Mystery investor at Tonbridge Angels

The future of Tonbridge Angels looks exceedingly bright after a mystery investor bought 50 per cent of the club's shares from current chairman Nick Sullivan for £100,000, writes Ed Aarons.

Negotiations between the unnamed local businessman, understood to be a long-term Angels supporter and Mr Sullivan have been on-going throughout the summer and finally culminated with an agreement on Tuesday night.

The deal has paid off the club's loans and according to the former Arsenal keeper, should secure an exciting future at the Longmead Stadium.

"This is the best bit of news that this football club has had for a long time," said Mr Sullivan, who will remain as chairman.

"This will give us the foundation to push forward even more than we have done in recent times. The investor cares deeply about the club and has been around for a while so I'm sure it will be a success."

Angels were fortunate to survive a major scare on Tuesday night as they were taken to extra-time in the FA Cup first qualifying round replay by Croydon Athletic before coming through 4-2.

Several new players have struggled to fit in after their arrival in the summer but Mr Sullivan assured fans there would be no wholesale changes under the new regime.

He said: "We're not going to spend silly money chasing the dream - we want the club to look after itself financially.

"First and foremost, the new investor is putting his money where his mouth is and it is an exciting time for everyone.

"I'd like to thank all the people over the years who have helped keep the club going in the past but this is for the long-term and should help us make some real progress."

More immediately, though, is Angels' trip to rivals Maidstone United tomorrow in the Ryman Premier League, with Tony Dolby's side just outside the relegation zone and in desperate need of three points.

"It's just another game but for the supporters it's a lot more than that," said Mr Sullivan.

"It's so important that we get something out of the game and hopefully we can take some confidence from Tuesday night's win."

Article courtesy of Kent & Sussex Courier, 21^st September 2007 – www.thisiscourier.co.uk

Maidstone United v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 22^nd September 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB