Legge set to fly the nest

IT was the first day of pre-season for Tonbridge Angels on Saturday and it is fair to say the atmosphere was markedly different from the same time last year.

Back then hopes were high for a tilt for promotion, they finished third and lost in the play-off semi-final, but 12 months on no-one at the club quite knows what the future holds.

Manager Tommy Warrilow confirmed the club has re-signed 11 of last year's squad and that defensive rock Leon Legge will be leaving to sign for League One outfit, Brentford, dependent on him passing a medical and agreeing terms.

He did not rule out having to release players before the start of the season, but with interest in star striker Carl Rook expected to intensify over the coming weeks, Warrilow could have a cash injection to help him strengthen the squad.

"Saturday was a decent training session, there were a few missing through holidays, but all in all I have got 11 re-signed from last year," Warrilow said. "Either more money needs to come forward, sponsorship wise, so I can strengthen or I might have to release some players. Jamie Cade is 90 per cent sure of staying and Lewis Hamilton is a possibility, I will be speaking to him when he gets back from holiday this week.

"We had a few players coming down to try and impress on Saturday and I am sure we will have a few more coming down in the coming weeks.

"With what happened with Garry and Nick (former vice-chairman and chairman) we are having to start again.

"I spoke to the boys on Saturday and they know what I want from them. It is going to be a very strong league next season, but I am looking forward to the challenge."

While Angels plan for a potentially difficult season, Legge has a altogether different challenge ahead of him – proving himself as a full-time professional at Brentford.

The 23-year-old was one of Angels' most consistent performers last season and chipped in with 10 goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Ashford Town (Middlesex).

Unfairly criticised towards the end of the season, when he was sent off twice in the space of three games, Legge formed a formidable partnership with Scott Gooding and will be hard to replace.

Warrilow has no doubts about Legge's credentials and reiterated his desire to get the best price for goalscorer Rook, who has been Angels' top scorer for the past two seasons.

"We had some interest from some clubs trying to take advantage of our situation, but we got a deal that will benefit the club.

"It is one of those deals that will be good for the club in the long run as it has add-ons, for example if he plays a certain amount of matches we get some money. It is a good catchment area and they believe in him. He still has bits and bobs to work on, but with full-time training I am sure he will get better and better. I am delighted for him and I am sure he will have a very successful football career.

"I always said he will go to a league club and I am delighted for him, although I am sad to see him leave.

"Hopefully it is a good bit of business for the club and the publicity is good as well.

"It is the first time I have dealt with a league club, selling a player, and Brentford have been excellent.

They have done everything in the right way. With pre-season starting, clubs are beginning to show their hand and there has been a bit of activity about Carl. "Of course I would like to keep him, but I don't envisage Carl Rook being at the club come the start of the season. I am not going to have the micky taken out of the club, Carl will only leave for the right price."

Warrilow has already made two signings this summer with central defender Nick Davis, 27, signing from Ramsgate and Kirk Watts makes a return to the Longmead from Tooting and Mitcham United. Angels get their pre-season off and running with a home friendly against newly promoted Gillingham next Saturday, kick-off 3pm.