Tonbridge Angels chairman Dave Netherstreet tells how 3G pitch became reality with £600,000 raised in three-and-a-half weeks

Tonbridge have waited an extra couple of weeks for the first game on their 3G pitch but in reality the club are way ahead of schedule.

While the possibility had been discussed in years gone by - “It was pie in the sky back then,” says chairman Dave Netherstreet - Angels started last season with no plans to take up their grass.

But things change and a phenomenal fundraising effort that saw community-owned Angels raise more than £600,000 in a matter of weeks made the project happen.

Tonbridge had to switch their opening game of the season a fortnight ago but new-look Longmead, their home of 42 years, is now ready for action as Jay Saunders’ side host Hampton tomorrow.

The pitch is the best on the market today - and it shows.

So, how did it go from pipe dream to reality?

“In 2016, I think, I found an email between myself and the then-chairman Steve Churcher, saying we think we need a 3G pitch, and then it was pie in the sky,” said Netherstreet.

“But we did look at Sutton, we looked at Maidstone, we talked about contractors, with Slatters (the eventual contractors) on the list.

“It wasn’t on the programme at the start of last season, that we were going for a 3G pitch, it really only started happening in September and then we gradually gathered momentum.

“With the drive of Phil Broad, who’s on the board, Sophie (Purves), Geoff (Curtis), Dave (Couldridge), and Ian (Clear), it all came to fruition. I’m not sure how but it has all come to fruition.

“I should mention we were given three-and-a-half weeks to raise something like £600,000, or a bit more, and we did it.

“Phil produced a prospectus, we’re a community club, we’re not privately owned, people have bought into the idea of it, and we raised just over £600,000.

“We’ve got