My plans for Tunbridge Wells were totally honourable, says ex-England star

Mr Stevens, a respected figurehead, having played for England as well as Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, before the rich-kid generation of top-flight footballers, withdrew his proposal to take over the troubled Kent League club at it’s EGM at Culverden Stadium last Thursday evening.

Mr Stevens today issued a statement, which read: “It was with reluctance and great disappointment that I withdrew my proposal to take over, restructure and drive Tunbridge Wells Football Club forward both on and off the pitch to the benefit of whole club including players, officials, supporters and the wider community.

“My hopes and plans for the club were totally honourable. Football has been a huge part of my life, I live in Tunbridge Wells and expect both to continue.

“My initial investment of £50,000 working capital was to be supported by initial sponsorship and pledges in excess of £100,000 that I had secured.

“These sums, coupled with grants and funding from various sporting and educational bodies, that I have confirmed are available, along with a 30 hour working week I had made available to oversee the club and its facilities in a professional and businesslike manner, would surely have been of great benefit to the club.

“I truly believe an excellent opportunity for all concerned has been missed.

“Despite a disappointing outcome following much effort, energy, time, money and the enthusiasm of numerous people, I would like to wish the club a successful future.”