We look to this season as a failure by not getting promoted, admits Tonbridge Angels' assistant manager Barry Moore

TONBRIDGE ANGELS’ assistant manager Barry Moore admits this season has been a failure after not winning promotion.

Steve McKimm’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat away to relegation threatened side Folkestone Invicta on Easter Monday, which confirmed that the club will be playing Isthmian Premier League football again next season.

The Angels go into their final Ryman Premier League game of the season in the top eight with 71 points from their 46 games – falling four points short of being in the top five.

Tonbridge Angels were expected to make a strong challenge for the play-offs this season but their defeat at Cheriton Road has hit them hard.

They host fourteenth-placed side Worthing at Longmead Stadium tomorrow and Moore said: “We are looking for the boys’ to produce a professional performance tomorrow against Worthing.

“Although Worthing and ourselves have nothing to play for, I believe the fans and people involved with the club deserve a good display on the pitch and Steve, Justin Luchford, Stewart Copeland and myself will definitely prepare them properly.

“The Folkestone game was obviously an extremely disappointing performance which ended our play-off chances but to be honest the last seven or eight games we have seen a different side to certain players in the squad, which has effected other members of the team.”

Moore, who spoke honestly after his side were humiliated 8-3 by Billericay Town in The Alan Turvey Trophy (Sponsored by Robert Dyas) Final at Carshalton Athletic on 12 April, didn’t hold back today either.

“Steve, Justin and myself will take some of the blame as we are the ones who sign players but the main strength of our sides over the past three years has been its passion and desire to get us results and that hasn’t been there,” admitted Moore.

“I’m not publicly going to name names but the boys who have let us down are ones who Steve took on board when not many clubs were knocking on the door and given them games, confidence and the chance to shine.

“Sadly, football is turning more into all about “me” and not a loyalty game.

“We have targets in place for next season and we already have agreed terms with an experienced player for next season.

“All in all the staff look to this season as a failure by not getting promoted but have learnt a lot in terms of management, which we will take on to next season.

“The chairman, board of directors and fans have been unbelievable in their support to the team this year even though we didn’t get to where we wanted to so thank you and roll on next season.”

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

Tonbridge Angels  v  Worthing
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 22^nd April 2017
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW