Warrilow set to end keeper search

Thursday 13th August 2009

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow is expected to end his goalkeeper search tomorrow morning, writes Stephen McCartney.

Number one stopper Lee Worgan serves a two-match ban and sits out the opening Ryman Premier League games of the season against AFC Hornchurch and Cray Wanderers, but Warrilow, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after tonight’s training session, is close to finding a replacement.

“I should be sorting a goalkeeper out on loan tomorrow,” he revealed. “I’ve got to make a call in the morning, so it should be sorted.

“It will be from a pro club so it won’t be a novice and it won’t be for a month either. He will sign a form for us and we’ll leave it open. That’s what I’ve agreed in principle with the club but obviously things change.

“At least we’ve got cover for the first two games, that’s the main objective.”

Warrilow is expecting a tough battle against Essex side AFC Hornchurch at Longmead Stadium on Saturday.

“We always have eventful games with Hornchurch,” he said. “I’m glad they’ve got over their (financial) problems as well.

“I’ve seen them in pre-season, they’re organised and a difficult side to break down as normal. I’m not expecting an easy ride.

“We’ve been working on pattern for two (training) sessions solidly. Everyone’s been saying the same thing, we’ve had enough of pre-season, it’s about getting on with it now.”

As well as their new goalkeeper, Warrilow is expected to hand some youngsters their debuts against the Urchins.

Liam Baker, 17, who can play on the right, either at full-back or in midfield, has signed a contract, having impressed Warrilow when playing for the club’s Ryman Youth League team.

“He’s come out of the youth set-up and I saw quite a bit of him last year and we’ve pushed him on this year and he’s done very well,” said Warrilow.

“He will be involved in the squad Saturday. I’m not going to put too much pressure on him. I’m looking forward to him develop this year. He’s got all the ingredients to have a good future, he’s got to do the hard work first.”

Warrilow added: “Tom Bryant, he’s come in and done well, ex Gillingham, been loaned out quite a bit. He’s 19, one I think will get better as the season goes on.”

Warrilow has been forced to make cut backs during the close season due to budget cuts - but he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“My beliefs and my standards I expect from the players won’t change,” he said. “If I’ve got eight or eighteen players signed.

“The expectation level is a lot less than last year, that’s common sense. A lot of clubs are in the same situation. It’s the world we’re living in. It’s not just football, it’s the same at work. Things are tight and we have to get on with it. There’s no point moaning about it. It’s where we are - we deal with it.”

“I’ve got 12 recognised Ryman Premier League level players signed and that’s not enough to see you through the season. The boys surrounding them have done well and I’m not going to put the pressure on as I did last year.”

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Tonbridge Angels v AFC Hornchurch

Ryman Premier League

Saturday 15th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JW