We will not jeopardise the Angels' long-term future, insists new chairman

Thursday 28th May 2009

TONBRIDGE ANGELS’ new chairman Steve Churcher has paid tribute to the previous board for not jeopardising the club’s future, writes Stephen McCartney.

A new board of directors, consisting of Churcher, Colin Fry, Chris Drew, Maurice Brown and Mark Jenner (not to be confused with the Ashford Town/Folkestone Invicta one!), who all have experience running the Longmead Stadium club in recent years, have been appointed to run the club until a new buyer can be found.

At least 100 supporters crammed into the Longmead Lounge on Tuesday night to quiz the new board and manager Tommy Warrilow, who will be working with a reduced playing budget next season.

Departing chairman Nick Sullivan, who improved things both on and off the pitch during his four years at the helm, insisted that the club is debt free, and vice-chairman Garry Pass has paid some £16,000 of the £21,000 to install a new perimeter fence, as well as donating a five-figure sum towards next season’s playing budget.

“Nick and Garry leave the club refurbished and debt free and we are all indebted to their leadership and financial contribution over the past few seasons,” Mr Churcher told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“With the departure of Nick and Garry, the future of the club looked uncertain and it was agreed that manager Tommy Warrilow would be informed of the situation immediately.

“Apparently rudderless, the executive members of the club felt that we had to act quickly in order to secure the future of the Angels for 2000-10.”

Speaking about a recent meeting, Mr Churcher added, “Sufficient funds were pledged to the club which enabled the new board of directors to offer a reduced playing budget for the 2009-10 season.

“Again, Tommy was made aware of this decision the following morning.”

Mr Churcher added that the club are delighted that Warrilow has pledged his future at the club, one that he has allegiance to, having played for the club as a teenager.

“Finally, and on behalf of the board, I would like to state that we are absolutely delighted that Tommy Warrilow will be staying with us to fight for the cause,” he said.

“Obviously, if finances improve, we would hope that we could release additional funds to the first team budget, but rest assured that the board will not jeopardise the long term future of Tonbridge Angels Football Club and we will cut our cloth accordingly.”

Secretary, Charlie Cole, meanwhile, would like to hear from potential new sponsors, with a shirt sponsorship deal up for grabs for £15,000-£20,000.

And supporters are donating funds which will go towards improving Warrilow’s playing budget for next season.

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