Split loyalties for Sutton's visit to Angels

EMOTIONS will be running high for the game between Tonbridge Angels and Sutton United at Longmead Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Ryman Premier League showdown, between two sides fighting it out to finish in the play-off’s at the end of the season, is being sponsored by the Maddams family and the charity CRY, in honour of Jack Maddams, a Tonbridge Angels player who tragically died in his sleep almost a year ago and now just short of his 18^th birthday.

“Jack played for the Angels reserves and under 18s, but got his love of football from going to see Sutton United with his older brother and myself when Jack was growing up,” father Roger told the fans’ forum at www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk.

“He was middle-named Matthew, in honour of Matt Hanlon, who scored Sutton’s FA Cup winner against Coventry City all those years ago.

“The aim is to raise awareness and funds for CRY. Twelve people each week die unnecessarily from sudden heart conditions that a simple £30 ECG test could detect.

“CRY’s aim is to promote awareness of this and to actually run screening programmes. Had we known of this Jack may still be here and possibly playing some part on the pitch on Saturday.”

With a big crowd expected to watch a mouth-watering game, Roger hopes the match lives up to expectations.

He added, “A game between Tonbridge and my first love, Sutton, with the Jack Maddams Stand hopefully well filled and seeing plenty of goalmouth action - if only Jack could be there with us to see the look on my face.”

The website www.c-r-y.org.uk gives more information and shows the many sporting patrons who support CRY such as Ian Botham, Ray Wilkins, Duncan Goodhew, and pertinently, Andy Scott, the manager of Brentford who used to play for Sutton United in the early 1990s.

In other news, Tonbridge Angels secretary Charlie Cole, announced that star-striker Carl Rook has extended his contract with the club until May 2011.



TIED-UP:  Tonbridge Angels have tied prolific striker Carl Rook to an extended contract, keeping the 26-year-old former Horsham striker (pictured here against his former club during last week's goalless draw last Saturday) to the club until May 2011.
Photograph courtesy of David Couldridge - www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk

The 26-year-old striker has banged in 40 goals in 47 appearances, following his record switch from Horsham in December 2007.

“It is with great pleasure that the club can announce that it has secured the services of Carl Rook for a further two years, until May 2011,” said the club statement.

“We completed the negotiations over (last) weekeed, and the new contract was successfully processed (last Monday).”

Visit Tonbridge Angels website: www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v Sutton United
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW