Tonbridge Angels manager Alan Dunne says Baller League debate is a ‘hoo-ha over nothing’ after signing Francis Mampolo following Dover Athletic axe

Tonbridge Angels manager Alan Dunne has dismissed the debate over non-league players’ participation in the Baller League as a “hoo-ha over nothing”.

Last week, Dover terminated the contracts of Francis Mampolo and Alfie Matthews over their involvement in the televised indoor league a day before a game.

It’s been a topic of conversation in non-league football but Dunne, who has signed Mampolo following his Whites exit, has no problem with the situation.

Players can earn up to £800 a week in the Baller League and Dunne understands why they would want to play.

Winger Mampolo is starting his second spell at Tonbridge, having previously played under Jay Saunders.

“It didn’t work out at Dover with the Baller League but the Baller League is the Baller League,” said Dunne. “These boys aren’t on a lot of money.

“For me, it’s half an hour of football. At any professional club, you’d train on a Monday for an hour, so I think there’s a big hoo-ha over nothing.

“I get that you don’t want players getting injured but our players have clauses that if you get injured you won’t be paid, so they run the risk.

“But I don’t feel it’s affecting your games on a Tuesday. It’s half an hour.

“It didn’t bother me when it came to signing Francis.

“The opportunity came up to sign a player who’s a talent and we’ll give him a chance to the end of the season to prove himself and earn a contract for next year.

“These boys have to earn as much money as they can. A lot of them rely on this money to live.

“I can see both sides of the argument and if you’re in and around it and a player gets injured, it can affect you.

“But we haven’t got the luxury to pick and choose.

“I’ve got to sign players who fit in with our budget and if that means they’ve got to