Warrilow drafts in Clarke to cement play-off place

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow has today unveiled the free-transfer signing of versatile winger Dwain Clarke, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 29-year-old has opted to leave Carshalton Athletic to sign for the promotion chasing west Kent club and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s home game against AFC Hornchurch.

Clarke is a winger of Conference and Conference South pedigree. His previous clubs include Boston United, Maidenhead United and Aylesbury United of the (then) Nationwide Conference.

He won the Ryman Premier League title whilst with Lewes and played in the Staines Town team that beat Stockport County in the FA Cup and then played against Peterborough United last season.

“Clarkie’s an experienced winger,” Warrilow told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight. “He’s got great ability, great pace and to be honest, we’ve been tracking him for a little while now.

“We put seven-days in last week so obviously we couldn’t say too much, but on his day, Clarkie’s a match winner.

“With the play-off scenario we’re aiming to achieve, he will bring that little bit of experience with us and obviously add that bit of competition throughout the squad, which again, I thought we needed to give everyone a prep-up before we embark on the last ten games.”

When asked which flank Clarke will be deployed, Warrilow said the player can play either side and can be used as an emergency striker.

The boss added, “He can play either side, he can play up front, he’s done a job up there before. Anyone who knows Clarkie knows he’s a very good talented footballer and the games we’ve played against him this year he has caused us a few problems.

“I’ve known him for six years now since his day’s at Lewes, so I know first hand what the boys capable of and I aim to get the best out of him.”

Warrilow admitted he is expecting a tough day at the office for the visit of eleventh placed side AFC Hornchurch - a side that are fifteen points behind the Angels.

“It will be a tough physical battle,” he warned. “I saw them at Dover midweek, I believe they’ve got some injury problems but they were very direct, but they’re always a well organised side.

“By no means they won’t rule out their play-off spot out, they’re only seven points off Sutton who are sitting in fifth, and they’ve got two games in hand.

“Their season is far from over so I’m not expecting an easy day at the office because they’re a little bit further down the league.

“It’s still very, very tight and it’s very important we stay patient like we did against Boreham Wood - and take our chances.”

The third placed Angels are eight points clear of fifth placed Dartford, and Darts boss Tony Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this week that he believes he can overtake their Kent rivals in third place by the end of the season.

“The good thing from our point of view is our games are running out,” replied Warrilow.

“We’ve got ten left and we’re in control of our own destiny to get into the play-off’s.

“At the moment, the mood in the camp is really positive, it’s very, very confident, it’s not over confident, but we’re a very difficult side to beat.

“After the loss against Sutton people I think were saying do we have the bottle to carry on? Since then, we’ve come up with two clean sheet and beaten two very good sides.

“We were the first team to beat Carshalton (ending their unbeaten away record), so it’s all positive. Our downfall this season has been not converting our chances and killing teams off. If we start doing that there won’t be any problems.”

Star striker Carl Rook and Ade Olorunda continue their spell on the sidelines, but central midfielder Tommy Tyne came through a midweek reserve team outing unscathed and joins Lee Minshell, who has served his suspension, and Clarke in the squad for tomorrow’s game against the Urchins.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, Betterview, the club’s main sponsor, will not be renewing its sponsorship deal next season due to the current financial climate.

The club is therefore looking for a sponsor for next season and if there is any person or business who would be interested they can contact club secretary Charlie Cole on 07825 702 412.

Visit Tonbridge Angels website: www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk

Tonbridge Angels v AFC Hornchurch
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 7^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW