I'm very proud to have been part of the Angels' promotion this year, says cameraman Trevor Arnold

TONBRIDGE ANGELS supporters' can relive their side’s two glorious Ryman Premier League play-off victories over Harrow Borough and Lowestoft Town, writes Stephen McCartney.


Superfan Trevor Arnold, 69, was rewarded for his hard-graft of filming games in all weathers up on a gantry during the course of the season with promotion into Blue Square Bet South, as Tommy Warrilow’s warriors finished in their highest ever league position (second in the Ryman Premier League) and secured promotion as they held their nerve to win two play-off games in the Cauldron of Passion that is Longmead Stadium.

Now Tonbridge Angels’ supporters’ can watch the two wins thanks to a DVD Box Set that has been produced by Mr Arnold, which he is selling for £10 at the club’s Longmead Stadium at Darenth Avenue this weekend.

“I first moved to Tonbridge in 1970,” said Penge born Mr Arnold.

“My interest in football was mainly due to my father who played for Beckenham Football Club in the early 1920’s.  He was an avid supporter of Crystal Palace and I can remember attending matches in the early 1950’s.  Crystal Palace at that time were in the old Third Division South.

“I became a professional Jazz Trumpeter in 1961, playing New Orleans trumpet with Cy Laurie’s band throughout the UK and concerts in Europe.  In those days we regularly played the Cavern Club in Liverpool.  The Beatles were the interval band and Cilla Black was a Cloakroom girl.  Those were happy days!”

When asked about how he got involved with the Kent club, Mr Arnold replied,
“I remember watching my first Tonbridge Football Club game, I think it was 1971, at the old Angel ground against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup.”

He added: “My full-time involvement started in 2009 when Newport County came to Longmead in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.  Jon Main was playing for the Angels and we were narrowly beaten 1-0.

“I was so impressed by the set up and the passion of the players and fans that I became totally hooked.  At the ripe old age of 65 I decided to purchase a drum and join the merry mob behind the goal – the Barmy Army.

“In September 2009 the club were thinking of asking someone to video the Tonbridge Angels games and I purchased a Sony Camcorder and Tripod.

“My first efforts at recording a game started in early January 2010 on a freezing cold evening at Longmead, using a friends Panasonic mini tape Camcorder.  I was very lucky because he is a graphic designer for a large advertising agency in London and had access to his Applemac videoing editing suite.

“I posted my first highlights on YouTube in January 2010 and since then I have processed somewhere in the region of 80 video highlights.”

Trevor’s talents behind the lense has certainly helped manager Warrilow, who receives copies of DVD’s on a weekly basis.

“Using Imovie or AppleMac I was able to provide the club with a DVD copy of the whole game for coaching purposes,” said Mr Arnold.

“I would like to think that through this media Tommy Warrilow could see how the team were shaping and improve performances.”

Fans can now watch the heroic 3-2 home win over Harrow Borough in the play-off semi-final, thanks to Ade Olorunda’s extra time winner, and the enthralling 4-3 home win over Lowestoft Town, thanks to Lewis Taylor’s exquisite finish after the Suffolk side fought back from 3-1 down at the break to 3-3.

“This year has been very special for the club.  I never thought I would video a winning semi-final and the final,” admitted Mr Arnold.

“The enthusiasm of the fans prompted me to compile an Historic box set DVD of the complete semi-final and final play-off games.

“With the help of a fellow computer wizard we are in the process of running a couple of hundred DVD’s, which can be purchased at the Longmead Stadium this coming Saturday and Sunday during the Garden Show for the price of £10.

“Both DVD’s are of the full game in High Definition.  The final was filmed with commentary by Mike Green, which adds to the excitement.

“The DVD will also be available for the various presentation evenings planned by the club.

“At the ripe old age of 69 I look forward to filming the games in the Blue Square Bet South.

“I’m very proud to have been part of the Angels’ promotion this year.  It makes climbing up a 50 foot ladder on a freezing cold night wearing thermal underwear worthwhile!”

When asked about his retained list earlier in the week, Warrilow said he will only speak to his promotion winning players after the club enjoy their end-of-season presentation night.

He said: “Nothing will be happening until after the 27 May.  I’m still awaiting my budget and the board are meeting this week so we can go from there.”

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

To watch Trevor’s work, please visit the fans’ forum www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum