Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm has dismissed claims he released Tommy Brewer because he was sent off against Hampton & Richmond.

Angels conceded an injury-time winner in a 1-0 defeat, having played the majority of the match with 10 men following Brewer's 19th-minute red card for a two-footed challenge.

He was one of three players released the following day, along with fellow midfielder Rhyle Ovenden and striker Alex Read, fuelling social media speculation it was down to the red card.

But boss McKimm said: "Contrary to the remarks about the reasons for Tommy leaving, people can believe what they want.

"I know the reasons and they will stay with me."

Read's goals helped Tonbridge to promotion last year while Brewer and Ovenden were summer arrivals.

McKimm said: "I'd like to wish them all the best. Releasing players is the hardest part of the job but football moves on.

"Alex Read was a big part of our promotion last season, with his goals, and he'll go down in history as a super play-off winner with Tonbridge.

"He's 30-years-old and I think he needs to be playing regular football.

"He probably wasn't given the chances he wanted this season but I decided to go with one up front and he's third in the pecking order.

"Rhyle's a young lad who needs game time but I can't guarantee him that and there's no point in him sitting on the bench all the time."

The departures free up funds for new signings.

Tonbridge missed out on two targets last week so McKimm has turned his attentions elsewhere.

He said: "We got turned down by two players last week who decided to stay with their clubs.

"We didn't talk money, they just wanted to stay at the levels they were.

"One was at the level below us and the other one the level below that but they're players of good pedigree who've played in our league.

"We've got other targets who I'll be speaking to."

Defeat at Hampton was hard to take with Angels' 10 men putting in a big effort only to concede at the death.

Goal difference is all that's keeping them off the foot of National League South.

McKimm said: "The boys put absolutely everything into it - they worked so hard for a draw.

"People can say we sat back and defended but you've got to with 10 men when the other team have possession.

"Jonny Henly had a great 10-minute spell where he kept us in it but we had two of the better chances with Joe Turner's header at the back post and Tom Derry hit the post 30 seconds before they scored."

Tonbridge host Romford in a friendly this Saturday.

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