Tonbridge Angels manager Jay Saunders on new signing Jernade Meade, their pre-season trip to Yorkshire and releasing striker Tommy Wood

Tonbridge head off on their pre-season trip to Yorkshire with a former Champions League player on the bus.

New signing Jernade Meade began his career at Arsenal, making his first start for the Gunners in a European tie against Olympiakos in 2012.

The 30-year-old arrives at Longmead as the left-back manager Jay Saunders wanted to complete his squad.

The Montserrat international’s career has also included a three-year stint in Scandinavia while, as a non-league player, he’s reached the National South play-offs with Dartford for the past two seasons.

Tonbridge head north today before facing National North side Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

They travel safe in the knowledge that the one position Saunders was looking to strengthen has been filled.

“I’m pleased to get Jernade,” said Saunders. “He’s a good player who’s played at all different levels and he brings good experience.

“He adds that natural left foot we were after.

“We spoke a few weeks back but, like a lot of players, they want to see if they can go higher, or they’re seeing what’s about, which I totally get.

“We’d been in contact and I think with the season getting closer, it helped make his mind up that he wanted to get something sorted.

“He was offered a new deal at Dartford but they couldn’t agree stuff and that’s enabled me to get something done.

“He’s someone who fits the way we want to do things and I’m delighted to get him on board.”

Meade’s signing further complements a healthy blend of youth and experience in Tonbridge’s new-look squad.

Saunders added: “Last year we lacked experience at times and I felt it was important we brought people in with a bit of know-how.

“That’s why we’ve signed people like Jordan Higgs, Stefan Payne, Kodi Lyons-Foster and