought forward seven days to Tuesday 12th July (7:45pm) before they make the short trip to Greatness Park to play Sevenoaks Town on Saturday 23rd. The Angels then host Southern Leaguers Aveley on Tuesday 26th before they make the short trip to Culverden Stadium as they defend the Courier Cup against Kent League neighbours Tunbridge Wells. Dolby's men then travel to Ryman Premier League side Folkestone Invicta on Saturday 6th August. It is expected more matches will be arranged.
Wednesday, 25 May, 2005: Quiet week at Longmead continues
Still no news forthcoming from the club this week with transfer news at a minimum. However some positive links could appear in the near future, particularly the news that ten players are going to be released by Conference South side Lewes.
In the meantime Angels Online carries on regardless and a few more minor updates have been added today.
Friday, 20 May, 2005: Departure of Turner finally confirmed
It was confirmed today by TAFC that goalkeeper Jamie Turner has signed for Welling United for the 2005-2006 season. Although not a shock after the events of the last week, it is still a big disappointment to the players and management and to supporters too. JT made 98 appearances in two seasons for the club and was a well-deserving winner of the Supporters' Player and Players' Player of the Year awards last season.
Angels Online understands that Jamie wanted to play at a higher level after the opportunity from Park View Road arose, and that the issue was not money-related. That said, it is still unfortunate that we were unable to hold on to our Player of the Year once again, Turner following in the footsteps of Nick Humphrey (Dover), Paul Emblen (Charlton) and Wade Falana (anywhere that would have him?!)... and now the task falls to Tony Dolby to find a worthy goalkeeper who can take Turner's place. Two potential "very good" replacements are being looked at and with any luck we will hear an announcement in the near future.
Meanwhile two friendlies have been announced for the pre-season. Conference South side Sutton United will visit Longmead Stadium on Tuesday 19 July. Their last visit to Longmead was for a friendly in 1995 and were well beaten 4-2. However our last competitive fixture saw Sutton run out 5-1 winners at home to the Angels in an FA Cup Third Qualifying Round match in October 1997. On Saturday 23 July we visit Sevenoaks Town for the first ever match between the two sides.
Thursday, 19 May, 2005: Under-18s secure second place with win
Angels Under-18s completed their season with a 3-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday night, the result ensured the boys finish second in the Kent Youth League Under-18 North division this season, well done to the lads! Full season results, statistics and table will appear on this site as soon as possible.
TAFC Supporters' Association are holding their monthly quiz night at Longmead tomorrow night (20th) in the Executive Lounge. The fun kicks off at 8pm and teams of 2 to 6 are welcome. Hope to see you there.
The 'site construction' here continues with the archive page now online, and that page will be built on over the coming months. The 2004-05 League Table has also been added.
Tuesday, 17 May, 2005: Turner still an Angel for now
The club today issued a denial to the story that goalkeeper Jamie Turner has signed for Welling United. Jamie has been approached by the Conference South club but the Angels are continuing to make every effort to persuade Jamie to stay.
This season's results have been added to the site today.
Monday, 16 May, 2005: Under-18s create record win
Angels Under-18s created a team record scoreline yesterday morning dealing out the proverbial cricket score upon Fisher Athletic yesterday morning. The final score ended 12-0 with the young Angels aiming for second spot in the division. Their final game is at Edenbridge tomorrow night at home to leaders Dulwich Hamlet, and a win will secure the runners-up place.
Meanwhile a further update to the site tonight with the appearances and goalscorers statistics being added.
Saturday, 14 May, 2005: More pages added to Angels Online
The following pages have all been added to Angels Online in the last couple of days: News, Club Information, Club History, Tonbridge Pub Guide, About this Site and Links. More updates will follow in the coming weeks.
Friday, 13 May, 2005: Speculation continues over Turner future
Reports have been broadcast on both Radio Kent and KM-FM today that Player of the Year Jamie Turner has signed for Welling United. Rumours began surfacing yesterday and despite the club insisting that Turner is staying, Welling boss Adrian Pennock has claimed to the press that the goalkeeper has signed a one-year deal at Park View Road. Welling United's website has NOT yet confirmed the move although the news has been posted on their forum.
Meanwhile the league constitution as detailed below has been confirmed on the FA's website, subject to ratification next Thursday, 19 May.
Friday, 13 May, 2005: Under-18s to miss out on title win
The Under-18s last night entertained West Wickham and were beaten 2-1, Tonbridge's goal coming from Alex McEwan. The loss means they cannot now win the league after a run of wins had propelled them into third position. With two games left to play, away at Fisher Athletic this Sunday at home to new title winners Dulwich Hamlet next Tuesday, the Angels need to win both if they are to take the runners-up spot.
Thursday, 12 May, 2005: League constitution for 2005/06 to be decided
Although a decision was due on May 11th regarding the constitution of the Non-League Pyramid for next season, only a list of promoted clubs into Step 4 has been released by the FA. Ramsgate have been promoted into the Ryman League Division One and according to their website have been told that they will join fellow Kent sides Dover Athletic, Cray Wanderers, Ashford Town and Tonbridge Angels. Also promoted to that division are New Forest-based Lymington & New Milton, which has led to the following educated guess being published on the Tony Kempster forum:
Ashford Town (Kent), Banstead Athletic, Bashley, Burgess Hill, Corinthian Casuals, Cray Wanderers, Croydon Athletic, Dover Athletic, Dulwich Hamlet, Fleet Town, Hastings United, Horsham, Kingstonian, Leatherhead, Lymington & New Milton, Met Police, Molesey, Newport IOW, Ramsgate, Tonbridge Angels, Tooting & Mitcham, Walton Casuals, Whyteleafe.
More news will be added to this page as we receive it although the FA's website suggests ratification is not due until May 19th.
Thursday, 12 May, 2005: Angels Online relaunch for 2005/06
This interim page will act as a news and information page until the new site is complete. Keep checking the left-hand panel of the site as pages are added over the summer. Don't forget the forum is being upgraded complete with interactive gallery in the next few weeks!
