Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm has questioned the integrity in football as he faces missing out on a striker.

McKimm thought a deal for a new forward was in the bag, with the player due to join Angels this weekend.

But the goalposts have moved and McKimm is less than impressed.

He said: "It's something we thought was guaranteed.

"The player was going to be joining us on December 22 but now it's a choice between three clubs and two of them are in a higher league than us.

"People might say why say anything until the deal was signed but when the paperwork is at both ends and you're just waiting for a signature, you think it's guaranteed.

"It's false promises, that's what it comes down to.

"Back in the day, if someone gave you their word, that was it, regardless of what happened.

"Now I see it all the time when I make calls and enquiries.

"Too many people aren't straight any more - that's a fact.

"There isn't the honesty and integrity there once was.

"That's not everyone but a lot of people. It's gone in all walks of life. There's a lot of sneaky people around.

"We've had the rug pulled from under us but you can't sulk, you have to get back on the phone and try and do things."

An experimental Tonbridge side lost 2-0 to Dartford in a friendly at Longmead last Saturday.

A different system worked well before Darts scored two late goals.

McKimm said: "We tried a couple of different things and for 75 minutes it was exactly what we wanted to see.

"It worked against a good side for 75 minutes and gives us another option."

Fifth-placed Tonbridge are once again without a Bostik Premier game this weekend.

It frustrates McKimm whose side return to action at home to Folkestone on Boxing Day.

He said: "It's tough because you want to be playing, regardless of results.

"If you're losing games you want to get back on the bike and if you're winning you want to continue the journey."