3rdfeb04

Shock as Barr quits Tonbridge
by Fred Atkins
www.kentonline.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels joint-manager Hamid Barr has walked out on the club leaving his co-manager Tony Dolby in charge for the rest of the season.

After the team's 2-1 Kent Senior Cup defeat by Bromley last week, amid criticism, Barr apparently became disillusioned. He has left the club to pursue a career outside football.

Angels' chairman Paul Dainty admitted he was stunned by the news. He stressed: "I just can't believe it.

"We were going to appoint him and Dolby for the rest of the season because they had done quite well. But he came to see me and said 'I've had enough, I can't manage anymore.'

"I said you're staying as a player aren't you?' and he said no. He said he had had offers in and out of football and had only stayed this long because he was a mate."

Dainty was quick to answer fans who were worried by Barr's departure. He added: "People are moaning 'oh, Hamid's gone' but Tony was always our first choice. There were problems having two managers and I think we're in a very good position. We are top of the league, and solvent.

"Tony is calm, assured and businesslike and he is determined to get us promotion and win the title."

Dolby, 29, played over 100 games for Millwall and also appeared for Barnet. His first act as manager was to sign defender Luke Anderson from Ryman League side Dulwich Hamlet.

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