Kentish Football 
Ben Judge is an important bit of the jigsaw with his experience at the back, says Tommy Warrilow
Wednesday 01st June 2011
TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow took his playing squad for the new season to twelve after central defender Ben Judge put pen to paper on a new one-year contract today, writes Stephen McCartney.
Judge, 33, arrived at Longmead Stadium last September, when Warrilow rung the changes after his side suffered a 4-0 home defeat to Cray Wanderers on 21 September, a result which left the club in eighteenth place in the Ryman Premier League table.
But Judge’s calm presence at the heart of defence during his 39 appearances proved valuable as the Angels climbed the league table, finishing in second place, and promotion along with champions Sutton United was sealed with enthralling play-off wins over Harrow Borough and Lowestoft Town.
“Ben Judge was an important bit of the jigsaw with his experience at the back,” said Warrilow.
“I’ve got lads that need an old head around them and it’s no coincidence when Judgey came on board it looked a little bit more settled.
“I met him this morning before he went on holiday, sat down and explained everything to him and he loves it here. He’s more than willing to stay. He’s had other teams going in to him but like a lot of the other lads they know we’ve got something going on down here at the moment and he wants to be a part of it.”
The Angels boss admitted Judge’s arrival was a catalyst in the club’s rapid rise.
“I be honest, I don’t think it could have got any worse really after the Cray game so something had to be done and Judge came in with Pipes (Chris Piper) and we got Jamie England, Rory Hill in and got them sort of going and we just seemed to work and fit in perfectly. We didn’t change the pattern. I can’t just blame the individuals that went out, things weren’t right.
“I had to take measures and if we’re in the same boat this year I’ll do the same again. As a club we learnt from last year, everyone at the club was annoyed at the time and rightly so, but it’s where we are at the end of it.
“We need Judgey’s experience more than ever next year, as I keep saying it’s the unknown that we’re going into.”
Warrilow, 46, has made one summer signing so far, the versatile Tim Olorunda, 26, returning after three spells with his home-town club Hastings United.
Warrilow explained why he has brought Ade’s younger brother back to Longmead Stadium.
“Just the versatility of him, he’s s a big, strong lad,” he said.
“I thought he done well against us for Hastings at our place and last time he played (for us) he played right back, centre half, centre midfield and he never let himself down once.
“His versatility and his strength is going to be key next year in what I keep being told is a very physical league.”
When asked about his progress in the transfer market, Warrilow added, “I’m meeting with one tomorrow. I’m hoping to bring in another two and I think that might be my lot.
“There’s not many new faces because I’ve sat down with a few of the boys and thought about it all and if I can bring in two or three fresh faces and add to that during the season.
“The squad should be more than good enough to hold its own in the league and make a fist of it. I’ve said to all of the boys when they all re-signed, most of them have played at that level, if not above. I’m looking forward to starting the season with a familiar side shall I say.”
Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk
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