Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm is devastated for Damian Scannell after the midfielder’s retirement through injury.

Scannell, 32, has called time on his playing career after learning he needs an operation to fix a complex groin/hip issue.

Surgery would keep him out for at least 10 months and, with work to consider, the former Southend man had a decision to make.

McKimm said: “I’m devastated for Damian. He’s only 32 and as fit as anything.

“But you’ve got to look at family life and your career and he has a new business which he’s building up.

“He set up a gym a year ago and has built up a load of clients in his first year and is doing well. Knowing the sort of person he is, he will move that on and make it bigger and better.

“If it was an established business you could maybe have the op straight away and be out of action but he can’t afford to do that.

“Short-term he’ll be OK getting by without the operation but down the line he will need to get it done.”

Angels are in talks with two possible replacements but won’t be rushed.

McKimm said: “Whoever comes in has got to fit Tonbridge Angels, not the other way round.

“People either want to play for us or they don’t – we don’t go begging people.”

Tonbridge drew 0-0 at home to Margate on Tuesday night, following a 2-1
defeat at Kingstonian last weekend – Callum Adonis-Taylor scoring in the last minute.

They’re 10th in the Bostik Premier going into Saturday’s home game against Wingate & Finchley.