We've tried everything to keep Beales, says Warrilow - EXCLUSIVE

TONBRIDGE ANGELS boss Tommy Warrilow believes highly-rated central defender John Beales, 23, has played his last game for the west Kent club, writes Stephen McCartney.

Beales has not signed a new contract that has been offered to him by the Ryman Premier League club and will be going to League One outfit Bristol Rovers for a trial ahead of the new season.

And Warrilow, who has signed a two-year contract himself this week, begins the search for a replacement, although he does have faith in the Simon Glover-James Donovan partnership at the heart of defence for the club’s promotion push next season.

The Longmead Stadium club will, however, be entitled to ask for a transfer fee for Beales as the player is under the age of 24 - part of the Bosman agreement.

“We offered Bealesy a deal god knows how many times, we’re trying to get him sign,” Warrilow explained when speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“We’ll never stand in his way, the lad wanted to go to Bristol Rovers but if it doesn’t work out - he wants to play as high as he can.

“If he had signed he’ll be doing that with us. It’s not a personal thing, it’s a footballing thing.

“If he wants advice, I’m only a phone call away. We’ve tried everything to keep John Beales,”

When asked if Beales’ has left the west Kent club, the former Horsham assistant replied: “Well, yes, I’d say. But he is on contract with the Bosman so whoever is interested in John we will ask a fee for him.

“I think if he was going to stay at Tonbridge he would have signed the deal that was offered.

“I think times now to draw a line under it and look for a replacement to challenge for the position.”

Warrilow revealed he’ll be speaking to his current playing staff this weekend as he plans ahead for the club’s promotion push next term.

“I’ll be doing that hopefully this weekend,” he said. “I spoke to a lot of players last weekend.

“I have to let the players’ know first and issue a statement whose gone, whose stayed and whose looking to come in.

And speaking about his transfer targets, Warrilow added: “My phone’s not stopped, it’s been non-stop. I’m talking to players new and old, managers and clubs.

“I’ll be flat out. I wanted to get it sorted sooner or later. We’ve got some lads coming down to have a look at.

“Some of them will fall into our lap from lower levels, it’s important to get my squad before our first training session on June 28^th.

Warrilow, however, would like to keep 37-year-old striker Micky Collins at the club, adding: “I want Mick to stay around the club but he wants to play football.”

But Warrilow is pleased to have signed a two-year-contract.

“I did want my future sorted out as I was under contract all the time during my time at Horsham,” he explained.

“We finished well, hopefully the club are pleased with what they’ve seen (and) I’m delighted with the two-year-deal and it gives you a bit of stability.

“People can see what I’m doing, everyone was pleased and on a high and the expectations for next year are quite high.

“If I’m not doing a good job I’m not one of those blokes to hang about. I’m a proud man and if I feel I’m not doing my job properly I’ll address it with the chairman.

“My cups always half full, I’m always positive and I know what my beliefs and ambitions are.

“The expectations level have risen so much and we’ll be looking to improve on 8^th and sneak for the play-off’s or go for the golden chalice, go for the championship, but it’s going to be very, very difficult.”

The Angels boss, meanwhile, is currently in negotiations with Liam Daish and John Still to try to arrange pre-season friendlies against Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham & Redbridge.

But he added: “I spoke to a few clubs, nothing’s been cemented. The pitch is being dug up so the first (available) date is 26^th July so we’ll only get three or four (games) at home.

“It’s important that the pitch is right. I’m looking to get some nice clubs down there (from) the level above to give us a yard stick.”

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