Tonbridge boss Warrilow adds more quality to Longmead

Monday 12th July 2010

PROMOTION CHASING Tonbridge Angels boss Tommy Warrilow unveiled his seventh summer signing at the weekend, with the capture of highly-rated midfielder Lewis Taylor, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sutton born Taylor, 23, began his career in the youth ranks at AFC Wimbledon, but he moved to Whyteleafe in 2004 when his first team opportunities were limited.

But Taylor’s career blossomed at Horsham, where Warrilow was assistant manager to John Maggs, and he scored 22 goals in 94 appearances for the Hornets, before securing a return to AFC Wimbledon for their inaugural Blue Square South campaign in 2008.

Taylor, who has also played for Fulham and Croydon Athletic, was one of 12 players to be released by Terry Brown at the end of last season.

Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk: “I worked with Lewis at Horsham. We recently invited him down to use our facilities to help recover from his current cruciate ligament injury (to his right knee) and, after taking part in the training sessions, he told me he wanted to be part of it this season.

“He is still a couple of months off full fitness, but I believe this is a fantastic signing.

“Just prior to doing the cruciate on his other knee a couple of year’s back he was the subject of a (transfer) bid from Crystal Palace.

“That should tell people something about the quality we have at the club now.”

Meanwhile, local rivals, Hastings United, who are managed Warrilow’s predecessor, Tony Dolby, have signed a whole host of former Longmead favourites this summer.

Defender, John Beales, 25, became Dolby’s fifth new summer signing, having agreed to join the east Sussex club from Dartford, where he clinched the Ryman Premier League title in his only season at Princes Park.

Beales spent six season’s at Longmead Stadium, but a challenge against Hendon forced him to miss the entire 2008-09 campaign with a cruciate ligament injury, which denied him a move into the professional ranks, but he returned to fitness with his local club (Dartford) last summer, before agreeing a deal with Tony Burman’s side.

Scottish winger, Fraser Logan, meanwhile, who missed the whole of last season through injury, also joins former Tonbridge Angels’ midfielders Jamie Cade and Anthony Storey at The Pilot Field.

Maidstone based goalkeeper, Scott Chalmers-Stevens, 24, meanwhile, has quit Ashford Town and has signed for Hastings – despite playing the whole of Cray Wanderers’ opening pre-season friendly against Crockenhill on 3 July.

It appears that Wands boss Ian Jenkins is going to sign Tony Kessell on a permanent basis for the season ahead.

The Angels host Npower League One outfit Brentford in their opening pre-season friendly at Longmead Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

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