Angels part company with skipper Powell - EXCLUSIVE

TOMMY WARRILOW has revealed that goalkeeper Matt Reed and striker Akwasi Edusei are looking for deals elsewhere, after unveiling his retained list last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Tonbridge Angels boss unveiled that he’s retained eleven of last season’s squad, although he has parted company with versatile skipper, and fans’ favourite, Ray Powell.

The former Horsham assistant met his players at Longmead Stadium last Saturday and has maintained the services of the versatile Simon Glover; defenders Phil Starkey, Matt Lovell, James Donovan; midfielders Anthony Storey, Tommy Tyne, Kirk Watts, John Westcott, Fraser Logan, Michael Phillips - and striker Carl Rook.

But Warrilow, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, explained why Powell, who can play as a right-back or as a striker, is no longer part of his plans.

“It’s just between me and Razor,” he said. “We had a chat about pushing on and going forward and we both agreed it was in the best interests to call it a day.

“We’ve given him time to find a club, which I’m sure he will. It was an amicable decision with no animosity.”

Whilst Reed and Edusei look elsewhere, central midfield rock Scott Kinch and the versatile John Wilfort have been told to shape up.

“I said to them to prove their fitness and see some improvement,” explained Warrilow.

“Everyone else came down and got offered deals and everyone signed except for Q (Edusei) and Reed.”

Warrilow wants to hear from the pair to know if they’re going or staying.

“I’m not going to be messed about,” Warrilow insisted. “If I find a replacement and they agree to come, their money will be gone.

“Nobody’s come back to me so Q and Reed are looking around, which is disappointing.

“I haven’t spoken to them for two weeks. If you want to play for Tonbridge you call the manager and say that.

“I’ve not heard nothing since so I assume they’re touting themselves a bit and see what’s on offer for next year.”

Warrilow’s mobile telephone hasn’t stopped ringing as he speaks to players interested in coming to play for a club that’s going places.

£100,000 is being spent on ground improvements during the close season, including installing at least 600 seats to bring Longmead Stadium up to Blue Square South standard.

“I’m going to announce some signings,” said Warrilow. “Until they put pen to paper I’m not going to tempt fate.

“I’m talking to some good targets at the moment and I’m confident at least two signings by the end of this week and hopefully it will be four.

“The people we’re talking to are wanted lads. I’m pretty confident what’s gone on at the club towards the end of last season and (the) activity off it has become an attractive club to play for.

“I’m getting loads of calls from lads interested in coming. At the same time I’ve only got a certain number I can keep. It only needs touching up a little bit.

On the shopping list is a replacement for outbound central defender John Beales, a new goalkeeper and a new striker - if former Ramsgate striker Edusei and former Walton Casuals goalkeeper Reed leave the west Kent club.

“I’ve got the nucleus of my squad already, I just need four or five more players to strengthen the squad,” explained Warrilow.

“What I’m aiming for is a strong bench (just like) Wimbledon and Chelmsford.

“We’ve got a few people coming down the trials. We’ve got some good players in the reserves.

“I would like a squad of 16-18 but it all depends on how far the money goes so it’s not a bottomless pit.

“If I’ve got sixteen quality players then I’ll be more than happy with that. I will be looking to strengthen the reserve set-up a lot more and I’ve spoken about that.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels website: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk