Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm believes it was difficult for new signing Chris Kinnear Jnr to play for his father at Dover.

Midfielder Kinnear has joined Angels from National League Whites, where dad Chris is the manager.

The 27-year-old has dropped two levels to join the Bostik Premier club but McKimm feels the move will do him good and free him of any awkward situations around Dover team-mates.

McKimm said: “He’s on a hiding to nothing at Dover. His dad’s the manager, he plays and it must be difficult.

“He did Conference South and the Conference and perhaps he felt it was time to pull himself away from it and go and play somewhere else.

“It must be difficult for him at Dover, that’s all I can say.

“Playing where your dad’s the manager, it must be difficult with other players and stuff like that. People say it’s not but I’m sure it is.

“People might be careful what they say to you in case they feel you go back to your dad and tell him but he’s not someone who would do that sort of thing.

“He’s got a clean break now and against Ebbsfleet last week (3-2 friendly win) he was outstanding.

“If I can get that performance out of him week in, week out – and he is consistent – then we’ve got a player on our hands.”

Tonbridge start the season at home to Hendon on Saturday, August 12, followed by a trip to relegated Kent rivals Margate three days later.

Angels’ next pre-season friendly is at Phoenix on Saturday. They beat Thamesmead 3-1 last weekend and drew 2-2 with Concord on Tuesday night.