Main complets transfer to AFC Wimbledon

But the much-sought after former VCD Athletic and Cray Wanderers striker, who joined Tonbridge Angels in January 2006, put in a shock transfer request last Friday, and is expected to pen a two-year contract with AFC Wimbledon – despite committing his future to the west Kent club in July.

"Last Friday, Jon Main approached the club and asked to leave Tonbridge Angels Football Club," explained club chairman Mr Nick Sullivan.

"In talks with Jon he made it very clear that his wish was to leave and we could not persuade him otherwise."

The statement, posted on www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk, added: "Over the weekend I negotiated a transfer fee with AFC Wimbledon.

"I have to say that my talks with the Chief Executive of AFC Wimbledon have been conducted in a very professional and courteous manner.

"I have no problem with AFC Wimbledon and the way they have dealt with the transfer.

"However, I do have issues with the person or persons, not connected with either club, who seem to be involved on the periphery of this matter."

The Betterview Longmead Stadium outfit enjoyed plenty of good times when Main was banging in the goals, and Mr Sullivan thanked the striker for his services.

He said: "I, on behalf of Tonbridge Angels Football Club thank Jon for his services over the past two seasons and wish him every success at his new club."

The fee, however, will remain undisclosed and a further statement providing more details will be made in due course.

Terry Brown, Main’s new manager, told www.afcwimbledon.co.uk: "I am delighted to have signed Jon. He has been our target since my appointment as manager.

"His goal scoring record is second to none. Jon will provide pace in behind defences and he has already set himself a target of 20 goals to add to the 20 he has scored for Tonbridge. Jon will definitely be in the starting line up for Saturday."

Main admitted that he’s sad to be parting company with the Kent club.

He told www.afcwimbledon.co.uk: "I’m very sad to leave Tonbridge after having had a great time there but really looking forward to playing for AFC Wimbledon in front of their big crowds.

"Their overall aim and mine is to obtain promotion this season and eventually play in the football league.

AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive Erik Samuelson added: "I am absolutely delighted that we have signed Jon. We first approached Tonbridge Angels about him two weeks ago.

"Since then we’ve been in negotiations and, late on Sunday night, we agreed a fee with Nick Sullivan, the Tonbridge chairman.

"We met Jon after last night’s game (between the two clubs which ended in a
2-2 draw, with Main netting Angels’ first) and agreed terms with him.

"The two clubs have a very strong relationship and I’d like to thank Tonbridge, and Nick Sullivan in particular, for the professional and open way they have dealt with this transfer. It has been a pleasure to deal with them."

Quotes courtesy of club websites: 
www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.afcwimbledon.co.uk