Tonbridge have fended off interest in leading scorer Carl Rook by securing him on a long-term contract.

Rook, who has just turned 26, signed a two-year extension to his existing deal at the weekend, commiting himself to the club until 2011.

Manager Tommy Warrilow, who signed the striker from former club Horsham in December 2007, was delighted with his commitment but unhappy with the conduct of an unnamed club who attempted to lure him from Longmead.

Since his arrival, Rook has scored 40 goals in 47 appearances.

Warrilow said: “ I’m pleased with Carl’s decision because it represents a massive vote of confidence in Tonbridge. Had we lost him, it would have been huge blow.”

Warrilow made no secret of his anger with what he described as a “back-door” approach for Rook.

“I’m disappointed with the way the club went about trying to lure Carl away," he said.

“He asked for permission to speak to them and then came back and spoke to us and made what I would describe as the correct decision.

“When I signed Lee Minshull from Ramsgate I went through the correct channels with their manager Jim Ward and I expect the same when managers come in for my players.”