Tonbridge Angels Dream Team

I was recently asked to produce my Dream Team for the retro football magazine Backpass. It's a fun topic of conversation that has occupied many an hour on lengthy away trips and no two person's team are the same. Here was mine, as produced in the February 2026 edition.

My Dream Tonbridge Angels team? Having supported the club for 66 years, time itself presents a challenge. I wonder how many players have gone through the books in that time. Non-League football has traditionally had a turnover of players, so a rough guess of 30 a season ticks up nearly 2,000. How many have I forgotten, probably 1,800!

My Dad took me to the Angel Ground for the first time in 1959 to watch a former England international, Charlie “Cannonball” Fleming, who was playing, and scored, for Bath City.

My love for the club saw me through childhood into marriage with just a couple of County Cup successes to sustain it, before in 1980, they lost their toughest match against Tonbridge Urban District Council and were evicted from the Angel Ground.

The fight through the High Courts and liquidation in 1976, left me deciding to seek football elsewhere and, for many years, Gillingham took over as my principal interest, but my heart always remained with the Angels and as they found a new home at Longmead, I slowly returned to the club.

What exercises my choices? Head or heart? Through the misty eyes of the last Kent Senior Cup win in 1975, heart has probably won that battle and with that have chosen to employ relatively modern-day players into the old W formation.

TOMMY BICKERSTAFF The choice of goalkeeper was most definitely made with the heart. There have, undoubtedly been better keepers wear the Angels jersey but my first Angels hero was Tommy Bickerstaff, an amiable Scotsman, who had moved south in 1955 from Third Lanark and went on to make over 250 appearances for Tonbridge, a record for a goalkeeper that was only in recent years surpassed by Jonny Henly. Profile HERE as produced in Up There Cazaly

JOE CAROLAN I was a Manchester United supporter as a kid, so you can imagine my excitement as an 11-year-old when the former Busby Babe pitched up at the Angel Ground in 1962. Joe went on to serve Tonbridge for eight seasons before managing the club for just over a year. Joe was a left back, rather than right, but his versatility took him all over the pitch which allows me to choose a genuine left-footer on that side. Profile HERE on Page Four.

PETER LOVELL Ask any old-timer leaning on the perimeter fencing who they would select as left back and the name of Peter Lovell will inevitably be raised. Lovell made 470 appearances for the club from 1958. Once again, heart wins over the accomplished Danny Tingley, who only fell 20 or so appearances short of Lovell’s total ending in 2002.

D’SEAN THEOBALDS It seems an obligation that a member vow the 2019 Isthmian League play-off squad is included and that place goes to D’Sean, who capped off a great season with a memorable goal in the Super Play-off Final at Metropolitan Police to send the game into extra time and onwards to winning and promotion to National League South. D’Sean left to attempt to make it in the professional game, but sadly that didn’t quite work out.

JOHN KEIRS Thoughts drift back to 1975 and the Kent Senior Cup Final and the scorer of the opening at, and against, our greatest rivals Maidstone United, John arrived in 1973 from Charlton Athletic via a spell in South Africa and in two spells amassed over 350 appearances, scoring 70 goals from centre half. He later managed the club for three seasons. Profile HERE on Page Three

GEOFF TRUETT Geoff was a powerhouse of a half-back who joined the club in 1962 from Crystal Palace and went to to make 517 appearances, finding the net an astonishing 115 times. He took penalties in the old-fashioned way, laces through the ball and rarely missed. He represented the club until 1970 and helped Tonbridge gain promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in the 1963-64 season and triumph in the Kent Senior Cup the following year. He was a complete payer, a colossus for the club. Profile HERE on Page Six

GERRY FRANCIS Gerry was brilliantly covered in the summer edition of BACKPASS reproduced HERE from Page Three. Francis escaped the apartheid of South Africa, travelling to the United Kingdom in the mid-1950’s to become the first South African to play top flight football in England after joining Leeds United. Gerry arrived at Tonbridge in 1962 via York City and in the course of three seasons made 174 appearances, scoring 61 goals whilst delighting the Angel Ground with his fleet-footed skills. Gerry died in May 2025 at the age of 91 in Ontario, Canada. He was very much mourned at the present-day club as a significant figure in our history.

PHIL STONEBRIDGE If I have to pick an Angels’ GOAT then Phil would take my accolade as the club’s leading goalscorer. In 19786, having stayed loyal to the club after Tonbridge went into receivership, he left for local rivals Maidstone United before returning in 1981. Over his two spells, he made 442 appearances, scoring 133 times. Phil played anywhere on the pitch, even in goal once, and was a member of the 1975 team. Profile HERE on Page Five

JON MAIN Mainy arrived at Longmead in 2006 where he had drawn attention. The Angels’ manager at the time, Tony Dolby, said of him that he wasn’t one that loved football; wasn’t the best trainer, he just scored goals and in a two season spell he bagged 61 of them before leaving for a record fee paid by AFC Wimbledon where he formed a prolific partnership with another ex-Angel, Danny Kedwell. He returned to the Angels in 2011 after suffering a serious injury at Wimbledon and added another ten goals to his tally.

FRANNIE COLLIN So here we are, 14 years after Frannie left the club, we get a free-kick and somebody will inevitably say “Frannie territory”, such was the cultured left foot of one of, if not the most technically gifted player ever to wear an Angels shirt. In a three-year spell, Frannie rippled the net 75 times in 140 appearances and not many of them would be poacher’s goals. Profile HERE on Page Two

NICKY WHEELER Wheeler crosses, Elder scores was a familiar refrain for two seasons from 2015, which yielded 108 appearances for Nick before he moved on to the EFL and Dagenham and Redbridge. Always immaculately turned out, he would take a bit of stick that he would never have a hair out of place, but then he was a hairdresser. In 2015-16 he recorded 28 assists, while Nathan Elder scored 29 goals; the maths tell the story. Wheeler recently retired after serving Worthing and Dorking Wanderers to great effect.

SUBSTITUTES

SONNY MILES AND JOE TURNER Many Angels supporters, especially those with fewer years on the clock than myself, will question how the club’s leading appearance maker, Sonny Miles, who retired having played 527 times for a club in a career of 15 years in which he only spent one season away from Longmead, doesn’t make the team. Joe will also raise eyebrows with his exclusion, signed from Kingstonian he was the only player to win the Player of the Year accolade three times. He made 261 appearances, scored 67 goals, many of which were of the spectacular variety and, without doubt, would feature in many supporters’ Dream Team. But that was mine, borne of 66 years and counting!

Fond memories of the Class of 2017

It wasn’t the most earth shattering piece of news especially in these strange times but, for me, it marked the end of particular period of time that will be looked back with immense fondness.

The announcement of the departure of Liam Smith saw the last member of the brilliant Under-18 squad of 2017 leave the club, although Dominic Welsh might have an argument that as an Academy coach and Under-16 manager he continues to be part of the club.

The Youth Team of 2016 marked a significant transition for me. Although I have been a lifetime supporter of Tonbridge, long before they were Angels, for over 40 years they had shared my allegiance with Gillingham.

In April of 2016, I was made redundant from my job with The Stationery Office where I had worked a night shift for the past 20 years and with my 65th birthday only two months away, I pretty much decided that retirement beckoned.

In common with most night shift workers in the print trade my working week was four nights and I had specifically chosen Tuesday night as my night off for footballing reasons so Monday evenings had pretty much been a non-starter.

Freshly armed with my newly-acquired freedom I ventured to Longmead for a Ryman Under-18 League game against Raynes Park Vale. I've always enjoyed football at this age group, playing at being a scout and seeing a player who you think might just make it and having a smug sense of achievement when that player moves upwards successfully. But over the years this had been almost entirely Gillingham with South East Counties on a Saturday morning and the odd FA Youth Cup run.

In the Tonbridge side that night, and looking the outstanding player of the group, was Tashi-Jay Kwayie who gave the Angels an early lead. The game ended in a 2-2 draw and I left the ground thinking that this was part of retirement that I could get used too!

I’ve been a blogger for about 14 years with my That’ll Be The Day blog that covers games I attend and my presence on the rails with my little red notebook in hand hadn’t escaped attention at Longmead and my first entry for the Under-18’s received more page views than usual.

Liam Smith came to my notice in unusual circumstances in the next game against Maidstone United when he performed admirably between the sticks after the Tonbridge goalkeeper had been sent off.

My transition back to Tonbridge after many years on loan at Gillingham had already begun as I had given up the away travelling and more than 50% of the games I watched were with the Angels. But it was with the youngsters that the club really started to get under my skin.

As is the norm with youth football, the vast majority of the spectators are the families of the players and a man (with a red notebook) that has no attachment to any of the team probably stuck out like a sore thumb but my blog writing had not gone amiss and people, Liam’s Mum and Dad (Brian and Sandra) among them, expressed their gratitude for the coverage.

The new season, 2016-17 began and a 5-0 win over Ashford with Sid Sollis catching the eye whetted the appetite for a run in the FA Youth Cup and by now I was on better than nodding acquaintance with some of the parents that made up this close-knit family.

Phoenix Sports were despatched courtesy of a Sollis hat-trick and, in the Second Qualifying Round, Dover were similarly brushed aside with Smith being among the scorers.

By now this side were well and truly under my skin and an away game at Ashford was followed by an epic, if ultimately heartbreaking, game against Maidstone in the FA Youth Cup that finished 5-5 after extra time with the visitors, managed by Tom Parkinson, taking the penalty shoot-out 6-5. It was a sensational game, probably one of the best I’ve ever seen at Longmead.

The families were no longer surprised to see me turning up at places like Ramsgate and Chipstead with the Mitchells, Fentons, Smiths and Chapmans so welcoming and manager Jay Stubberfield added an extra dimension to the blog entries by texting me quotes following the game. The Under-18’s were going from strength to strength, not only were they heading the table but Jack Fenton, Dominic Welsh, Sid Sollis, Callum Taylor, and of course, Liam Smith were spending time with the first team, either in training or taking their places on the bench in some of the minor cup competitions.

At Merstham in mid-January 2017 a cup game was abandoned at half-time for a frozen pitch and, biased opinion maybe, I caught a glimpse of a player that would challenge Liam as the best player in the league that season, Rhys Norrington-Davies. Going back to my enjoyment of playing at being a scout, the lad was outstanding even on an impossible pitch. Later that year, my credentials were confirmed as he signed for Sheffield United! But Liam still edged the League's best player!

And talking of the cold, the evening at Chipstead also comes to mind when the entire attendance decamped at half-time to the clubhouse to escape for 15 minutes from the numbing cold.

Merstham ran shoulder to shoulder with the Angels and Maidstone for the Championship and a draw at Maidstone when Smith, Sollis and Taylor were unavailable through first team duty left the door ajar which Merstham kicked open when they beat Tonbridge 4-2.

Another draw with Maidstone at Longmead left the door wide open for Merstham who only needed to win one of their last two games to secure the title.

On an April night at Whyteleafe the emotion of how much this group had taken hold of me was encapsulated with a bitterly disappointing low as the Lucas Fettes Cup Final was lost to Whitehawk before news came through that Merstham, who had wasted their first opportunity with a draw against Maidstone, had only managed another draw against Ashford, leaving our lads with the title in their hands should they win their last game against Kingstonian at Banstead Athletic.

The evening got off to an inauspicious start, going behind to a second minute own goal and for half-an-hour it looked like the occasion had got the better of the lads with passing wayward and the front two of Jack Cussen and Guy Taylor, in the absence of the suspended Sollis, were suffering from a severe lack of service. But, after 34 minutes, a defence splitting pass from Tommy Chapman set up Cussen for the equaliser and just before the break, Chapman drilled a free kick home. An early second half goal from Jack Bray set the party in motion and Liam Smith wrapped it up in the final minute.

The faces of disappointment as they looked on at Whyteleafe a week previously were now replaced with joy as they celebrated in a similar fashion and then something really special happened that caught me by surprise but will forever remain in the memory and sealed my transition away from Gillingham. As the celebratory team photographs were being taken, I was summoned to join the group. At first I was reluctant, this was their moment and I was a mere spectator, but Jack Fenton's Dad Graham encouraged me forward saying that I deserved the honour. The photograph, framed, was presented to me at the Champions of Champions Semi-Final and, to this day, has a pride of place in my study.

Revenge was to be had against Whitehawk on that evening, but further Cup Final heartache was endured as the Final was lost against Metropolitan Police at Tooting.

My season ticket at Gillingham was not renewed that summer and later that year I stood, and was elected to the board of Tonbridge Angels, a proud moment. But I swear none of this would have taken place had it not been for the Class of 2017!

Summertime Blues 2016

This post will be used to keep abreast of the comings and going of Gillingham, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells during the close season.

Friday, 24th June: Rejecting overtures from Southend United, Stuart Nelson has signed a new two year contract to stay at Gillingham. Meanwhile, Jermaine McGlashen has made the move to the Essex club.

Friday, 17th June: Gillingham utility player, Aaron Morris has committed to the club after accepting a two year contract.

Thursday, 16th June: Justin Edinburgh further strengthens his midfield in the wake of the expected departure of Bradley Dack with the signing of Billy Knott from Bradford City.

Wednesday, 15th June: Gillingham make their first signing of the season with the much anticipated arrival of Mark Byrne from Newport County. The 27-year-old Irish midfielder joins up with Justin Edinburgh for a third time having been with him at Rushden and Diamonds as well as Newport.

Monday, 6th June: With time reportedly running out for the likes of Stuart Nelson, Josh Wright and Aaron Morris to sign on the dotted line, it is the youngsters that have committed themselves to Gillingham. Emmanuel Osadebe, Darren Oldaker and Tom Hadler putting pen to paper.

Friday, 27th May: Tonbridge have pulled of a major coup with the signing of Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson. Steve McKimm missed out on signing the player during the regular season when he opted to join Bishops Stortford from Grays, but has finally got his man when the player's work commitments changed.

Thursday, 26th May: Jack Brivio and Charlie Slocombe, fringe players in Tonbridge's first team squad have decided to seek pastures new in search of regular senior football. Brivio, a good prospect, is a loss whilst Slocombe, for several years in and around the first team deserves an opportunity elsewhere. Tuesday, 31 May: Brivio has signed for Burgess Hill.

Wednesday, 25th May: Glenn Morris, Gillingham's goalkeeping departee has found a new club and a new job at Crawley Town as player-goalkeeping coach. Charlie Webster, not retained by Tonbridge has signed for Hythe Town.

Tuesday, 17th May: McKimm is certainly a man with a clear objective in mind and in a hurry to complete it. Central defender George Beavon has arrived from Billericay. The 26-year-old was player of the year for the Essex club last season.

Monday, 16th May 2016: Tonbridge unveil their second signing of the summer, that of the experienced striker Andre McCollin, who spent last season at Kingstonian. As with last post-season, Steve McKimm looks to be getting his squad together early and with this the second 31-year-old, is adding experience to last season's team.

Friday, 13th May 2016: Assistant Manager Steve Lovell is to leave Gillingham. Tonbridge make their first signing of the summer, announcing the arrival of the vastly experienced Damian Scannell who had been released from Dulwich Hamlet.

Tuesday, 10th May 2016: Gillingham announce their retained list and the players leaving the club are Brennan Dickenson, Doug Loft, Jermaine McGlashen and Glenn Morris.

Monday, 9th May 2016: Tunbridge Wells pull off a major coup with the signing, on contract, of Ryan Crandley. The striker was released by Gillingham and would surely have attracted interest from Ryman clubs, but the youngster has decided to sign for the club he enjoyed a long loan spell last season.

Wednesday, 4th May 2016: Steve McKimm has quickly put the play-off disappointment behind him and has started re-shaping the Tonbridge squad for a tilt at the Ryman Premier title next season. His retained list names only four departures, Bradley Woods-Garness, Anthony Riviere, Laurence Ball and Charlie Webster. The same evening, Luke Allen accepted the terms offered for next season.

Lifetime match total: 2,559 (including England v Wales)
Number of grounds: 286

Summertime Blues 2015

As the clubs, usually followed by That’ll Be The Day go about their summer-time business, I will use this post to keep abreast of the news. Unlike last season when two of the three clubs were manager-less by the time the first post was made, this time Gillingham go into the summer with a relatively new manager in place and Steve McKimm is very much in situ at Tonbridge Angels. There is an element of doubt regarding Martin Larkin’s position at Tunbridge Wells and we await with interest the news of his end-of-season talks with the committee.

Friday, 24 July: Adedeji Oshilaja arrives at Priestfield on loan from Cardiff City. Known to Justin Edinburgh through a loan spell at his previous club Newport County, Oshilaja is a 22-year-old central defender who earned good reviews during a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon last season. The loan spell is through to 3 January 2016.

Monday, 20 July: Gillingham announce the exciting capture of Chelsea's under-21 captain Jordan Houghton on a loan deal through to 3 January 2016.

Sunday, 12 July: Two more players added to the Tunbridge Wells roster, John Sinclair, a central defender from East Grinstead and Luke Mathias, a full back once on Millwall's books.

Friday, 10 July: Mark Stapley will be Tunbridge Wells' new first team coach under Keith Bird, leaving Hastings United to take up the position.

Wednesday, 8 July: Tunbridge Wells announce a list of 18 players among which are old favourites returning to Culverden including Andy Irvine, Hooley Cornell and Jason Barton.

Monday, 6 July: Gillingham announce a new management structure under Justin Edinburgh, who will be assisted next season by David Kerslake, previously a caretaker manager at Cardiff City in the wake of Malky Mackay's departure. Similar to Edinburgh, Kerslake has links back to the Tottenham Hotspur academy and it would be nice to think that the next up-an-coming Gareth Bale might be loaned to Gillingham (we can but dream). Returning to Priestfield as goalkeeper coach is Jason Brown, who had signed a playing contract for next season at Sutton United. The youth team will be managed next season by Wayne Hatswell, who was previously with Edinburgh at Newport County and, finally, there is a new man with the bucket and sponge, Adam Roach.

Tunbridge Wells announce that they have registered 18 players for the coming season but continue to play their cards close to their chest by not saying who any of them are!

Friday, 3 July: Tunbridge Wells have their man. OK, so we've said that before, but this time everything seems to be in order. That man is the ex-Cray Wanderers manager, Keith Bird. Alongside him will be Jason Bourne giving the club the continuity that it would not have had with the previously announced. This time, the players appear to be on-board, although Bird has said that only six or seven of last year's squad are likely to remain. Bird made his name as a successful youth team coach at Bromley before moving on to Cray, where, it has to be said, he time wasn't quite so good. Photo below courtesy of Victor Bethell.

Thursday, 2 July: I've said more than once on social media during the summer that whilst regretting the return to Millwall of John Marquis, if I could be granted one wish in terms of transfer activity it would be that Max Ehmer returned to Gillingham on a permanent basis. Today, Justin Edinburgh granted that wish. Ehmer has signed on a three-year deal and alongside John Egan (second wish now required that he signs a longer deal) forms a solid partnership that will get better as they are both relatively young players. For Edinburgh, you have to say, this has been a good summer so far. Apart from Marquis, he has identified targets and the chairman has made it possible to go out and get them. Edinburgh says he would like another four through the door. A central midfield playmaker and I will be happy with what we've got.

Move away from the keyboards for a couple of days and all hell lets loose ...

Monday, 29 June: Early morning browse and not expecting to find anything significant when news leaps out at me from Gillingham. Andy Hessenthaler has left the club to take up the assistant manager's position at Leyton Orient alongside Ian Hendon. This was a complete surprise and nothing something that I saw coming at all. Moving on a couple of days, a couple of people, rumoured to be ex-Gillingham player, Michael Flynn and Wayne Hatswell, both of whom worked under Justin Edinburgh at Newport, have been interviewed for the vacant position.

Tuesday, 30 June: A new man at the helm is announced at Tunbridge Wells and then situations unfolded at great speed coupled with confusion and no little amount of embarrassment. At lunchtime, Mike Maher, ex-Redhill boss was declared the man the board had chosen to succeed Martin Larkin and whilst it wasn't a universally popular decision with supporters, that was the choice and we would have to live with it. But fast forward to the evening and social media is buzzing that all was not well with the appointment, the players were unhappy with the choice and there was an emergency board meeting already happening. Glenn Garrett, of the Kent and Sussex Courier was tweeting that very few of Larkin's squad would remain at Culverden.

Wednesday, 1 July: I'm actually in the sweltering heat at Wimbledon when the mobile dings its text alert with the news that the club are now announcing that Maher would not be taking the position after all. What ensued was a question of who said what, who posted too quickly etc. Maher's side of the argument is that he had already agreed to take the manager's position at Cray Valley when the Tunbridge Wells offer was made. Tunbridge Wells were far too quick out of the traps to announce that they had their man when no agreement was actually in place. All of which has left the club with a lot of egg on its face and no manager to show for the indignity. In the meantime, Cray Valley were making an announcement of their own to confirm that Maher would be their manager for the coming season. Was it player power that brought about Maher's u-turn or was he never going to accept the position, only Mike Maher knows and he is not going to say. In what might have been an aside, or a consequence of the confusion, one of Tunbridge Wells' better players, Jake Beecroft, was announced by Nick Davis as a signing for Sittingbourne. How many more are going to follow Beecroft out of the door, we can only wait and see.

Friday, 26 June: Gillingham add to their striking options with the signing of 23-year-old Rory Donnelly, who was released by Swansea City at the end of last season. A prolific goalscorer in the Irish League for Cliftonville, Donnelly found his opportunities limited at Premiership Swansea, but during a loan move to Tranmere Rovers, he showed that there are goals in him in English football.

Monday, 22 June: Tonbridge complete what might be considered their marquee signing of the summer with the signature of Tom Phipp. I always liked Phipp when he was with Ebbsfleet but he didn't enjoy the best of luck with injury following his transfer to Margate, from whom he was released at the end of the season. If he stays fit, this is a very significant signing for the club.

Sunday, 21 June: It's my birthday and just when I was thinking that I was deserving of being the centre of attention there is the shock news from Culverden Stadium that manager Martin Larkin had resigned his position. Reasons given were a change of work circumstances meant that he could no longer devote the time that was needed to drive the club forward. The club statement made reference to Martin calling the decision he was faced with as "horrific". Joe Fuller has been asked to step in as caretaker for the early part of pre-season training whilst a new manager is sought. Martin Larkin will always be remembered as the man that took Tunbridge Wells to Wembley and consolidated the club's support over the last couple of seasons, but a failure to challenge for promotion has brought criticism with a few calling for a change for the up-coming season. That change will now happen and it will be a massive indication of the club's ambition with the choice that is made. Martin has left the club in a position that will be attractive to some well-known names in Kent and Sussex football, those names will not come cheap and it will be interesting to see whether the Tunbridge Wells budget can match the names that apply.

Wednesday, 17 June: Football League's Fixture Release Day and the planning for the next ten months can begin. Gillingham open up at Priestfield on August 8 with a game that will test their credentials against a side that will undoubtedly challenge at the top, Sheffield United. I'm relieved that Doncaster Rovers away has avoided one of the couple of "can't do" dates and will be ticked of the list. People looking for a weekend away in Blackpool will be disappointed with a late January fixture, whilst Boxing Day throws up a spicy affair down at Swindon. Millwall supporters will be expecting Gillingham to form a guard of honour at Priestfield as we host their championship-winning knees-up on the final day of the season, let them count a few chickens.

Tuesday, 16 June: Gillingham's first announced competitive match of 2015-16 takes them as far west as you can go for their Capital One Cup First Round match against Plymouth Argyle. Split geographically, I'm sure lots of Gillingham supporters would have preferred a trip north to Barnsley, for example, to this difficult evening venue. One thing is for sure, it is out of my boundaries for a Tuesday night. League fixtures announced tomorrow, let's hope those balls fall a little more kindly.

Monday, 15 June: Gillingham announce the signings of Ben Williamson and Bradley Garmston. Williamson, a robust striker from Port Vale, of whom I wrote in November on his club's visit to Priestfield "had been a nuisance all afternoon". Garmston, a right back, who impressed on loan at Gillingham last season, arrives from West Bromwich Albion. Williamson has secured a two year contract while Garmston has signed for three years. Goalkeeper Glenn Morris has signed a one-year extension to his contract, whilst released players Joe Martin and Gavin Hoyte have linked up with Millwall and Barnet respectively.

Thursday, 11 June: Sad news from Tonbridge that Jon Heath has been forced into an all-too-early retirement at 29 years of age with a knee injury. The defender requires an operation and has taken the decision to put his football career on hold while he has that and recovers. A one club man held in great affection by supporters has been truly unfortunate throughout his time at the club with injury. Mr Tonbridge will back in some capacity, of that I'm sure, one day as manager of the club is my prediction.

Wednesday, 3 June: Tonbridge welcome back Sonny Miles, following his release from Maidstone. United that is, not the prison, although the difference is hardly noticeable! A lot of re-winding of the verbals that yours truly has bellowed is required now that he has seen the error of his ways and returned home. At least we will always have that priceless moment when his own goal gave us a point at the Gallagher on New Year's Day, proving he was always an Angel at heart!

Tuesday, 2 June: There is an certain amount of anguish among the supporters at Tunbridge Wells as another player announces his departure via social media. Chris Seenan has used Twitter to inform that he would be taking on a new challenge at an unnamed club in a different league. It is not the departures as such that are aggravating the support but that these moves are being played out with no official announcement from the club, who also are steadfastly stating that no signings of their own will be announced until 1 July when official papers can be signed.

Monday, 1 June: Tonbridge welcome new signing, Nick Wheeler, a winger from Lewes, whilst down the A26, Tunbridge Wells bid farewell to Brendan Cass who has joined Erith and Belvedere in a player/coach capacity.

Wednesday, 27 May: Gillingham supporters will be disappointed on hearing the news that John Marquis has opted to stay with his parent club, Millwall. Last season's loanee did well at Priestfield, but the plucking of the heartstrings of his boyhood club proved greater than the two-year deal that Gillingham were offering. Not surprised at his decision, but the fact that he has only managed to negotiate a one-year deal with another year's option is surprising. It was always going to be 50/50 and I would hope that Justin Edinburgh had others in his sight should this one go against him. Let's face it, he was a Championship striker that wasn't getting a game but did well in the division below, there have to be quite a few strikers on frees that fit that criteria.

Tuesday, 26 May: Gillingham's first senior signing of the summer is drafted in, unsurprisingly, from Newport County. Ryan Jackson, a 24-year-old, right-sided defender arrives from Wales on a two-year contract.

Thursday, 21 May: Luke Blewden has returned to Longmead from Lewes and the vacancy between the sticks has been filled by Peacehaven's Anthony Di Bernardo (left). Other transfer news of today is of players that might have interested going elsewhere.
Ex-Gillingham loanee, Amari'i Bell, has signed for Fleetwood Town and Lee Minshull, who was tenuously linked with Gillingham and, in our dreams, Tonbridge, has signed for Bromley.

Tuesday, 19 May: Released Gillingham defender, Leon Legge, has signed a two-year contract at Cambridge United.

Monday, 18 May: Real disappointment for Tonbridge supporters as Mitchell Pinnock opts to sign for Maidstone. I cannot blame the lad for wanting Conference South football, but why does it always have to be them?

Thursday, 14 May: Gillingham sign Emanuel Osadebe, an 18-year-old right back/central midfielder, from Tottenham's Development squad. He previously had a spell with Dundalk. Chatham Town received the news they have waited for as they are placed in Ryman South for next season.

Tuesday, 12 May: The element of doubt mentioned above is removed as Tunbridge Wells announce that Martin Larkin will continue as their manager.

Previously: Steve McKimm was especially quick out of the blocks and his retained list was announced a little over a week after the last game. It is:

Retained:
Laurence Ball
Lee Carey
James Folkes
Royce Greenidge
Jon Heath
Tom Parkinson
Jack Parter
Jerrome Sobers
Tommy Whitnell

Leaving:
Billy Bishop
Dee Okojie
Dan Parkinson
Flavio Tavares
Joe Taylor
Marvin Williams (Retired)

Signed:
Nathan Elder
Charlie Webster

Stand out, of course, are the signing of two of the four loanees from the end of last season. Billy Medlock is on the retained list at parent club, Sutton United, whilst we await with particular interest news of Mitchell Pinnock.

At Gillingham, there have been four departures announced. Leaving the club are Joe Martin, Leon Legge, Danny Galbraith and Gavin Hoyte.

Pre-season friendlies have also been announced and I will be updating the list as when they are announced.

Gillingham
Tuesday, 7 July Folkestone Invicta (a)
Saturday, 11 July Tonbridge Angels (a)
Tuesday, 21 July Bromley (a)
Saturday, 25 July Dover (a)
Wednesday, 29 July Brighton & Hove Albion (h)
Saturday, 1 August Portsmouth (h)
Tuesday, 4 August Faversham Town (a)

Tonbridge
Tuesday, 7 July Whyteleafe (a)
Saturday, 11 July Gillingham (h)
Tuesday, 14 July Sevenoaks (a)
Saturday, 18 July AFC Wimbledon XI (h)
Tuesday, 21 July Ebbsfleet (h)
Saturday, 25 July Fisher (h)
Saturday, 01 August Dorking Wanderers (a)

Tunbridge Wells
Saturday, 11 July Crockenhill (a)
Tuesday, 14 July Lydd Town (a)
Saturday, 18 July Chatham Town (a)
Tuesday, 21 July Rusthall (a)
Saturday, 25 July Sittingbourne (h)
Tuesday, 4 August Hildenborough (h)

Summertime Blues (and Reds) continued

As an outbreak of football rudely interrupted this thread, I will need to restart it. To recap where I left it, Gillingham and Tonbridge both finished the season manager-less but Peter Taylor has a new two-year contract and Tonbridge have chosen Steve McKimm as their new boss.

Tuesday, 15th July: Gillingham won their second match of pre-season 2-0 at Bromley with goals from Danny Kedwell (pen) and Brennan Dickenson, whilst their Development XI drew 2-2 at Rochester United. Stanford got another 45 minutes and I'm hoping that he will still be trialling on Saturday when I get to see Gillingham at Welling United.

Friday, 11th July: Gillingham begin their pre-season with a comfortable 3-1 win at Folkestone Invicta. Goals from Danny Kedwell, Brennan Dickenson and Doug Loft cancelled out the home side's opening goal. Josh Stanford was a surprise triallist for the Gills and from reports he did pretty well. It is thought that he would get another run-out in their next match at Bromley.

Saturday, 5th July: Tunbridge Wells finally break the world's worst kept secret and announce the signings of Brendan Cass and Aaron Lacey, they do manage to spring a surprise though with the signing of Nick Barnes, a favourite from Cass's time down at Longmead. All should do well at SCEL level.

Thursday, 3rd July: Peter Taylor captures Luke Norris, a 21-year-old striker from Brentford for a fee to be decided by the compensation rule. Very limited opportunities at Griffin Park, but has done well in loan spells. Taylor is building a young, vibrant looking squad but I will be relieved to see the odd experienced defender added to the squad. At present the opening game at Milton Keynes could be 7-6 either way.

A second signing of the day does indeed bring a defender. John Egan, a 22-year-old central defender, arrives from Sunderland. A Republic of Ireland international at youth age groups, Egan has failed to make a breakthrough at the Stadium of Light, but enjoyed a successful loan spell at Southend last season.

Monday, 30th June: A new look website goes live at www.tunbridgewellsfc.com and very impressive it looks too and with player registrations to be confirmed tomorrow we should have a clearer idea of the strength of the Wells' squad at that point.
Chris Whelpdale has opted to leave Gillingham in favour of League Two football at Stevenage, best wishes to a player that never quite fufilled the potential of his previous loan spell.

Experience has two ends of the scale and this arrives at Gillingham in the shape of Brennan Dickenson, a 22-year-old forward from Brighton and the appointment of 70-year-old Tony Burns as goalkeeping coach. Dickenson has never made a first team appearance at the Albion and 31 games on loan at various places have yielded just four goals. It does give rise to thought that he won't be challenging McDonald and Kedwell in the immediate future. Burnsie's arrival is a blast from my youth with memories of his time at Tonbridge back in 1961 before gaining a move to Arsenal around 1963. He went on to manage Tonbridge in three different spells.

Friday, 27th June: Josh Stanford, Tunbridge Wells' Vase hero, has returned from Australia and is going to trial at Ryman Premier League, Maidstone United pre-season alongside his old mate, Jack Harris.

Tuesday, 24th June: Cast your eyes down to the fixtures release on 18th June. As said there, my attention was particularly on the visit to Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium. 13th December, just before Christmas, perfect, or so I thought. Less than a week later, a wedding invitation drops onto the mat, 13th December. As Victor Meldrew would have said, I don't believe it. People don't even get married in December, do they? The Keepmoat seems to be aligning itself alongside Ewood Park and the Riverside as stadiums that are going to forever elude me.

Monday, 23rd June: Nathan Green has made it into the Football League, signing a one-year contract with Dagenham and Redbridge of League Two.

Friday, 20th June: Ex-Ramsgate manager, Justin Luchford is added to Steve McKimm's coaching staff and the Big Man, Adebayo Akinfenwa, finds himself a new home at AFC Wimbledon.

Wednesday, 18th June: Gillingham will start their season with an away fixture at Milton Keynes on 9th August and then welcome Yeovil to Priestfield, four days after their trip to the West Country for the League Cup tie. Boxing Day brings a visit to Colchester United and the season is brought to a close at home to Notts County. Looking forward to my only new ground, Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium, on 13th December.

It's probably been easier to winkle a bit of news out of North Korea than Culverden Stadium this summer and the first official player news is disappointing. Lewis Mingle, Tunbridge Wells' popular full back, has opted to join Hythe Town, thus stepping up a level to the Ryman League.

Tuesday, 17th June: Gillingham's midfield is further strengthened with the signing from Fulham of Josh Pritchard. 22 years-old, there has been an emphasis on youth with the signings this summer, Pritchard is a product of Manchester United's academy but has found opportunities in the Premier League very limited. The first competitive game of the season to be announced comes with an away draw at Yeovil in the Capital One Cup. Tomorrow is fixtures release day, always brings the season that little bit closer.

Saturday, 14th June: I have resisted the temptation to post about the situation regarding Tonbridge's possible reinstatement to Conference South as it was ongoing and would have taken a column in its own right. Today, the murky waters of Conference politics seem a little clearer and it does appear that Tonbridge will be playing their football next season in the Ryman Premier. Salisbury City, the subject of the confusion, with a dodgy new owner and unpaid debts, will be relegated from the Conference Premier rather than being thrown out altogether as were Hereford United. This, ultimately, gives a reprieve for Dartford, but not for the Angels. If anybody from beyond these shores reading this blog are somewhat confused, then I suggest they do some googling, but on the other hand, I wouldn't suggest that they waste hours of their life. Personally, given that relegation was accepted and that the new manager has built his team for the Ryman Premier, I think it may well have been damaging to be reinstated to the higher league with a team that might not have been capable of sustaining their position. What I think of the Conference administrators though is not printable.

Meanwhile, two departures from Longmead are Henry Muggeridge who has joined Lewes and coach Simon Balsdon.

Tuesday, 10th June: With Hessenthaler and Dack expected to form a regular pairing at the heart of Gillingham's midfield next season, the signing of Port Vale's captain, Doug Loft may be the significant bit of business done by the club this summer. Loft rejected a new contract at Vale Park to return to his home county of Kent and will add the experience needed in what might look a very youthful midfield.

A second striker, Billy Medlock, has arrived at Tonbridge from Eastbourne Town. Medlock scored goals aplenty last season in Ryman South. Another relative youngster at 22, McKimm's squad has a youthful look about it.

Saturday, 7th June: Tom Parkinson, a 22-year-old full back and part of Leatherhead's successful promotion winning side from last season has joined Steve McKimm's Longmead revolution, or should that be evolution? With emphasis being made that some of the youngsters from the reserve team will be given an opportunity next term, I would think we now have enough to put out a team.

Thursday, 5th May: Bidding au revoir to Chris Piper, Mark Lovell and Louis Cumbers from Longmead is countered with the signing of Tommy Whitnell, a striker who plied his trade at Dulwich Hamlet last season. Pipes and Loves departures are to be regretted but McKimm is slowly but surely putting together a brand new squad that is creating a feel good factor for the new season ahead.

Tuesday, 3rd June: Gillingham's third signing of the summer is an exciting one with Jermaine McGlashan arriving on a free from Cheltenham Town. A pacy winger with more than a few tricks in his repertoire, from my memory he will thrill and frustrate in equal measures. But, that said, I would put him in the good signing category.

Monday, 2nd June: Jerome Sobers, a 28-year-old central defender, arrives at Tonbridge from Maidstone United. Proof, at least, that the A26 is not a one-way street.

Thursday, 29th May: And he's back! Two spells as manager, one as director of football, a million games for the club, Mr Gillingham, Andy Hessenthaler, returns as assistant manager to Peter Taylor.

Taylor's first player signing of the summer doesn't suggest "competition for Stuart Nelson". Glenn Morris, 30, arrives from Aldershot as the back-up goalkeeper.

Two Morris' arrive on the same day, Aaron Morris, a 24-year-old defensive midfielder, arrives from AFC Wimbledon.

Wednesday, 28th May: Faversham Town have announced the departure of Brendan Cass and Aaron Lacey to Tunbridge Wells. Brendan was a firm favourite with Tonbridge supporters during his spell at the club and has pretty much scored goals wherever he has played. Lacey comes to the club with a huge amount of experience, making a record near-250 appearances for Maidstone United. Two excellent signings for Martin Larkin.

Sunday, 25th May: The door at Longmead is most definitely marked In as the Steve McKimm revolution continues. Midfielder Lee Carey, who spent a period on loan at the club back in 2008, returns to Tonbridge and a player that won a Sky talent contest in 2005, Dee Okojie, a winger, joins from Kingstonian.

Friday, 23rd May: Good news that, with the signing of Kyle Merson, a 21-year-old goalkeeper from Staines Town, Tonbridge now have enough players for a 5-a-side team. It is said that he is the son of Paul Merson, but I cannot find any evidence to back-up the rumour.

Thursday, 22nd May: A welcome to Tonbridge Angels for James Folkes, Ben King and Harry Harding.

Wednesday, 21st May: Fond farewells are bid to Adam Birchall, who has signed for Bromley and Tunbridge Wells' Andy Irvine who is "seeking a new challenge".

Tuesday, 20th May: Bayo Akinfenwa opts to refuse his contract offer and leave Gillingham. He has been the best hold-up player with his back to goal that I've seen at Priestfield. He will be missed, his partnership with Cody McDonald was second to none, but it is definitely time to move on.

Sonny Miles confirms he will play for Maidstone United next season. Enough said.

Friday, 16th May: Sonny Miles and Henry Muggeridge have declined their new contract offers. Muggeridge is said to be waiting to see what offers he might get, but McKimm has withdrawn the contract offer, whilst Miles is definitely seeking pastures new.

The Southern Counties East have decided, not before time, that their league will next season increase to 20 clubs with the addition of Erith and Belvedere (relegated from Ryman South), Crowborough and Lingfield moving across from the Sussex County League and Croydon from the Combined Counties League.

Thursday, 15th May: Gillingham announce their retained list and nine players will leave the club after not being offered contract renewals. The big names on the list are Steven Gregory, Myles Weston, Charlie Lee, Craig Fagan and Adam Burchill. Gregory and Weston may come as a surprise to some supporters. Chris Whelpdale and Adebayo Akinfenwa are considering contract offers with Whelpdale attracting interest from Stevenage and Bayo a return to Northampton.

Tonbridge have made contract offers to Chris Piper, Sonny Miles and Henry Muggeridge.

Monday, 12th May: Danny Kedwell signs a new two year contract. Great news and proves most rumours are what they are ... rumours. Along with every other Gillingham supporter, the two names we wanted tied up were Kedwell and Nelson. All done and dusted, eight days from the last game, for the rest we can be a little more patient.

Meanwhile at Tonbridge, the first name to put pen to paper under the Steve McKimm regime, is long-term servant, Jon Heath.

Sunday, 11th May: Pre-season friendlies: I'll keep the list updated on this dateline.
Gillingham:
Friday, 11th July Folkestone Invicta (a) 19:45
Tuesday, 15th July: Bromley (a) 19:45
Saturday, 19th July: Welling (a) 15:00
Tuesday, 22nd July Dartford (a) 19:30
Tuesday, 29th July Dover (a) 19:45
Saturday, 26th July Ipswich Town (h) 15:00
Saturday, 2nd August Ebbsfleet (a) 15:00

Tonbridge
Tuesday, 15th July Dover (h) 19:45
Saturday, 19th July Eastbourne Borough (h) 15:00
Tuesday, 22nd July Stevenage (h) 19:45
Saturday, 26th July Ramsgate (h) 15:00
Tuesday, 29th July Farnborough (h) 19:45
Saturday, 2nd August Walton Casuals (a) 12:00

Tunbridge Wells
Tuesday, 8th July Rusthall (a) 16:45
Saturday, 12th July Eastbourne Town 15:00 (at Hayesbrook)
Saturday, 19th July Crowborough (h) 15:00
Tuesday, 22nd July Ramsgate (h) Cancelled
Saturday, 26th July Folkestone Invicta (h) 15:00
Tuesday, 29th July Lydd (a) 19:45
Saturday, 2nd August Maidstone United (a) 15:00

Summertime Blues (and Reds)

The close season period could be very interesting for the principle three clubs followed by That'll Be The Day. In effect, at the close of play on Saturday, 3rd May two of the three clubs were manager-less. As the clubs go about their summer-time business, managers, player movements I will use this post to keep abreast of the news.

Thursday, 8th May: But before tomorrow comes there is a puff of white smoke over Longmead and the new Tonbridge manager is announced as Steve McKimm with Barry Moore as his assistant. More here ... New Tonbridge manager.

Thursday, 8th May: When I've been asked about who stays and who goes, my answer has been get Stuart Nelson signed up pretty damned quick. Peter Taylor obviously reads the blog and the Gills' custodian has signed a new two year deal. Oh, what influence I have!! Meanwhile over at Tonbridge it appears that we are getting very close to seeing the puff of white smoke over Longmead. Eight candidates have been interviewed and Steve Churcher has said it was a difficult decision and one he was glad not to have to make alone. One with Tonbridge background, Ben Judge, and someone from outside of the club appear front-runners. Perhaps tomorrow ...

Wednesday, 7th May: First pre-season friendly announced, I'll try to keep the list updated on this dateline.
Gillingham:
Saturday, 26th July Ipswich Town (h) TBC

Tunbridge Wells
Saturday, 19th July Crowborough (h) 15:00
Saturday, 26th July Ramsgate (h) 15:00


Tuesday, 6th May: Peter Taylor begins his reshuffle at Gillingham by telling Assistant Manager John Schofield and Goalkeeping Coach Carl Muggleton that there will not be a contract renewal for either of them.

Monday, 5th May: My personal choice, and one of the early favourites for the Tonbridge job, Tony Russell, rules himself out by signing on for another season at VCD.

And no sooner said, the first news comes from the Player of the Year Presentation at Gillingham.

Saturday, 3rd May: At the Player of the Year Presentation, Gillingham chairman Paul Scally announced that agreement had been made with Peter Taylor to continue as manager of the club with a two year contract. It was also announced that the club's principle sponsor, MEMS would continue for the next four years. The player of the year was awarded to Stuart Nelson.

Tommy Warrilow resigns

After the humiliating 7-1 defeat and the end of their time as a Conference South club, manager Tommy Warrilow resigned from his position as the manager of Tonbridge Angels Football Club.

Warrilow himself knew the time as right and in the interview in which he revealed his decision he echoed one of the thoughts that I have made in many conversations with Tonbridge supporters. For months there has been a negative feeling around the club that struck you every time you walked through the gates at Longmead and the spirit that was going to be needed to fight a relegation battle wasn’t apparent. All the time the manager remained, this mood was going to persist.

Warrilow put the blame for the mood at the fingertips of the forum members, of which I am one. But, in my experience, other supporters who have never put a word onto any message board in support or otherwise of the manager, felt much the same.

Tonbridge enjoyed some good years under Warrilow and the play-off experiences will never be forgotten. Unfortunately, the last two seasons have been a struggle and this season in particular has been little short of a disaster. Pre-season signings haven’t made anything like the impact that supporters would have hoped and subsequent players brought to the club during the season have made little or no difference.

Twice this season there have been seven goal humiliations and on the day that their league status was on the line the second of these brought its inevitable conclusion.

Warrilow served his club well, but it is now time to move on. Hopefully, at the start of a new campaign in the Ryman and a new man at the helm, a renewed sense of optimism will pervade the club. Wherever Tommy Warrilow turns up next, I for one, wish him well.

Tommy Warrrilow interview

Steve Churcher interview

Message to my overseas pageviewers

One of the pleasures of writing any blog is that it is read, and hopefully appreciated, by others. Through the stats details, I have noticed that That'll Be The Day is read all over the world, and whilst I'm very grateful, I wondered why somebody in Russia, for instance, would have any interest in a blog that is essentially about two, in the scheme of world football, very insignificant English football clubs.

I wonder, if I might ask any viewers (UK included), to leave a comment answering my question. Are you a Gillingham fan exiled abroad, a Tonbridge Angels fan living away from Kent for a while or did you just stumble across the blog whilst looking for something else.

I have been writing this blog for six years now and it is deeply satisfying to see that someone in Indonesia, New Zealand, China, or the greatest thrill, Brazil have glimpsed into the lower reaches of English football.

Thank-you for your time and interest.

William Tomkinson 1921-2012

My Dad died on Tuesday, 7th February 2012. William “Bill” Tomkinson not only gave me life, he gave me football.

He took me to my first-ever game at Tonbridge (those days without the Angels), principally to see Charlie “Cannonball” Fleming, an ex-Sunderland centre forward, on his way to retirement via Bath City, and this led to my own life-long affiliation with Tonbridge Football Club.

In 1958, he always swore that he took me to see the Busby Babes in their last game on English soil, the legendary game that finished 5-4 to Manchester United, his own lifetime passion, having been born in Stockport in 1921. I can remember that he went to that game but I’ve never been convinced that I went with him, but how I would love that to be true.

For Christmas 1965, Mum and Dad bought me tickets for all the games played at Wembley during the 1966 World Cup, including the Final, another memory to be cherished which needs no explaining.

I was able to start repaying my debts of gratitude to him in 1968, when I was able to get him (and myself) a ticket for the European Cup Final win against Benfica at Wembley.

After Mum died and wishing to involve him we started taking him to Gillingham, he enjoyed it of sorts, but always complained they kicked the ball in the air too much, nothing much has changed there then! But I’ll never forget the hug that followed our Wembley win in 2000.

Rest in Peace Dad, if you see Big Duncan Edwards in Heaven’s Stadium, tell him he’s still the Greatest and raise a glass, but not too many, with Georgie Best.

He's coming home, Hess is coming home

The legend returns, didn’t we all know that one day, sooner rather than later, Andy Hessenthaler would walk back through Priestfield Stadium’s front door to once again manage the club that he loves.

Following a whistle stop weekend excursion to Dubai to meet Chairman Scally, he was appointed the club’s successor to Mark Stimson with Mark Robson taking up the role of Assistant Manager.

Whilst a few might have reservations about his return, it is mostly borne out of concern that his reputation, both as a player and a manager, would become tarnished should this tenure end in failure.

Following the shambolic last day performance at Wycombe in particular, and season-long on the road in general, the club’s supporters needed a figure head that would re-unite the fan base and, if nothing else, Andy Hessenthaler fits that bill to a tee. Mark Stimson was a divisive character that didn’t have the backing of a large section of Gillingham’s following from the outset. Unless it goes horribly wrong, Hess will never have to suffer this negativity.

Ironically, the stick that was used to beat Stimson, his non-league background, is a fundamental part of the CV that Hessenthaler brought to Paul Scally’s table over the weekend. Two promotions and a play-off defeat took Dover to the brink of a return to the Conference under the little man.

In the six years that he has been away, Hess has continued to play his part on the field, but this time there will be no registration as a player, his sole concentration being on management. Six years older, six years wiser and surely the challenge to get out of the lowest division cannot be as difficult as his previous task, that of staying in England’s second tier.

From the depths of depression, suddenly the news surrounding the club is vibrant again. Once again, fans are looking forward to the new season despite the fact it is to be played in the bottom division. The smallest man with the biggest heart ever to wear a Gillingham shirt is back, let the good times roll.

Mark Stimson sacked

Following Saturday’s shambolic performance at Wycombe Wanderers and the subsequent relegation, Mark Stimson’s contract as manager of Gillingham Football Club was ended by mutual agreement, in other words he was sacked.

The hostile reaction of the Gillingham support at Adams Park could not possibly have left any doubt in the mind of chairman Paul Scally as to the weight of opinion against the manager.

Mark Stimson took over the club two-and-a-half years ago when the club was in a bad place, unfortunately despite a successful Wembley appearance, he leaves with the club not much better off, at least on the field.

Stimson never enjoyed the full support of the Gillingham support. He was seen as a non-league manager and when he brought several players to the club from the same source the tag gained strength. In the last 18 months the majority of his signings have come from the Football League, but the tag refused to go away.

He also had a demeanour that never endeared himself to supporters. On the touchline he was a manager that appeared to stand impassively, hands often in pockets, that gave the impression of a man not in control of the situation being played out before him.

People had different opinions of his interview style. Some saw him as surly, with a “here I am, like me or lump it”, attitude. I was more inclined to think that sometimes he was too honest for his own good, but there was always an abrasive side to his character that often came across in interviews.

In the early months of his tenure he had the support of the fans as he whittled out the expensive, bad wood that he had inherited. Players that were too old, on too long contracts were paid off as he built a team in his own character. Some of these players refused to go quietly and there were plenty of rumblings of Stimson as a bad man manager, but most saw this as sour grapes. But later in his term the same thing surfaced with players that he had brought to the club.

He made some good signings, Simeon Jackson was a brilliant piece of business and could net the club a decent profit this summer. Andy Barcham and Curtis Weston similarly have enjoyed good spells. Of his non-league recruits, Alan Julian, Barry Fuller, John Nutter and Dennis Oli have all been first team regulars, Adam Miller has “enjoyed” a similar love-hate relationship with the fans, whilst the likes of Stuart Lewis shouldn’t be considered a complete failure.

On the other side of the coin, there have been some really expensive, in terms of wages, failures. Kevin Maher, Mark McCammon and Chris Palmer have failed to hold down first eleven places and have failed to impress when they have appeared.

This season Stimson can rightly point to the unfortunate season-long injury to Simon King as an important factor in the relegation campaign.

Saturday’s result, perhaps more importantly, the performance, left Paul Scally with a hard personal decision to make as he had regularly, in the face of huge supporter criticism, backed his manager with “votes of confidence”. He also backed his manager with cash as several high profile loan signings, no more so than Chris Dickson, were brought to the club. But the spineless effort at Wycombe must have made the decision a fairly easy one to make.

We now await with interest the appointment of a new man to take the club forward. Plenty of names will be in the frame with Andy Hessenthaler’s to the fore. He might, or might not, be the right man, but unlike Mark Stimson he would unite the fans and enjoy universal support.

Gridlocked!

Leyton Orient 3 Gillingham 1

There are plenty of firsts watching football, but last night I suffered a first that I hope I never have to experience again.

We left Tunbridge Wells at 4.30, the satnav said we would arrive at 5.40. Unlike the trip to Southend we sailed down the M25 to the A2, up which we fairly flew. But, by this time we heard a traffic report that the Blackwall Tunnel was being closed "intermittently" to ease flow because of an "incident" on the A12. We arrived and stopped at the Tunnel at around 5.15, but we did actually get through the tunnel before 6.00 so we were relatively happy.

At which point we stopped and for the next two hours we travelled no more than a mile. On the radio we started hearing the news regarding the Gillingham players that had also failed to make the kick-off, we phoned Orient and asked if there would be a delayed start and that produced just about the only laughter of the evening. Having been told no, it was remarked that nobody could be there as they were all on the A12. "Frank, look out of the window," she said. Frank did as he was told and reported back . . . "there's a few trickling in!"

We picked up Radio Kent with a decent reception and listened to the first half. At half time we were still two miles away and as we had only done one mile in the previous two hours there seemed little hope of seeing even five minutes.

We came off the A12 and dropped down into Hackney with the hope that the tom-tom could sort us out but it was just as gridlocked away from the main road.

As the second half started we made the unanimous decision (4 in the car) that if we could extricate ourselves from the traffic we would give up and go home. The game was nearly finished before we managed to get ourselves on the empty southbound side of the A12.

By the time I reached home I had been in the car for 5 minutes short of 7 hours, wasted half a tank of petrol, a £20 match ticket and all for a bloke that is probably being fed and watered at Her Majesty's pleasure this morning.

In 50 years of travelling to football matches, I have never not managed to reach the game I set out to watch. I've had more than a few that have been called off because of weather en-route or even got to the ground to find out it's off, but never had anything like this.

Lesson learnt: Next time we play at the Orient, I'm going by train!

Wasted mileage: 110
Wasted ticket: £20
Wasted time: 7 hours

And here is the man that caused it all

Blank Saturdays

Hats off to the exiles and stay-at-home Gillingham fans that regularly endure the Blank Saturday. These are days that I hate and attempt to avoid at all costs. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I had to go through the horror of the videoprinter every Saturday my life would be shortened by a number of years.

Work commitments on Friday night had decreed that a trip to the FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane was out of the question, so as always in these situations my attentions turned to Ryman League Tonbridge Angels.

I had a nice plan, a visit to my Dad to sit with him to watch Arsenal v Manchester United and then on to Longmead. Following heavy rain during the morning I took the precaution of checking the internet before I left home and was assured that the game was going ahead. Dad, an exile himself and a dyed in the wool Manc, is 87 years old and although his eyesight is near perfect, it becomes a bit one eyed when United are playing. As the Reds fall behind, over the course of the first 45 minutes, he would have subbed Rooney, sold Ronaldo, retired van der Saar (very astute, Dad) and questioned the senility of Sir Alex.

At two down and with a few minutes left on the clock, I took my leave to make my way to Tonbridge. Radio 5 relays that United have pulled one back but ultimately in vain. As I arrive at the Angels’ car park there are cars heading in the wrong direction and I’m immediately suspicious of the outcome of this little journey. A quick word out of the window confirms my fears, match postponed, waterlogged pitch.

At 2.50 p.m. I am stuffed, there is absolutely no time to make a detour, especially with the knowledge that the other local side, Tunbridge Wells, are away from home. So it’s home to sit and watch Gillette Soccer Saturday with the excitable Jeff Stelling.

On the few occasions I’ve been left in this situation, I’ve turned to Radio Kent and their commentary, but invariably this has proved unlucky, so I’ve decided not to follow this route.

So the videoprinter ticks away, goals flow, but nothing comes up from Gigg Lane. I sit, I stare and I sit and I stare, on and on it goes. Mr Stelling gets rather depressed as his beloved Hartlepool go a couple of goals down at Brighton and from the background Paul Goddard and his mates get excited as incidents happen on their monitors. But from Gigg Lane, still the big nothing.

The first time the Gills click onto the screen is the goalless half time score. The clock ticks on and the video printer seems to take on a life of its own as the scores fairly rattle in. There are shocks in the offing as the likes of Curzon Athletic and Blyth Spartans lead Football League clubs and from Gigg Lane, the silence continues.

Then at 4.32 the ticker trots out a line that probably never moved the majority of households, Bury 0 Gillingham 1 (Weston 71), I shout, but then double-take, the line is still there on the screen, the Gills have the lead. The ticker trots out another line and the scorer is amended to Barcham, of this I don’t care, but all of sudden the ticker inside my own body has started to beat a whole lot faster.

Now it is back to sitting and staring, the goals still appear but my focus is now on the time that these goals are scored, watching the clock tick down. I wait, I sit, I stare, back into the big black hole that is a lack of information. The thought runs through my head to turn on the radio, but I’m fearful of jinxing the situation. Jeff Stelling lightens the moment as James Brown scores for Hartlepool and he celebrates wildly with his James Brown doll singing “I Feel Good”. Sorry, Jeff, but actually I feel quite sick at this moment.

The videoprinter is now churning out full time scores, they are streaming through at a rate that the redoubtable Mr Stelling cannot keep up with. I’m not listening anyway, the heart rate has reached manic proportions and the stare is now fixed. Did every FA Cup score come through before Gillingham’s, probably not, but it sure felt that way. But there it is: FT (--) FAC1 BURY 0 GILLINGHAM 1. The whoop causes the cat to momentarily show a flicker of interest. We are through to Round Two and I make myself a little promise, wherever we are drawn in the next round, I’m not going to put myself through this again.

I’m sure you do your job well, Mr Stelling, but I cannot subscribe to those long spells of nothingness from the only match in which I am interested. How do the exiles cope, do you make yourselves copious cups of tea, immunise yourselves with liquid of a stronger nature? There must be ways to combat the sense of helplessness, but I suppose I could have turned everything off and busied myself with the hoovering, Nah.

It was 50 years ago today

The old memory plays tricks and assumes the romantic. Actually there is nothing remotely romantic about one of my first recollections of childhood. I remember waiting on the path leading to my house on the 6th February 1958 for my Dad to return home from work. I had news, that most probably he had heard already, but I wanted to be the one to deliver the devastating lines. Why? I don’t know. “Dad, United are dead.”

Just days before, he had been witness to one of the greatest League games ever. He swears to this day that I was also present, but I’m afraid much though I would love it to be true, his memory is playing tricks. Manchester United had won a thriller at Highbury 5-4

The club had been returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade the night before that had ended in a 3-3 draw with United progressing 5-4 on aggregate. Such was air travel 50 years ago that the trip necessitated a fateful stop in snow-bound Munich for refuelling. A third take-off attempt was made after two aborted tries and ultimately slush build-up on the runway was given as the cause for the crash. Eight United players were among the 23 killed in the crash.

In 2008, Manchester United are a much different club to that of 50 years ago. They are the most successful, on and off the pitch, and this has engendered a much different attitude than the sympathy that surrounded them in 1958. These days there are very few grey areas between love and hate for Manchester United. Some of this is self-inflicted, much of the commercialisation of football that is not liked by the every day fan is laid at the door of United, they managed to alienate a section of their own support with the purchase of the club by the Glazers and then there is, of course, sheer jealousy of success.

It is therefore disappointing, but not surprising that leading up to the anniversary decisions had to be made to safeguard the respecting of the occasion. The fixture list managed to schedule a Manchester derby as the first match following February 6th. Manchester City supporters groups have asked that a minutes applause replace the silence for fear that it would be broken by City fans, this has been refused and on this occasion applause does not seem at all appropriate. England also play Switzerland on February 6 and it was deemed that England fans could not be trusted to observe the silence, but the FA about turned and the silence will be observed at Wembley. Whether this proves the correct decision only the passing of the moment will tell, but it would have been regrettable that Roger Byrne, Duncan Edwards, David Pegg and Tommy Taylor the English internationals among the eight had not been remembered by a respectful tribute.

Journalists whose day job it is write the words that may fail the humble blogger will have many different viewpoints on both the disaster, its effects and the way the day was remembered and below are links to some of the articles that have been written about this most solemn of days.

Factual information from Wikipedia.
Paul Hayward, Daily Mail on the issue of the minute silence.
The Times feature
Kenny Morgans story (Independent)
Duncan Edwards' Mum remembers
Victims and Survivors (pictures)
Harry Gregg (Observer)