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Tonbridge Angels manager Steve McKimm speaks about new signing Khale da Costa

Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm capped a good week by making his third summer signing.

Winger Khale da Costa has joined the National League South new boys from St Albans after scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 25 appearances last season.

His capture follows new deals for midfielder D'Sean Theobalds and winger Joe Turner, although Craig Stone has left Longmead for a player-coach role at Hastings.

Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm Picture: David Couldridge
Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm Picture: David Couldridge

McKimm said: "We played against Khale three years ago when he was at Hendon and he was a livewire.

"I spoke to a number of people and the main thing I was interested in was is he a good lad and will he fit in with the boys, and everyone said yes.

"To add to that, he's got pace, he's got quality, he ticks all the boxes for us and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He can play down the right, down the left or through the middle and I've been trying to bring in players who can play in various positions.

"We will have injuries and suspensions and we don't have the funds to go out and buy players or loan players on a regular basis, so it's important we have players who slot into other positions."

Theobalds agreed a new deal after meeting McKimm last Saturday and Turner is on board after accepting his offer.

The Angels boss said: "I don't want to sound blase but I always felt D'Sean would stay.

Joe Turner has signed a new deal at Tonbridge Picture: Andy Payton
Joe Turner has signed a new deal at Tonbridge Picture: Andy Payton

"I believe he got his fingers burnt a little bit last year at Concord but we can offer him a platform to play on a regular basis, whereas that might not happen at a club higher up.

"He's shown his worth in an Angels shirt and he wants to continue his journey here.

"As for Joe, he's got a good job in a school that might complicate training and he was a bit concerned about that.

"But we ironed that out, he's had his operation and he's accepted what he was offered, which I'm delighted about because he's been great for me."

Tonbridge were hoping to keep Stone but the defensive midfielder has decided to go into coaching with Hastings in Bostik South East.

McKimm said: "It's something he wants to pursue and I think he can help the young players there a lot.

"He was a great servant for me, a great person and he scored a massive goal against Carshalton to get us into the play-offs that will live in the memory for a long time."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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