Warrilow: My aim is to get Angels flying high - EXCLUSIVE

Tommy Warrilow jumped at the chance to become the new Tonbridge Angels manager - and vows to thrill the fans with “attractive” football with promotion into the Blue Square South his target within two years, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Cuxton, and owns his own fire protection and building firm, was installed as the new Angels boss last Tuesday after the club parted company with Tony Dolby, 33, and his assistant, Mike Rutherford eight days earlier.



AIMING HIGH:  John Maggs signed Tommy Warrilow (above) from Torquay United when he was manager of Crawley Town and sold him for £15,000 to Hythe, a record at the time between non-league clubs.

However, a car accident ended central defender Warrilow's playing career at Horsham and Maggs appointed him as his assistant in 2004.

And last Monday, Warrilow, 43, was appointed the new manager of Tonbridge Angels - and is aiming towards the play-off's and promotion into the Bue Square South either this, or next, season.


Warrilow admits the lure of fulfilling the club’s huge potential, and guiding them from second-from-bottom in the Ryman Premier League table into the top five at the end of the season, was too good to turn down.

Warrilow made the gut-wrenching decision to part company with rivals’ Horsham, where he was assistant to close pal John Maggs - and is relishing the challenges ahead.

“Basically it was too good an opportunity to turn down,” Warrilow said in his FIRST EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk following his second training session with the Angels tonight.

He explained: “It was a club that I was fond off having played for the club at the age of 16-17.

“I’ve got a lot of friends down there, a good job to get, same level, and good backing - it’s a club that’s going places!”

Warrilow has taken charge of two training sessions, and is relishing his first game in charge - Saturday’s home clash against Carshalton Athletic.

“Ability wise, there’s an abundance of talent in the changing room,” he said.

“It just needs a bit of organising and find out where people want to play, but it’s all been positive.

“What I’ll ask from any player (is) 100% effort and commitment. I want players to come off knowing they can’t ask for anymore.

“The way we play football, we get the players thinking, and get them to keep possession - I expect them to go out and give 100%.”

After welcoming Carshalton Athletic to Longmead Stadium on Saturday, giants AFC Wimbledon are the visitors on Tuesday night.

“I know the league from being at Horsham,” explained Warrilow. “Whether we’re playing Carshalton or Wimbledon, anyone can beat anybody.”

And he warned: “You can’t be complacent in this league. You have to get our team organised and motivated.”

Tonbridge were a side that entertained under the reigns of Dolby - and Warrilow wants to continue that ethic during his leadership.

“I want every player to want the ball,” he said. “I coach as I see it. They get a pat on the back when they do well and don’t when they do badly.

“I want them to be comfortable on the ball and pass and play football - the way it should be played, which will be attractive for people to watch as well.”

Warrilow explained what Cliff Cant, his assistant manager, will bring to the party.

He said: “Experience, creativity, good coaching skills and he’s a winner. I’ve known Cliff for twenty years, our beliefs are both the same.”

Warrilow is giving the under-performing Angels “a fair crack” as he aims to guide the west Kent club from the foot of the table - towards the top five - where they should be.

“They’re all going to get a fair crack,” he said. “Obviously I’ve got (other) players I know that can do a job for me, but what I’ve seen, these lads are more than capable.”

And Warrilow has opened the door to any players that are impressing in the reserves.

“I’m one for keeping everyone as one,” he said. “Not separating them as two different outfits. If they’re good enough, they’ll play.

“We arranged a (training) game (involving reserve team players) and there’s good talent in the reserves. I’ve only been here a couple of minutes (but) if they’re good enough, they will get a chance.

“The reserves is a must in any club. We didn’t have it at Horsham, it’s a blessing to have it here.

“You have to give them some sort of target to go for. If they come in and do a job, they’ll keep their shirt. It’s something we’ll have to monitor.”

Warrilow, whose played for the likes of Maidstone United, Tonbridge Angels, Canterbury City, Adelaide City, Millwall, in Finland, Torquay United, Crawley Town, Hythe Town, Sittingbourne, Gravesend & Northfleet before moving into management as Leatherhead’s player-boss, and Horsham’s number two, parts company with Horsham on good terms.

He is, however, “frustrated” that he leaves the west Sussex club in the week leading up to their home FA Cup first round clash against Maidenhead United on Saturday.

“It was hard, it wasn’t an easy decision,” he admitted. “It’s frustrating that after all the years, an opportunity like this turns up - I’d love to go to the first round of the FA Cup (with Horsham).”

He added: “Emotionally it was hard, but career wise Tonbridge are all geared up to move on.”

And Warrilow knows what he wants from their last thirty Ryman Premier League games of the season.

“The first aim is to get the lads picked up and try and get a few wins under our best - and playing the style we want,” he said.

“We have to get out of the Ryman Premier League this year,” he said. “The long term aim is to get into the Conference South and establish ourselves there.

“But it’s a frustrating league to get out of. Ideally we want promotion this year. We just need to get a few results together.

“The boys will be aiming for a play-off spot. If not, everything will be gearing up for next year to go up.

“We’re looking at that fifth play-off spot, we’re targeting that.”

His former club, Horsham, ironically, are currently sitting in fifth place - the final play-off spot, and Tonbridge are currently ten points adrift having played a game more.

But with the country’s hottest property at the club, eighteen-goal striker Jon Main, Warrilow has the tools to make up for lost time.

“If it wasn’t for him - he’s the only one scoring all the goals,” he said.

“He’s a nice lad, he’s an excellent lad. But it’s great to have a player like that in you team.

“Last season was not a one-off, he’s started this season like he finished the last.”


Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites:

www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Photograph courtesy of www.hornetsreview.co.uk 

Tonbridge Angels v Carshalton Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 10^th November 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Betterview Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF