Tonbridge Angels boss Steve McKimm releases six players

Saturday 09th May 2015

TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Steve McKimm has announced his retained list.

 

McKimm left Sutton Untied to take charge of the club last summer following relegation from Conference South and their campaign in the Ryman Premier League was a disappointing one, finishing fifth-from-bottom in the table on 52 points from 46 games, five points clear of the relegation zone.



TOUGH: Steve McKimm endured a tough first season in charge of Tonbridge Angels, finishing one place above the relegation zone in the Ryman Premier League.
Photo: Tonbridge Angels FC


McKimm has kept on nine players, released six and two new signings have been confirmed.

Laurence Ball, Lee Carey, James Folkes, Royce Greenidge, Jon Heath, Tom Parkinson, Jack Parter, Jerrome Sobers and Tommy Whitnell all stay at Longmead Stadium.

But Billy Bishop, Dee Okojie, Dan Parkinson, Flavio Tavares, Joe Taylor and Marvin Williams (who has retired) have been shown the door.

Hornchurch, Essex born striker, Nathan Elder, 30, signs permanently following his successful loan spell from Vanarama Conference club Dover Athletic and McKimm has enticed Charlie Webster to the club following his release from League One side Gillingham.

The Gills also released Devante McKain, Mahlon Romeo, Aidan Blanchard, Josh Staunton and former Corinthian defender Dan Bent, who finished the end of the season at Ryman League Division One South side Herne Bay.

An Angels statement said: “With regard to those players who are leaving, the club would like to place on record its appreciation of the efforts and contributions made by all of them last season and to wish them all the very best of luck for the future both inside and outside football.

“Steve McKimm has also offered deals to three other players and is currently waiting their decisions.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed seven pre-season friendlies with Gillingham’s first team, AFC Wimbledon, Ebbsfleet United and Farnborough all visiting Longmead Stadium in July, with three away games against lower league opposition.

The Gills visit on Saturday 11 July, before League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon arrive seven days later.

Daryl McMahon brings his Vanarama National League South side Ebbsfleet United to Longmead Stadium on Tuesday 21 July, before relegated Farnborough visit on 25 July.

The Angels kick off their pre-season campaign with a trip to Church Road to play John Fowler’s Whyteleafe on the 3G pitch on Tuesday 7 July.

Seven days later they travel to Southern Counties East Football League club Sevenoaks Town, who are managed by former Angels’ player, Micky Collins.

The Angels also travel to Dorking Wanderers on Saturday 1 August, seven days before the league campaign kicks-off.

Meanwhile, chairman Steve Churcher has invited fans to visit the club website to vote on whether the club shall be wearing white or blue shorts next season.

The club has announced that season tickets have been held for next season at last season’s rates and as usual there will be a special early bird offer if applications are received by 30 June.

By paying for a season ticket before 30th June an adult (18+) can save £20.00 as the rate reduces from £200.00 to £180.00.

Seniors (65+) save £12.00 on the normal price of £120.00, Youths (13 to 17) will be charged £72.00, a saving of £8.00 and Juniors save £4.00 on the normal cost of £40.00.

An Executive Lounge member for a complete season (£325.00) paying by 30th June will receive a £20.00 bar credit.

The qualifying age for seniors' rates has been adjusted to 65+ in line with the majority of other non-league clubs at Ryman Premier League level.

Season tickets are valid for all home league matches including reserves for the entire season but not cup games.

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