I couldn't stand in Mikel Suarez's way, says Tonbridge Angels boss Tommy Warrilow

Friday 31st January 2014

DARTFORD have unveiled the signing of striker Mikel Suarez from Tonbridge Angels on transfer deadline day.

The big striker has struggled for goals at Tonbridge Angels this sesaon and has hardly been a regular in the starting XI this season, but Skrill Premier club Dartford have taken him on.

Spanish striker Suarez, 27, who became a fans’ favourite at Longmead Stadium after a horrific head injury back in 2012 left him in a coma, goes with Angels’ boss Tommy Warrilow’s blessing.

“Mikel wanted to go and I couldn’t stand in the boy’s way,” Warrilow told the club’s website.

“Chances like this come up once in a blue moon. It’s a chance for him to go and test himself at Conference Premier level for the next three months.

“He’s a top lad. What he has been through with us, you get to know his whole family through things like that. We’re gutted he’s off, but at the same time it’s a great opportunity for him.”

Warrilow added: Everyone wishes him well and never say never, my door is always open. He might not like it there, but he’s got to go and give it his all.”

Suarez’ departure, coupled with news that Gavin McCallum has been recalled by Sutton United, leaves Angels short up front going into tomorrow’s home game with Hayes & Yeading.

“We’ve got Pins [Nathaniel Pinney], Tom and Mark Lovell. Lovers is Lovers, whatever job I give him. We’ve also got Lee Browning out for three games which does not help. I’ve made calls and been offered a couple of possibilities. But I’m going to wait until today is out of the way. Some lads are trying to get into Conference clubs on deals and if that doesn’t happen, we’ll have a look again.

“We are really light on numbers, but I won’t make a knee-jerk reaction.”

Meanwhile, Dartford boss Tony Burman has used transfer deadline day to announce that Rory McAuley’s loan spell from Cambridge United has been extended until the end of the season.

And Jim Stevenson, 21, has extended his loan spell from Luton Town until the end of the season.

However, the midfielder is not allowed to play for the Darts against The Hatters at Princes Park tomorrow.

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

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfconline.co.uk