It’s been the deal on the lips of every Tonbridge fan for several weeks – perhaps the worst kept secret on the local footballing circuit – but the club can now finally confirm the news – Sam Corne is an Angel.
The 29-year-old ex-Maidstone skipper has put pen-to-paper at The Yeomans Community Stadium, Longmead, saying he is excited to start the next chapter of a career which has already seen some great moments.
He told Angels Media: “It’s a big move for me and one I’m really excited about. I’ve known Tommy McAvoy (Angels head of recruitment) for a long time and it just stemmed from there really.
“I’ve realised what a great club Tonbridge is. With Dunney, Larry McAvoy and Tommy, the board and all the fans here and knowing what the club is trying to create, I realised it was a project I wanted to jump on board with. Being local and wanting to stay in the area I think in the end it was a ‘no brainer’ for me.
“Obviously I’ve played against Tonbridge a number of times over the last few seasons and I’ve noticed the growth and ambition of the club and I want to be part of it.
“I spoke to Dunney about certain players moving on and that of course included Scott Wagstaff. Someone of Waggy’s calibre is a big loss but hopefully I can fill those boots to some extent.”
For those Angels fans not familiar with Corne’s style of play, expect a hard-working, never-say-die, tenacious, ball-playing midfielder with an eye for goal:
“I had some great times at Maidstone and some never-to-be-forgotten moments and if I can create some more great memories here then that is exciting,” he added.
Corne’s senior career started with Welling United in 2013 and after four seasons at Park View Road, he signed for Braintree Town working under former Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin.
During his time at Welling he got an England C call-up and attracted interest from league clubs.
Prior to signing at the Gallagher, he played for Greenwich Borough and Ashford United – scoring 21 goals in 40 games – while focusing on his football coaching qualifications.
Corne made his Maidstone debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season and in seven seasons clocked up 236 appearances in all competitions, scoring 33 goals. He was instrumental in the club’s 2021/22 championship-winning season, as well as being a talismanic presence in the Stones FA Cup run of 2023/24 with goals against Barrow, Stevenage and the decider at Portman Road when George Elokobi’s men stunned the footballing world by beating then Championship side Ipswich Town.
Angels boss Alan Dunne said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get this one over the line and also humbled that Sam has chosen to come to Tonbridge Angels. I respect what he’s done at Maidstone and what Maidstone have done for him, but this is a new chapter for Sam and a statement from us as a club. It shows our ambition and that’s what we spoke to Sam about.
“For me, it’s as much about getting the right person as the right player and Sam is the type of person I want here. He’s a winner and a leader and will help us at every level. He’s still hungry, still ambitious and wants to achieve more. He has all the necessary qualities to make him a real asset for us on and off the pitch.”
In numerous interviews, Dunne has spoken of the need for Angels to be more streetwise and show more nous and these are surely qualities which Corne will demonstrate in abundance.
Welcome to Angels, Sam!
