Fyn opts for Longmead

Tonbridge Angels

Tonbridge new boy Fyn Rutherford turned down the chance to go back on trial at Gillingham to earn a deal at Longmead.

The 17-year-old striker has signed for the Angels after impressing manager Jay Saunders in pre-season. Saunders coached Rutherford at Soccer Elite and gave him his first taste of senior football at Margate.

A debut goal against Gillingham in the Kent

Senior Cup earned a trial at Priestfield and they were keen to have another look. “I liked what I saw of him at Soccer Elite, so I took him to Margate and started using him,” said Saunders.

“He scored on his debut against Gillingham, and went on trial with them, and they wanted another look at him at the end of the season but he felt it wasn’t the right move at the moment.

“I said to come along with me to Tonbridge for pre-season and he’s done really well. “He’s only 17 but we’ll keep him in and around it and maybe at the start of the season, if he’s not getting minutes, we’ll look to loan him out. He’s got a lot of ability and a good future.

“He’s gone from college football to National South in a year-and-a-half, which is a big jump, but he’s a good kid. “We’ve got a lot of good young players. Joe Tyrie is another one we’ve signed on again.

“When the job here became available I went to St Albans to watch the last game of the season and Joe kept Shaun Jeffers quiet, who was the top scorer in the league.

“He’s only 18 and he’s got the potential to be a good centrehalf.

“There’s a right-back as well, Leo Vowles, Ben Hermitage is another one. I’ve always been one for giving young players a chance and if they do well, they’ll play.”

Lewis Gard struck in a 1-1 draw at Cray Wanderers last Saturday, while Tommie Fagg scored in a 1-0 win at Corinthian on Tuesday as Tonbridge continued preparations for the season. Angels are off to Yorkshire this weekend, where they’ll take on National North side Farsley Celtic, followed by a squad night out.

“We’re having a pre-match meal and the boys will go out for a bit of teambonding after the game,” said Saunders.

“To be fair, it was the club’s idea to go away and I really appreciate them doing these things away from the pitch.” Tonbridge visit Maidstone on Tuesday night.