Angels appoint Blewden as new reserve team boss

TONBRIDGE ANGELS secretary Charlie Cole has revealed that it costs the club at least £2,000 during the close season - even before a ball has been kicked in anger, writes Stephen McCartney.

Supporters of the Longmead Stadium club quizzed Mr Cole about how much it costs the club to enter the competitions.

And he replied, "I have looked at the payments due to the various authorities, ie, The FA, The Isthmian League, The Suburban League and the Kent FA, and the approximate figure due will be £2,100.

"This is payable at various times between 1st April 2009 (FA Cup entry), and the middle of July."

Mr Cole added, "Regarding payments to officials on average this is £160.00 per first team game (based on last years prices), notification of any changes will be received after the Ryman AGM on 15th June 2009."

Meanwhile, the club have today appointed Colin Blewden as the their new reserve team manager.

Blewden, with previous first-team managerial experience at the club, replaces Julian Leigh and Micky Collins at the helm, and chairman Steve Churcher today confirmed that the club's second string will compete, once again, in the Suburban League.

"The new board was formed hours after their resignation and had no contact with either Julian Leigh or Micky Collins prior to their decision," said Mr Churcher in his statement posed on www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum.

"We would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank them for their past efforts and wish them well at their new club.

"Despite the speculation, we are pleased to confirm that we will be running a reserve team in the Suburban League next season.

"We are delighted to confirm that Colin Blewden has agreed to step up from managing the successful under 18 Ryman Youth League team to take charge of the reserves next season."

Quotes courtesy of www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum