Welling United v Tonbridge Angels

Collin happy to link up with Purcell

Tonbridge Angels striker Frannie Collin is looking forward to linking up with former wing-man George Purcell in the coming season.

Collin used to play on the opposite wing to 24-year-old Purcell, who joined the Angels earlier this summer following his release from Dover, when the pair were on Gillingham’s books as youngsters.

It was seven years ago that they kicked a ball together in the same team, but they have gone from supplying the crosses to converting them and will be looking to form a partnership for the forthcoming season.

“I have known George for quite a while now,” said Collin. “He’s come in and settled in well. I’m looking forward to playing with him.

“We are both different players, he’s naturally left footed and I’m right footed, we both had spells out wide, but both like playing as centre forwards.

“In the youth team and reserves we both ended up playing on each wing.”

Last year was a season to remember for 24-year-old Collin, who scored 29 goals on his way to winning the division’s golden boot and player of the year.

And he is hoping that some of the goalscoring expectation can be lifted by Purcell’s arrival, with his new strike partner already proven in the division having netted 12 times last season at the Crabble Ground.

“It was a good year personally,” he said. “We had Jon Main come back and it didn’t really work out for him because of injuries.

“I felt like it was on my shoulders at times to score, so if George can pitch in as well it will be nice.

“Lee Browning will be looking to get double figures as well, so it won’t be just down to us.”

His goal scoring exploits attracted a lot of suitors last season, but Collin says he is happy where he is.

“I’m still enjoying it, nothing changes for me until the club tell me they need to take the money,” he said. “I’m not looking to go anywhere, if it’s down to me I will be here for a long time.”