Nazir Bakrin welcomed the chance to continue his football education at Tonbridge Angels this season.

The ex-Charlton youngster has seen some of his former Addicks academy team-mates reach the Championship.

But while the likes of Tyreece Campbell and Karoy Anderson are playing in the second tier of English football, Bakrin is learning his trade in the non-league game.

The defender is in his second season with National League South Angels, having joined after a trial in the summer of 2024.

He’s working under a new manager with Craig Nelson succeeding Jay Saunders.

That means a different way of working but it all helps as the 22-year-old looks to fulfil his potential.

“We play a bit more through the midfield, whereas with Jay we used to mix it up,” said Bakrin.

“But it’s a good experience to play different kinds of football.

“It’s a bit of a change but throughout the season I think we’ll keep improving and the fans are going to enjoy it.

“Craig and Sophie (Purves, chair) were really positive about me staying.

“I enjoyed my time last season.

“I started quite a lot at the start of the season and then throughout the season maybe not as much as I wanted to.

“By the end, Waggy (Scott Wagstaff) was in charge and he started playing me in midfield and I felt like I adapted quite well.

“It’s a family club, I enjoyed myself, so I wanted to have another season and try and push on this year.”

Injuries denied Bakrin the chance to go out and gain experience of men’s football during his Charlton days.

Who knows, he might even still be at the Valley but for some rotten luck in dislocating both shoulders.

He needed to find the right club after leaving Charlton and he’s certainly done that.

“When I was at Charlton, I was playing 21s but I wanted to play probably National League South anyway,” said Bakrin.

“But my last two years at Charlton I dislocated both my shoulders, so I didn’t really get that men’s football.

“When I came to Tonbridge, I came on trial, I had to play a couple of pre-season games, and, luckily, Jay trusted me to play.

“That was my first taste of men’s football, so this is my second proper season.

“I feel like I’ve gained decent experience but there’s still room for improvement and I feel like I can push on this season and take a more senior role.

“A few of the players I’ve played with growing up, when I was 18s and 21s, are playing in the first team at Charlton.

“They’re known for bringing through young players, it’s a good academy.

“Even if some of the players don’t make it at Charlton, they go on to different league clubs, at League 1/League 2, so it’s a good academy for progressing.

“I wouldn’t say I’m very young but in terms of my position, I feel like it’s harder to break in as a centre-back.

“Normally it’s more experienced, older players who break through.

“Obviously there are players who come through who are quite young but in terms of the basis of what you need from a centre-back, non-league is a good stepping stone.

“Even though the football is a bit different lower down the leagues, you still have to win your headers and stuff like that to play at a higher level anyway, which is what you learn.”

Tonbridge are still looking for their first win of the season after a goalless draw with Chesham was followed by a 4-1 defeat at Dorking over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Back-to-back home games offer them a chance as Angels meet Farnborough this Saturday (3pm) and Enfield on Tuesday (7.45pm).

They’re yet to score in two games at Longmead but haven’t conceded either.

“I feel like you’ll do well in the season if you’re strong defensively and have a strong core,” said Bakrin.

“Hopefully the goals will start coming and the team will start gelling and then we’ll find it easier to score.

“The playing style is quite different so I think it will take quite a bit of time for us to hit 100 per cent.”