Tonbridge Angels top scorer Eddie Simon leaves Longmead due to personal reasons

Tonbridge have been dealt a blow with the departure of top scorer Eddie Simon.

The striker scored 10 goals in 19 games for the Angels following his summer move from Kingstonian.

But he asked to be released from his contract, for personal reasons, and has left the National League South club.

Simon, playing Step 2 football for the first time in his career, took little time adapting to the level.

He showed his goalscoring instincts in reaching double figures, including the opener in Tonbridge’s derby victory at Maidstone earlier this month.

But he did plenty of good work outside the box, too, dropping deeper to link play and showing what an intelligent footballer he was.

Angels boss Alan Dunne, speaking to the club website, said: “Eddie has been great for me since I arrived but he has decided to leave due to some personal issues. We wish him all the best.”

Simon, a dentist by day, is looking to play closer to home.

He said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all at the club who have supported me, from the fans, management/directors and Sophie (Purves, chairman), who have been brilliant with me and my family.

“I’ll be supporting the club from afar but, due to a change in personal circumstances, I need to find something closer to home. Good luck to everyone involved in this special club.”

Tonbridge have terminated the contracts of Alfie Allen and Bobby Unwin by mutual consent, while on-loan defender Sam German has been recalled by League 2 Bromley.

Angels, who are 15th in the league, visit bottom side Chippenham on Saturday and go to Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday.