Mentally I felt I needed a change and now was the right time for that change, says Lee Worgan

Tuesday 14th May 2013

TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Tommy Warrilow has issued his retained list following a hectic week.

The Angels finished their second Conference South campaign in sixteenth-place in the table with 48 points from 42 games, four points clear of the relegated trio.

The big news coming out of Longmead Stadium is that goalkeeper Lee Worgan, 29, and striker Frannie Collin, 26, have both decided to leave for fresh challenges.

“For the record Lee Worgan told me he was looking for a fresh challenge and was not signing for the coming season,” Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk.

“I gave him all last week to make his mind up and as the week went on I didn’t hear from him and knew he would probably not re-sign.

“I would like to take this chance to thank Worgs for all he has done for me since signing. He has been fantastic for me since he walked through the door. He leaves with no bad feelings and nothing but praise from me and I understand why he wants this new venture in his carer and wish him well and he is always welcome down for a drink whenever he wants.”

Worgan, who joined the club five years’ ago from his home-town club Hastings United, admitted via an interview on the Angels’ official website, that it was a hard decision to leave the Kent club.

He said: “To be honest it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Sometimes in football you need to know when to walk away and to get a fresh challenge. Mentally I felt I needed a change and now was the right time for that change.

“I honestly spent such a long time agonising over this decision and I want to make it clear it’s not money motivated.

“I will always love the club and Tommy (Warrilow) has been like a father figure to me. My respect for him and the supporters is unprecedented.”

Warrilow has already found a replacement in the shape of Clark Masters, 25, who has arrived from Conference South rivals Havant & Waterlooville.

The Angels boss said: “I had already put the wheels in motion to sign a replacement and I’m delighted to have finalised that deal too and welcome Clark Masters to the club from Havant & Waterlooville.

“Clark is a 6’3 imposing keeper who at only 25 had played in the Football League as well as in the top-flight of non-league football.

“I am sure once settled he will be a popular player with the fans and I look forward to working with him when we report back for pre-season.

Two Conference South clubs, Sutton United and newly promoted Ryman Premier League champions Whitehawk – as well as newly promoted to the Ryman Premier League Maidstone United – are interested in snapping up striker Collin.

Former Chatham Town, Gillingham and Dover Athletic striker Collin turned down a new deal to stay at Tonbridge Angels.

Warrilow said: “I offered him a deal, but I know other clubs were interested. There was no point in continuing the discussions. I didn’t have to sell this club to Frannie – it was his decision.

“Everyone knows one of the club interested was Whitehawk, Sutton as well and possibly Maidstone. I’m not sure.”

Warrilow, meanwhile, has unveiled the signing of Ryan Watts, 24.

Watts, who can play on any position on the left-hand side started his career at Brentford and made three first team appearances for the Griffin Park club.

He made his debut off the bench in the 2004-2005 closer against Hull City and made two further substitute appearances the following season, against Cheltenham Town in the League Cup and Oxford United in the LDV Trophy.

Watts has also played for AFC Wimbledon, Harrow Borough, Barnet, St Albans City and Braintree Town.

Warrilow continues negotiations with left-back Henry Muggeridge, but confirmed that the following players; Garry Elphick, Sonny Miles, Jon Heath, Lee Browning, David Ijaha, Chris Piper, Nathan Green, Mark Lovell, Mikel Suarez and Ollie Bankole have all put pen to paper to stay at the club for next season.

Warrilow added: “It’s been a hectic few weeks but I am delighted with how things have shaped up.”

Meanwhile, Maidstone United have announced that former Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim, 22, has left the club after making 39 starts in his one season at the club, but will not be required for the club’s return to the Ryman Premier League next season.

Stones boss Jay Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “It’s been a pleasure having Deren here and he was a big part of our promotion campaign. He has a great future in the game and everyone at the club wishes him every success in the future.”

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

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk