There is no denying that this has been a week with many and mixed emotions for the club. A win against Eastbourne Borough finally enabled the club to breath a sign of relief as we secured our position in the National League South for next season after dancing around the relegation spot with increasingly less games to go.

We broke ground on the development of the pitch and less than a week on the project is in full flow. The stadium has been a hive of activity, the pitch, fencing and floodlights have all been removed ready for their replacements as we build a significant stepping stone and asset to bring sustainability to the club.

Then of course there was the ending of the relationship with the 1st team management. It would be fair to say that it didn’t end well, certainly not as we intended, emotions naturally were running high, but what has happened has happened. The opportunity to see the season out and lead the team at St Albans in advance of the awards evening was given but declined, the rest, as they say is history. We have to dust off and not lose sight of all that is good in the club. We learn from the experience and continue to push on building a club on and off the field that is sustainable and successful in every way.

We do, of course, want to acknowledge all that has been achieved on the field during the tenure of Steve and his backroom staff over the last 8 years, every club era has its challenges and celebrations and we are sure that the next will be no different.

Football teams are used to working in seasons on the field with changes year on year to shape what is hoped to be the team to bring the greatest success. Off the pitch is no different and thankfully happens a lot less frequently. 

When all is said and done, we wish nothing but best for Steve, Barry, James & Gaz as they start the next season of their careers, we are sure that they will find success wherever they may go.

Steve has asked to convey these words on his behalf

As the dust settles on what has obviously been something of a tumultuous two or three days I would now like to take the opportunity to thank all at Tonbridge Angels for a fantastic 8 years.

I am genuinely sorry to be leaving as I think the club has a great future but I want to say to you, the supporters, you have been absolutely brilliant through the good times and the not so good times.  In those thanks I of course include the volunteers and the back room staff without whose efforts the club would not be able to function.

Many of you have been in touch to offer thanks and best wishes for the future and I am very grateful for that.   

I’m sorry that myself, Barry, James and Gaz couldn’t say goodbye to you all in the more traditional way but I’m sure we will have the opportunity to meet up at some stage in the near future. Football is like that.

The very best of luck to you all and Tonbridge Angels FC.  COYA!