I will help Ben Judge in any way possible to get him a move he deserves, says Tommy Warrilow

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has explained the reasons behind showing central defender Ben Judge the door.



The Angels have climbed up to tenth-place in the Blue Square Bet (Conference) South table, with 26 points from 21 games, after picking up six points over the festive period.

Tonbridge Angels ended Dover Athletic’s impressive run of 21 unbeaten away league games when they defeated their bitter-rivals 2-1 at Longmead Stadium on Boxing Day.

But a lethargic side couldn’t replicate that work-ethic again at home to Bromley on 29 December as Mark Goldberg’s side came away from Longmead Stadium with a 3-0 win.

But Tonbridge Angels completed only their third ever double over Dover Athletic – the last time being during the 1986-87 season – when powerful midfielder David Ijaha grabbed the victory with a last-gasp winner on New Years’ Day, to score his first goal for the club on his full debut since his arrival from St Albans City.

Warrilow has had to let people leave the club in order to bring in Ijaha.

Winger Nathan Koranteng has today left the club and has signed for Ryman Premier League side Kingstonian on a month’s loan.

“He is still a young lad who has so much potential, but he needs to get some games under his belt after damaging his ankle against Maidstone,” Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk.

But Judge’s release has raised eyebrows amongst the club’s fan base.

“Ben Judge is unfortunately the player I had to talk to regarding freeing up the funds to sign David Ijaha from St Albans,” explained Warrilow.

“I have circulated Judge’s name and I am sure he will have a number of club’s interested in his signature.

“I only spoke to him after the Dover (away) game and it is the one part of the job that all managers hate, especially to a top lad and a quality player.

“Ben knows he needs to be playing at this stage of his career and with Ollie (Schulz) and Gary (Elphick) playing so well and Sonny (Miles) too who comes into that equation of centre halves, Judgey’s playing time would be limited.

“Also, as we have well documented, when a player arrives at the club, somebody has to make way.

“I could not afford to have four centre halves at the club and having Ben sitting on the bench with so much cover in that area is the only reason I have made this decision.

“You do not have to tell me what a signing he has been for the club and I would not have a bad word said against him and I will help in any way possible to get him a move he deserves.

“Unfortunately, these are the decisions you have to make when you’re looking to change things and bring new players in.

“I hope you all like what you see with David Ijaha so far. He will only get better and gives us something different in that midfield area that will make us a better team.

“I am speaking to another player after Saturday (when the seven days’ are up that I put in) and I will let you know how that goes after our talks.”

Warrilow, who guided his club to a ninth-place finish in their inaugural Conference South campaign last term, wants his side to continue their form when they travel to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

The Somerset outfit are in seventh-place in the table, with 30 points from 20 games and a victory will put the Kent club in the chasing pack.

Warrilow knows there is plenty to play for, for the remainder of the season.

He added: “We had a good return of points over Christmas so let’s all please enjoy this too and stay positive and get behind the boys’ as we look to push on in the New Year.”

Quotes courtesy of Tonbridge Angels’ website: www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk  

Weston-super-Mare  v  Tonbridge Angels
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 5^th January 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Woodspring Stadium, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 9AA