Sonny Miles speaks about his departure from Tonbridge Angels after club-record 527 appearances

Record appearance holder Sonny Miles will treasure the memories of his final day as a Tonbridge player.

Captain Miles is leaving Longmead after playing 527 games for the club across two spells since making his debut in 2008.

Bar a season at Maidstone, he’s been a one-club man and richly deserved his send-off from a crowd of almost 1,500 as Jay Saunders’ side beat Cheshunt 1-0 on the last day of the National League South season.

The centre-half was substituted to a big ovation in the closing minutes - a moment he won’t forget in a hurry.

Miles, 32, who’s been offered a testimonial, said: “The club made it a very special day for me and my family and it was a nice touch from Jay to bring me off a couple of minutes before the end.

“To get that round of applause will be something I remember for a very long time.

“When you watch it back, it’s very emotional. It’s something I’ll treasure for a long time.

“I remember making my debut and the old boys used to say to me, ‘Enjoy it because it flies past’ and it certainly does.”

Miles - keen to spend more time with his family - had been considering his future for a month or so.

And with Saunders looking to go in a different direction next season, it was the perfect time to bow out as ninth-placed Tonbridge secured their best-ever finish in National South.

“I’ll be honest, it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said Miles, who won two promotions with Tonbridge.

“It’s all a bit strange and surreal at the moment but I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family and seeing how that rolls out.

“I took some time off from work about a month-and-a-half ago - something I’m not very good at - and spent time at home.

“It makes you think and I’m realising I’ve got a little one that’s