Lovell shown the door by Dolby

Tonbridge Angels’ player-manager Tony Dolby has released left-back Matt Lovell following the Ryman Premier League club’s first red-card of the season.

Dolby spoke of his disappointment at having to release the former Bromley player following his sending off, against Kent League neighbours Tunbridge Wells, last Tuesday.

“I have known Matt a long time, playing with him at Fisher,” Dolby told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk.

“The decision to let him go was not one we took lightly, however in view of the events of last week we had little choice.”

Dolby was referring to the FA calling him and (chairman) Nick Sullivan to a hearing to explain the clubs poor disciplinary record last season.

“We were left in no doubt that they would take serious action against us if things didn’t improve,” admitted the manager.

"Last season our record was poor, we had far too many people sent off and its something Ruthers (Mike Rutherford) and I have to look at.

“We sat the lads down after the Horsham game (when the Angels lost a lead after having Nick Barnes and Ray Powell sent off) and made it clear that the number of dismissals was costing the team dear. We spelt it out clearly that this season discipline must improve.”

The club had already released Barnes who was due to miss the first three games but still face having Powell, Scott Kinch and John Beales all suspended at the start of the season.

“We just couldn't afford another sending off early on and for Matt to get a red card in a pre-season game was just too much,“ Dolby admitted.

The left-sided utility player was the victim of a crude challenge, described by one fan as ‘a potential career ending assault’ and reacted by head butting his assailant, Andy Boyle.

Referee Mr Buck from Istead Rise, well known to the Longmead faithful, wasted no time in showing Lovell a red card meaning an automatic three game suspension.

“After deliberations, we informed Matt we had to let him go,“ said Dolby.

"He was disappointed but understood that we had to act positively. Hopefully this will send a message to players and fans alike that this year we intend to do our best to keep 11 players on the field.

“Also it shows the FA that we are serious about improving our record."

Dolby still has options at left back with local lad Jon heath and triallist Kurt Husnu both showing well in pre-season.

“He has improved with every game, we intend to keep looking at him,” Dolby explained commenting on Husnu, who played last year at Aldershot Town and St Albans City.

The club hope to continue their good pre-season which has seen only one defeat in five games whilst scoring nine goals.

Also pleasingly new keeper Matt Reed has conceded only one (the two against Faversham went past second choice stopper Matt Bromby, who has left the club to join Tunbridge Wells).

Dolby would also no doubt be pleased to see last season’s hero Jon Main back in action.

Main now has a pair of goals in warm up action as has returning favourite Hamid Barr. Fellow striker Ray Powell also netted his first of the campaign against the Wells.

Article courtesy of www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk