Tonbridge is the right move for George Purcell, says Tommy Warrilow

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has pulled off a major coup by signing striker George Purcell on a one-year contract yesterday.



Purcell, was one of eight players to leave Dover Athletic last week, despite having a year left on his contract.

The 24-year-old started his career at Ebbsfleet United, before playing for Braintree Town, York City and Eastbourne Borough in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

The striker scored 12 goals in 38 games for Dover Athletic in the 2011-12 season, before parting company via mutual consent just days after the end of the season after the club missed out on the Blue Square Bet South play-offs by finishing in seventh place.

Tonbridge Angels finished their inaugural campaign at that level in ninth-place in the table, nine points behind their Kent rivals.

Warrilow told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk: “I have spent the last week talking to George and despite the obvious interest a player like George attracts, he has put pen to paper and looks forward to enjoying his football and getting his career back on track.

“George has had big money moves, firstly to York City where he had some bad luck with injuries, and then Dover where his contract was cancelled by mutual consent at the end of the season.

“I’m not too bothered of the reasons why, I just know as soon as George became available I wanted to try and get him to Longmead.

“He is still a young man who has so much ability and someone I rate very highly.  The main thing for me was his positive attitude throughout our talks and negotiations and I am thrilled to have him here.  He is really looking forward to next season.”

Warrilow, who will be working with a reduced budget next season added: “With all the talk recently of a budget cut, I bet this signing is one some people may have thought would never happen!  I too would have thought the very same. 

“George has been so positive during our negotiations.   He knows we can’t compete with the big clubs financially but, he has seen what has happened to some of our players over the past few seasons and now knows how we work.

“He has spoken to other clubs and has had ample opportunity to secure a far better deal elsewhere but felt Tonbridge is the right move for him.

“George already knows a few of the lads at the club, but what was especially pleasing for me was that he also knew some ex-players who had nothing but good things to say about us.

“I still have to speak to existing players regarding next season and I will be doing that after our presentation dinner this Saturday. When a player of George’s calibre comes along, you cannot afford to miss an opportunity to sign him”.

Chairman Steve Churcher was equally pleased with the signing.

He added:  “We keep saying how far we’ve come as a club over recent years, but capturing George’s signature demonstrates that Tommy has the ability to sign top quality players to complement those already at Longmead, without breaking the bank.

“George is still only 24 and we look forward to seeing him in an Angels shirt next season”.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that they will be undertaking a mini-pre-season tour of the North East.

They will play against Bedlington Terriers (Friday 27 July) and Blyth Spartans the following day.

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