Former Eagle Nathaniel Pinney drops in at Tonbridge Angels

Saturday 15th June 2013

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has unveiled the signing of former Crystal Palace striker Nathaniel Pinney.

Six foot tall, South Norwood-born Pinney, 22, joined Crystal Palace as a youngster and made his League debut for the Eagles on 11 April 2009, coming on in the 89^th minute substitute in a 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff City.

Having made only one other appearance for the Eagles, in a League Cup game against Yeovil Town in August 2010, Pinney scored 6 goals in 18 appearances on loan to Woking during season 2009-2010.

Pinney signed for Dagenham & Redbridge in October 2010 on a one-month loan followed by a short-loan spell with then Conference South leaders Braintree Town in March 2011.

Pinney joined then Conference Premier side Ebbsfleet United on 5 November 2011 on an initial one-month loan. However, boss Liam Daish extended the loan after impressing at Stonebridge Road to the end of the season. He was used in a few roles, playing on both wings and as a striker, scoring 12 goals in 25 appearances.

Pinney joined Ryman Premier League side Carshalton Athletic in October 2012 and hit 22 goals in 35 appearances.

Warrilow has been speaking to the striker for nearly three weeks and was aware that there was other interest from at least two other Conference South clubs and one Conference Premier club.

“We have been patient in signing him and his attitude throughout the talks has always been positive,” Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk.

“He is at a great age like all our new signings and we are delighted to fill the gap left up front with someone who is a real handful for defenders with his pace and power.

“Nathaniel himself can’t wait to get going and feels really good in himself now he is getting his fitness back.”

Meanwhile, former Tonbridge defender Ollie Schulz, re-signed for Ramsgate last night.

Schulz was an integral part of the Rams’ defence after he graduated from the youth team to the first team as an under 18 and remained there through back-to-back promotions and a Ryman League Cup Final win before switching to Dover Athletic in 2008.

The Angels open their pre-season campaign with two games on Saturday 13 July. They travel to Ryman League Division One South Ramsgate and also take on their Kent League neighbours Tunbridge Wells (who won the Kent Senior Trophy and were runners-up in the FA Carlsberg Vase at Wembley Stadium) at Longmead Stadium.

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk