Tommy Warrilow freshens up his strikeforce

Tuesday 17th December 2013

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has freshened up his strikeforce going into the vital Christmas campaign.

The Angels climbed out of the Skrill (Conference) South relegation zone following their 2-1 win over Sutton United at Gander Green Lane at the weekend.

They are now in seventeenth-place in the table with 18 points from 16 games above Boreham Wood, Gosport Borough, Maidenhead United, Whitehawk and Dorchester Town, whom all have 15 points to their name.

Warrilow has shipped out two strikers on loan, with Luke Blewden, 21, going to Lewes and Nathaniel Pinney going to Dulwich Hamlet – two Ryman Premier League clubs - whilst Gavin McCallum joins the club from Sutton United, on loan for a month.

The Candian striker, 26, was only released by Woking this month and has moved to Longmead Stadium to get some games. He has also had spells at Crawley Town, Lincoln City and Weymouth.

“Whereever he has gone he has scored goals,” Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk.

“He needs a run of games, but he is not just going to walk into the side. Mikel Suarez and Sham [Goodwin] did well at Sutton, so he has got to get his head down. But there’s so much football in the next few days. We’ve got four games in ten days. He will give us some good competition.”

Warrilow is also hoping to tie up deals – loan and permanent – for two or three more players before Saturday’s game at home to fellow strugglers Maidenhead United.

“At the moment we’ve got a seven day in for one player (a forward), but he’s got a game tonight, so I won’t speak to him until tomorrow. I’m also waiting on a wide player and should definitely hear back from him today. I’ve also got an option on a midfielder, but with David Ijaha coming back, I’m holding fire for the time being.”

In terms of outgoings, Blewden has moved to Lewes and Pinney has gone to Dulwich Hamlet for a month. Warrilow expects both to get some game time and goals under their belts.

“It will give Pins a chance to play some games,” Warrilow said. “I know he will bang in the goals in the Ryman Premier, but for the Conference South he needs to shed a bit more weight. His attitude has been brilliant, but the weight thing is also something he has got to do himself – not just playing and training. Hopefully he’ll get lots of games over at Dulwich Hamlet.”

Warrilow admitted the jump from Crawley Down Gatwick to Tonbridge Angels is a big one for Blewden to make at present.

He said: “I feel for Luke. Luke wanted to come back here and he has done fantastically. But he went from Ryman South to Conference South – it’s a big jump. That boy gives everything for you and that’s what I love about him. But he needs some goals.

“Not me, but perhaps some people expected too much from him too early. That’s unfair for a 21-year-old lad to have all the pressure on him to bang the goals in.

“People like Pins have been around at this level. Luke is someone who needs to be nurtured. Getting games in the Ryman Premier will do him the world of good.”

Goalkeeper Clark Masters’ name has also been circulated, with a view to him leaving Angels, after former Bromley keeper Lewis Carey has recently come into the side at his expense.

“He doesn’t want to sit down on the bench and his name has been circulated,” Warrilow said.

“I’ve spoken to him about a few things, but at the moment he is still coming in and working hard. If a chance comes along here, he has got to take it. For me, it’s nice to have a bit of competition.”

Article courtesy of www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk