Tonbridge Angels Football Club, nicknamed “The Angels,” is a non-league football club based in Tonbridge, Kent.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League South, which is part of the sixth tier of English football. The team calls Longmead Stadium their home ground.
History
Tonbridge Football Club, founded in 1947, initially faced struggles in the Southern League, performing better in cup competitions than in the league. They experienced relegation in the early 1960s but quickly regained promotion. The 1970s were challenging, with financial issues leading to voluntary liquidation and relocation to Longmead Stadium after a legal dispute. The ensuing decades saw fluctuating fortunes, with relegation to the Kent League in 1988/89 and a return to the Southern League in the 1990s, marked by managerial changes and financial constraints. By 2011, the club had achieved promotion to the Football Conference South Division, reaching a high point in their non-league journey.
In recent years, the club has seen mixed results, including a return to the National League and disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021/22 season brought managerial changes, with Jay Saunders taking the helm. A new FIFA-approved 3G surface was installed at Longmead Stadium in 2022, signaling a new chapter for the club. Despite initial setbacks, Saunders’ first season concluded with a commendable ninth-place finish. The club also said farewell to key figures, including long-serving player Sonny Miles and chairman Dave Netherstreet.