13thaug04

Tonbridge Angels look to consolidate 

TONBRIDGE ANGELS supporters received a boost ahead of Saturday's Ryman Premier Division opener against Eastleigh, with news that Anthony Hogg has signed from league rivals Folkestone Invicta, writes Stephen McCartney.

The twenty-four-year old trained with the club on Thursday night and manager Tony Dolby captured his signature after the board were able to release more funds for players.

Hogg signed for Folkestone Invicta from Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet and started his career with Chelsea before moving to Welling United and Ayr United.

He scored fifteen goals for Neil Cugley's side last season, scoring against the Angels at Longmead Stadium in December.

Speaking on the club's website, Hogg said: "I signed for Tonbridge because I know they play attractive football and I believe their style of football will complement my game.

"Tonbridge are an ambitious club and I have been very impressed with the players and management and I am really looking forward to the season.

"I have had several clubs wanting me to join them but I am really pleased to have everything sorted now."

Angels manager Tony Dolby added: "Anthony is a great capture for us and will give us more strength and depth to our squad.

"The club is definitely moving forward now and chairman Paul Dainty and I are in talks to bring more quality players to the club.

"We have always been aware that as soon as the club's finances started to improve then we would be in a position to sign the likes of Anthony."

Hogg is likely to be in the Angels squad for tomorrow's Ryman League Premier Division opener against Eastleigh at Longmead Stadium.

However, Dolby's defensive plans for the game are causing some serious concerns.

Already out of action is Luke Anderson who is still recovering from a knee operation and Dolby was dealt a double blow with the news that Andy Larkin is unavailable and John Farley is struggling to be fit due to a thigh strain.

Larkin, however, is expected to return to the squad for next Tuesday's trip to Middlesex side Northwood.

Midfielder Jon Heath is also expected to join the squad on Saturday and Dolby is still in the hunt for supplementing the squad for the match.

Meanwhile, club chairman, Paul Dainty is eagerly anticipating the start of the new season.

He said: "We start our new season in the Ryman Premier League with confidence that we will be at least remain in this league.

"I state this because we have to be realistic.  The financial problems the club encountered last season nearly cost us our status as a club and the current board will never repeat of that situation.

"We have a manager in Tony Dolby, who is realistic and ambitious and there is a growing belief in the squad that we have a great opportunity to progress further in the next few seasons.

"The club are proud that so many youth players have progressed through to the first team, which is a credit to the management of the youth section.

"Off the field we have appointed a commercial manager, Chris MacDonald, who is vastly experienced in achieving sports sponsorship and funding and he is preparing for the clubs immediate and long term commercial future.

"Also, we appointed Alan Burns as director of football development, so we believe that the structure of the club has significantly improved."

The club has also launched a new official website this season so supporters can keep up to date with all the latest news and goings on at the club.

The address is www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk and the intention is to keep it as up to date as possible.

Dainty added: "If I were to have a wish list for the forthcoming season it would be; to achieve a respectable position in the league, to have a good run in the FA Cup and FA Trophy and for our superb support to continue and to enjoy the season."

Tonbridge Angels vs Eastleigh
Saturday 14th August 2004
Ryman League Premier Division
Kick Off 3:00pm at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge